Achillea millefolium
Yarrow
Asteraceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Yarrow
- Scientific name
- Achillea millefolium
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Region
- Europe
- Plant part
- Aerial parts, Flowers
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Insufficient
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
An upright perennial 30-90 cm tall with finely divided feathery fern-like leaves (hence 'millefolium') and flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of tiny white (sometimes pink) flowers that bloom through summer.
Also known as: Milfoil, Achillea, Wound Wort
Historical Background
Named for the hero Achilles, who by legend used yarrow to staunch soldiers' wounds at Troy, yarrow has been a beloved European and Indigenous healing herb for millennia — a 'wound herb,' fever tea, and bitter digestive all in one. Its feathery leaves gave it the epithet millefolium (thousand-leaf).
Earliest recorded uses: Greek tradition — named for Achilles, said to be used on the battlefield to staunch wounds.
Traditional preparations:
- Aerial-part infusion
- Bitter digestive tea
- Sweat-tea for fevers
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Traditional European Herbalism
Bitter digestive, fever sweat-tea, and women's tonic; wound herb externally.
Indigenous Traditions
Sweat-inducing tea and wound poultice.
Modern Herbalism
Bitter aromatic digestive and seasonal tonic.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Herbal, bitter, slightly sweet, aromatic
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
Yarrow has a long tradition as a wound herb, fever tea, and digestive bitter. Clinical evidence is insufficient; traditional uses are not well substantiated by trials, and it is not a treatment for fever, wounds, or menstrual disorders.
Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 4, 2026