Yarrow is an ancient healing plant which has been used medicinally to treat pain and inflammation for over 50,000 years. This small herbaceous plant is prolific in temperate climates. Its magickal properties include healing, balance, love and protection among others.
 
 
Disclaimer: Any medicinal benefits given here are a product of my own research and as such should not be taken over the advice of trained medical professionals. If you are ill, please go and see a doctor. Always make sure that anything you consume is 100% safe. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife before consuming something you haven’t tried before.
 
 
 
History of Yarrow
Yarrow, also known as Achillea millefolium, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It’s native to temperate climates in Asia, North America and Europe. It’s a perennial plant which has a sweet smell similar to chrysanthemums. 
 
Yarrow acquired its botanical name 1753 when Linnaeus named it after the Greek hero Achilles. He reportedly used yarrow to staunch the wounds of soldiers during the Trojan War in 1200BC. His knowledge of the plant came from the centaur Chiron but Achilles is the one who is credited with discovering the medicinal uses of yarrow. This history is clearly some fact mixed with fiction as there is little evidence to support this claim. There is, however, evidence that yarrow may have been used medicinally by Neanderthals over 50,000 years ago. 
It’s unclear where exactly yarrow originated. Most sources say that it’s native to Europe and Asia and has been naturalised in all other regions. Some sources suggest that it was introduced to the Americas by early colonists, and others believe that it’s native to the Americas due to its prolific use in Native American culture. 
Native Americans have long embraced yarrows medicinal properties and use it as a remedy for both internal and external complaints. The Navajo consider it a “life medicine” and it’s predominantly used as a pain reliever and to treat burns. The Ojibwe people sometimes smoke the flowers of ceremonial purposes. 
 
Yarrow can be used in a few different ways. Traditionally it was chewed into a paste and then applied to wounds to stop bleeding. Obviously this isn’t very hygienic but a paste made from yarrow can be applied externally in order to help various skin conditions. A tonic can also be made which can help with internal complains and is apparently great for easing menstrual pain. You can make it into a tea and it’s also possible to buy dried yarrow in powdered form. 
 
Please note that yarrow should not be consumed in its essential oil form (no essential oil should be consumed, it sometimes has weird additives) so only use oils externally. Pregnant women should also stay away from ingesting any form of yarrow as it could potentially cause miscarriage. 
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
May increase fibroblasts which are responsible for the regeneration of connective tissue.
Might help with digestive issues
May prevent stomach ulcers
Might help symptoms of IBS
Might help to reduce anxiety and depression
Might help to keep your brain healthy
May help to prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
May help to regulate menstrual symptoms
Might help to improve circulation
 
Yarrow is great if you want to set magickal boundaries. It can help you regulate creative energies so that you have a steady flow of inspiration. Use this magickal herb if you want a little steadiness and calm in your life as it’s a herb which improves intentional restraint and precision. Yarrow is an excellent healer of emotional wounds. 
Place yarrow over doorways to protect from negative energies. For powerful protection, pick yarrow flowers and charge them in the sun. Once charged, take the flowers and sprinkle them outside all the way around your home. This will keep any negative influences and energies away from your home. Yarrow can be used very effectively to banish bad habits in this way as well. 
Carry a charm with yarrow in it to ensure happy relationships both romantically and in terms of friendship. 
Healing
Creativity
Divination
Dream work
Protection – particularly from negativity and negative influences
Love
Use in prophetic magick, particularly relating to love
Clarity
Strength
Courage
Helps to remove energetic blocks
Purification
Banishment
Associations
Deities: Aphrodite, Hermes, the Horned God
Correspondences
Zodiac: Aries
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Gender: Feminine
Crystals: Clear quartz, tigers eye, lapis lazuli