garden
Wildcrafting Yarrow: Summer’s Most Useful Herb
Okay, I am here to say… DON’T SLEEP ON YARROW. I love growing it and I love foraging for it. It makes an incredible dried countertop arrangement (as you can see above); one that is perfect for any season. It also has a tremendous amount of medicinal qualities. Andddd, on top of all that, it is very easy to grow, spreads on it’s own and is beautiful even when it is not flowering. So what is yarrow? Well, let’s dive into the world of yarrow.
What is Yarrow?
Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is one of those wild herbs that’s been around forever—seriously, even ancient warriors used it to stop bleeding on the battlefield! It’s named after Achilles, who supposedly carried it into war for first aid. This humble-looking plant has some serious herbal street cred. With feathery, fern-like leaves and clusters of tiny white (sometimes pink) flowers, yarrow is easy to spot once you know what to look for. It has a strong, almost spicy herbal scent and is a staple in many homesteaders’ natural medicine cabinets.
How to Identify Yarrow in the Wild
Spotting yarrow in the wild isn’t too hard once you’ve trained your eyes a bit. Look for those soft, lacy leaves that almost resemble ferns, and flat-topped clusters of small flowers—usually white but sometimes light pink. The scent is earthy and kind of medicinal, almost like chamomile with a kick. Yarrow loves sunshine and pops up in meadows, fields, along roadsides, and even in dry, rocky soil. Just be careful not to confuse it with lookalikes like Queen Anne’s lace or—worse—poison hemlock. Yarrow’s leaves are much more finely cut and it doesn’t have that tall, hollow purple-spotted stem like hemlock does.
When and How to Harvest Yarrow
The best time to harvest yarrow is during the summer when it’s in full bloom. You’ll want a pair of clean garden scissors or snips and maybe a basket or cloth bag to collect your harvest. Cut the stems just above the leaves to get both the flowers and the leafy tops. Always wildcraft with care—don’t strip a whole patch bare. Leave plenty for bees and butterflies, and make sure you’re not gathering from areas that may have been sprayed with chemicals or are near roadsides. The parts you’ll want to keep are the flowers, stems, and leaves—they’re all useful in one way or another.
Drying and Storing Yarrow
Once you’ve got your yarrow, it’s time to dry it out. The simplest method is to tie a few stems together and hang them upside down in a dry, shady spot with good airflow. You can also use a drying screen or a dehydrator set on low if you’re short on time or live in a humid area. Once it’s dry and crumbly, strip the leaves and flowers off the stems and store them in a clean glass jar, away from heat and sunlight. Don’t forget to label your jar with the date—it’s easy to forget how long something’s been sitting on the shelf!
Benefits and Uses of Yarrow
Yarrow is a real MVP when it comes to herbal remedies. It’s famous for its first aid uses—you can use fresh yarrow leaves as a poultice to help stop bleeding or reduce swelling from bites and scrapes. Brewed as a tea, it’s great for fevers, tummy troubles, or even easing menstrual cramps. For skincare, you can infuse it into oil to make healing salves or add it to a bath soak for irritated skin. On the homestead, yarrow pulls double duty: it’s a great companion plant in the garden and can help deter unwanted insects naturally.
Yarrow in the Home Apothecary
Adding yarrow to your home apothecary is super simple. To make a basic tincture, fill a jar with fresh or dried yarrow and cover it with vodka or brandy, then let it steep for 4–6 weeks. Strain and bottle it for a ready-to-go remedy. Yarrow also plays well with others—blend it with chamomile for calming teas or peppermint for digestion. Just a heads-up: while yarrow is generally safe, it’s not recommended for pregnant folks, and some people with ragweed allergies might react to it. As always, go slow and get to know your herbs one at a time.
