In This Article Show
I came across yarrow when I started looking into natural ways to support my health without relying on too many store-bought products. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first — it just looked like another wildflower. But after using it in a few simple ways, I was surprised by how much this little plant could do.
Yarrow has been used for centuries, and it’s still one of the most trusted herbs in traditional remedies. Whether I needed help with digestion, cuts, or even stress, yarrow ended up being more useful than I thought. It’s easy to grow, easy to find in teas or oils, and can be used in a bunch of different ways.
In this list, I’ll walk you through 13 benefits of the yarrow plant that I’ve personally found helpful or interesting. You don’t have to be an expert in herbs to get something out of it — just knowing a few ways to use them can make a difference in your natural wellness routine.
1. Helps Soothe Digestive Issues
One of the first things I used yarrow for was bloating and stomach cramps. Drinking yarrow tea after a heavy meal helped calm my stomach and reduce that tight, uncomfortable feeling. It’s known for relaxing the digestive tract and easing gas.
Helpful Tip:
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried yarrow in hot water for about 10 minutes. Drink it warm, especially after meals or when your stomach feels off. Don’t go overboard — one or two cups a day is enough.
2. Supports Wound Healing
Yarrow has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s been used on cuts and scrapes for generations. I’ve tried crushing fresh yarrow leaves and applying them to small cuts, and it helped stop minor bleeding and reduce swelling.
Helpful Tip:
If you’re outdoors and don’t have access to a first-aid kit, fresh yarrow leaves can be gently crushed and placed on the wound. For at-home use, you can make a simple yarrow salve using dried leaves and coconut oil.
3. May Help Ease Menstrual Discomfort
Yarrow has been known to help balance hormones and ease cramping. I drank yarrow tea a few days before my period started, and it seemed to reduce how intense the cramps were.
Helpful Tip:
Pair yarrow tea with heat therapy (like a warm compress or heating pad) for extra relief during your cycle. It’s also helpful to drink it consistently in the days leading up to your period rather than just during it.
4. Can Lower Mild Fever
One old-school use of yarrow is as a fever reducer. It works by promoting sweating, which helps cool the body down naturally. I used it once when I had a mild cold, and it helped me feel less achy and flushed.
Helpful Tip:
Drink a warm cup of yarrow tea while wrapped in a blanket. This helps encourage sweating and supports your body’s natural way of breaking a fever.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Yarrow has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help with both internal and external swelling. I’ve used it as a tea when dealing with sore joints, and I’ve also used it topically on skin flare-ups.
Helpful Tip:
For sore muscles or inflamed skin, make a yarrow compress by soaking a clean cloth in cooled yarrow tea. Apply it to the area for 10–15 minutes.
6. Fights Bacteria Naturally
Yarrow is a natural antimicrobial, which makes it useful for minor infections and preventing wounds from getting worse. I like having dried yarrow on hand for homemade salves and sprays.
Helpful Tip:
Add a few drops of yarrow essential oil to a spray bottle with witch hazel and use it as a skin toner or surface spray. Always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin.
7. Supports Healthy Circulation
Some herbalists use yarrow to help improve blood flow, especially in cold hands and feet. I noticed better warmth in my extremities when I used it regularly during the winter months.
Helpful Tip:
Drink yarrow tea with a slice of fresh ginger to help support circulation naturally. Keep it consistent for a few days if you’re using it for this purpose.
8. Can Help Reduce Nosebleeds
I haven’t used this one myself, but it’s a traditional remedy for stopping nosebleeds. People used to roll up fresh yarrow leaves and gently insert them into the nose to help clot the blood.
Helpful Tip:
If you try this, make sure the yarrow is clean and pesticide-free. Only use it for light nosebleeds — and of course, see a doctor if it keeps happening or won’t stop.
9. Relieves Skin Irritations and Rashes
Yarrow’s calming effects on the skin are one of the reasons I started using it in homemade lotions and sprays. It helped soothe itchiness and redness when my skin got irritated.
Helpful Tip:
Brew a strong batch of yarrow tea, let it cool, and pour it into a spray bottle. Keep it in the fridge and use it on sunburns, bug bites, or dry patches.
10. May Help with Anxiety and Stress
When I’m feeling tense or on edge, yarrow tea has a surprisingly calming effect. It’s not as strong as other herbs like chamomile, but it takes the edge off without making me sleepy.
Helpful Tip:
Pair yarrow with calming herbs like lemon balm or lavender for an evening tea that helps you wind down after a long day.
11. Acts as a Natural Astringent
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, yarrow can help tighten pores and reduce excess oil. I started using yarrow-infused water as a toner and saw fewer breakouts around my neck and jawline.
Helpful Tip:
Make your own toner by brewing a strong tea, letting it cool, and storing it in a small glass bottle. Use a cotton pad to apply it to clean skin once or twice a day.
12. Easy to Grow at Home
One of my favorite things about yarrow is how easy it is to grow. It’s low-maintenance, doesn’t need a lot of water, and can grow in a garden, pot, or even a patch of wild yard.
Helpful Tip:
Yarrow attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which is a nice bonus for your garden. Harvest it once the flowers bloom and hang it upside down to dry.
13. Helps Detox the Body Gently
Yarrow helps the body sweat, digest, and eliminate waste, which can all support gentle detox. I don’t use it as a cleanse, but it’s a great add-on when I’m trying to eat clean and stay hydrated.
Helpful Tip:
Try sipping yarrow tea with lemon in the morning for a simple, light detox boost. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your body flush out toxins
