Yarrow: A Warrior Plant for Tender Bodies
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is one of those plants that seems to stand quietly at the edges of fields, verges, and wastelands, yet holds an entire apothecary within its feathery leaves and clustered blooms. Known as soldier’s woundwort, staunchweed, or simply “milfoil,” it has long been trusted for its resilience and healing powers. Achilles himself, according to legend, used it to tend the wounds of soldiers.
But for those of us living with chronic illness, fluctuating energy, or neurodivergence, Yarrow offers more than battlefield bravery. It meets us where we are, not demanding we “push through” or perform strength in ways the world often expects, but instead wrapping us in a quieter form of resilience. Its feathery leaves remind us that softness can also be protective, and its ability to both still and stimulate shows us that healing is rarely linear, but layered and complex. Yarrow teaches that we can be both vulnerable and powerful, both tender and unyielding, without needing to choose between them.
A Plant of Contradictions - Just Like Us AuDHD and Chronically Ill folk!
One of the things I love most about Yarrow is that it holds seemingly opposite qualities: it can stop bleeding, yet it also encourages blood flow; it can soothe as a sedative, yet also stimulate. It embodies paradox, and in doing so, gives us permission to embrace our own. It reminds me of my own, often contradictory brain, where my ADHD and autism contradict (and sometimes complement) each other. Living with AuDHD is interesting!
So often, those of us who are neurodivergent or chronically ill are told we are inconsistent, unpredictable, or contradictory. We might be full of energy one day and unable to get out of bed the next. We may crave connection and solitude in equal measure. We may be labelled as “too much” in some moments and “not enough” in others. This can leave us feeling fragmented, as though we need to apologise for the shifting tides within us.
But Yarrow whispers a different story. It shows our resilience and diversity as beautiful. It shows us that contradictions don’t need to be resolved or explained away - they can live together in balance, creating a richer and more nuanced whole. Just as Yarrow’s bitter taste stimulates digestion while its soothing qualities calm the nervous system, we too can hold multitudes within us. Our complexities are not flaws but strengths: they make us adaptable, resourceful, and deeply human.
Yarrow teaches us that wholeness is not about polishing ourselves into consistency, but about honouring all our layers, the tender and the fierce, the weary and the resilient, the restless and the still.
Practical Ways Yarrow Can Support
For Cyclical Health
Yarrow really comes into its own when it comes to menstrual and perimenopausal wellbeing. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic magic can take the edge off cramps, ease the deep ache of endometriosis, or help with heavy bleeding. Just making a simple tea, or laying a warm poultice across your lower belly, can feel like you’re being held by the plant, a reminder that you don’t always have to “soldier through” the hard days.
What I love about Yarrow here is how it works on a few different levels at once. It helps with circulation and flow, and its bitterness gently nudges the liver to process hormones - both really handy when your cycle feels unpredictable, heavy, or just different than it used to be during perimenopause. It’s not about “fixing” everything, but about creating little pockets of relief and support.
And the lovely thing is, Yarrow doesn’t have to do all the work on its own. You can pair it with other plant allies. Rosemary brings a bright, warming energy and is brilliant for clearing brain fog or lifting those heavy, tired moments. Skullcap, on the other hand, is like a soft blanket for the nervous system, calming frazzled edges, helping with anxious thoughts, and supporting proper rest. Together, they make a really beautiful trio: Yarrow tending to the body, Rosemary sparking the mind, and Skullcap soothing the heart. These are three of my favourite plants in my allotment.
For the Nervous System
If your mind is buzzing or sleep feels elusive, Yarrow tea may bring a softening calm. It doesn’t knock you out, but instead helps take the edge off that restless, wired feeling. Its mild sedative action is grounding, and it seems to say, “You don’t have to hold it all right now.”
It pairs beautifully with familiar friends like chamomile or lavender, creating a soothing blend that feels like a deep exhale at the end of the day. Even the act of making the tea can become part of the medicine, taking a pause, pouring hot water over the leaves, and giving yourself permission to slow down. For those of us whose nervous systems run on high alert, these small rituals can be just as healing as the herbs themselves.
For Fevers & Flus
Yarrow tea has long been used to encourage gentle sweating, helping the body release heat and move through colds or fevers more easily. It’s one of those simple, old remedies that makes you feel cared for, especially when you’re bundled up in blankets and waiting for your body to find balance again.
Adding a spoon of yarrow-infused honey not only softens the tea’s bitterness but also soothes coughs and sore throats. There’s something incredibly comforting about holding a warm mug, letting the steam clear your head, and knowing you’re tending to yourself in a way that people have done for centuries. These small rituals, pausing, sipping slowly, giving yourself warmth, can make flare days feel a little less lonely.
For Skin & Boundaries
Applied as an oil or salve, Yarrow supports cuts, bruises, dry skin, and insect bites. It’s a wonderful ally for soothing irritation and helping wounds knit back together, and in many ways, its action on the body mirrors its energetic medicine: helping us set and protect our boundaries, encouraging healing without hardening.
One of the lovely things about making your own Yarrow oil or salve is that you can bring in other herbs and plants you may already have growing in your garden, on your windowsill, or at the allotment. Calendula adds a bright, skin-soothing touch; lavender brings its calm and gentle antiseptic qualities; plantain leaves (often overlooked as “weeds”) are brilliant for drawing out bites or stings. Even a sprig of rosemary from your kitchen garden can add warmth and resilience to the mix. I made herb oil recently with lavender, St. John’s wort, clary sage, thyme and yarrow. I plan to make a salve with it soon.
Blending these plants together feels like creating a little community of support in a jar, each one offering something different, yet all working towards the same purpose of protection and repair. And when you apply the salve, you’re not just tending to your skin; you’re layering yourself in the care of plants you may have sown, watered, or harvested with your own hands. That, in itself, can feel deeply grounding.
For further info on growing food with neurodivergence and chronic illness, read my other blog here.
Simple Yarrow Recipes to Try
Yarrow Tea: Steep a teaspoon of dried flowers and leaves in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Add peppermint leaves or elderflower for extra flavour and support.
Yarrow Oil: Infuse the flowers in olive or jojoba oil for 4–6 weeks on a sunny windowsill. Use on sore joints or irritated skin.
Rustic Yarrow Bread: Add a handful of finely chopped young leaves to a simple spelt or gluten-free loaf recipe and bake – bitter, grounding, and nourishing.
Safety Notes
Yarrow is generally safe in moderation but should be avoided during pregnancy and by those with allergies to the daisy family. Large amounts may interact with sedatives or blood-thinning medication, so always check if you’re on prescriptions. And remember, Yarrow looks a little like hemlock (a deadly plant), so only harvest if you’re absolutely confident in identification.
The Plant’s Whisper: You Are Enough
To me, Yarrow feels like a warrior with a soft heart. It says: you don’t need to push yourself to the edge to be strong. You can hold resilience and tenderness at the same time.
For neurodivergent and chronically ill folk, Yarrow can be a quiet companion, offering structure and softness in the same breath. In moments when you feel scattered or fragile, you might simply sit with Yarrow in a garden or wild place and let its steady presence remind you: you are already whole.
To discuss how to incorporate more natural remedies into your life, please feel free to bring this to your next coaching session. If you do not yet access coaching and are interested in working with me, book your free discovery session below.
Please Note:
This website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition before making changes. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
