Yarrow: The Ancient Healer and Protector
Yarrow is a tiny, but mighty, flower ally that has multiple benefits.
Yarrow is a revered herb with a rich history of healing, protection, and spiritual connection. Named after the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used it to treat his warriors' wounds, Yarrow has been a trusted ally in herbal medicine for centuries. (1)
Yarrow can be used to create many different flower remedies. Most popular applications are in the form of ointments, teas and flower essences. Each remedy has it’s specialized benefit which make Yarrow a multi-dimensional healer.
Botanical Profile
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Appearance: A hardy perennial with feathery leaves and clusters of small white to pink flowers. Grows in clusters and can be take over the boarders of your yard if left unchecked.
Habitat: Found across the globe, thriving in meadows, pastures, and disturbed soils. (2)
Traditional Applications
Yarrow has long been used for its medicinal properties. It is known and document to help physically in the following areas:
Wound Healing: Its ability to staunch bleeding and promote tissue repair made it a battlefield staple. For this healing effect, try making a yarrow poultice or ointment. (1)
Digestive Aid: Used to soothe digestive discomfort and stimulate appetite. For this healing effect, try making a dried yarrow blossom tea.
Fever Reducer: Traditionally brewed into teas to help break fevers.
Anti-inflammatory & Antiseptic: Applied topically in an ointment or consumed orally to combat infections and inflammation. (2)
Side Note: When it comes to ingestion please make sure to consult a respected herbalist or naturopath for guidance and dose levels that are suitable for you and your healing journey.
Lore & Spiritual Uses:
Yarrow carries deep mystical significance and has a powerful influence on the emotional and spiritual energetic bodies:
Protection: The blossom are used in charms and rituals to ward off negative energy.
Divination: Yarrow is employed in love spells and as a tool in the I Ching. For those unfamiliar, the I Ching is an ancient Chinese divination system.
Energetic Shielding: When carried as a dried blossom, or worn on the cloths or body in a essential oil blend, Yarrow helps sensitive individuals maintain emotional and spiritual boundaries.
Flower Essence: As an essence, Yarrow is believed to strengthen one's aura, providing resilience against external influences and emotional disturbances. It is also used to restore ones vitality and adaptability. Yarrow’s Flower Essence can be added to any body spray, lotion or ingested in an ounce of water. Alaskan Essences carries high quality Yarrow Flower Essence which is safe to use on the body and for ingestion. (3) No, I am not an affiliate, and will not benefit from anyone checking out Alaskan Essences - I am just giving a shout out and recommendation.
Yarrow is a powerful ally for both physical and spiritual well-being. Whether used in herbal medicine or energetic healing, its presence is a reminder of strength, endurance, and protection. There is a reason Mother Earth made this perennial available in abundance across the globe. So that anyone, and everyone, has access to this powerful blossom ally.
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Cited Sources:
1) https://thepracticalherbalist.com/advanced-herbalism/yarrow-myth-and-magic/?form=MG0AV3&form=MG0AV3
3) https://alaskanessences.com/products/yarrow-i-achillea-borealis-i
