Yarrow Seed Pack

Best known for its wound-healing properties, yarrow is one of the oldest known botanicals and a stalwart of the modern herbal apothecary. 

Named after a Greek physician-doctor Achilles who used the yarrow leaves for staunching battle-wounds, yarrow’s reputation preceeds it. With a huge list of folklore names, such as nosebleed herb and staunchwort, you know that these delicate leaves hold some serious power. 

Yarrow is native to a huge swathe of the northern hemisphere, from the green meadows of Somerset to the high pastures of the Himalayas. It is a tough and resilient plant that can grow in all soil types; it can tolerate very dry soils and can even withstand regular mowing. Grow it mindfully as it can spread, and your neighbours may not value it in the same way as you do. 

All of our yarrow seed is collected from wild plants in Earthsong Seed's own field (see photos). 

Sowing and Growing 

Sow indoors in trays in early spring, or sow direct once risk of frost has passed. Scatter seeds on the surface and press into the soil; do not cover with soil as the seed requires light to germinate. For best results, place trays in a heated propagator between 18-25°C and keep the soil moist. 

Uses and Benefits 

The volatile oils found in yarrow, which include the blue chamazulene that is also found in chamomile essential oil, all contribute to the inflammation and infection-reducing properties that make yarrow such an important part of every Green Aid Kit. 

This astringing and tightening effect on the exterior of the body is also of benefit internally for enhancing circulation as well as ironically stopping internal bleeding too. So it’s both a ‘blood’ mover’ and a ’styptic’; think veins, circulation and mucus membranes when it comes to Yarrow. 

This ability to redistribute blood has made yarrow popular for hypertension, just as its astringent and bitter tastes helps with too much fluid in the digestive system; loose bowels and acidity. Its impact on the pelvic region make it helpful for menstrual and urinary imbalances too. 

Yarrow is also a renowned diaphoretic that when taken as a hot tea helps to dilate the peripheral blood vessel circulation and gently diffuse the heat of an early seasonal infection, often used with peppermint and elderflowers. Its inflammation reducing and ‘exterior releasing’ properties make it a potential ally in hay fever. 

Harvesting and Preparation

Yarrow should be harvested just when the flowers come into bloom throughout the summer. Place on a drying rack and leave overnight at 40C. 

For a herbal tea add 1-2 tsp of the cut herb to a cup of freshly boiled water, cover and infuse for 15 minutes. Best taken with a blend of other herbs for the desired effect. 

Here’s how to make a tincture, an oil or a poultice. 

Not to be taken in pregnancy. 

Note on allergies to Asteracea family: One potential downside of the sesquiterpene lactones found in the Asteracea family is that they can act as mild to potent allergens for susceptible individuals. Reported reactions have ranged from varying degrees of allergic contact dermatitis all the way up to severe anaphylaxis requiring emergency treatment. Because these compounds are so widely distributed among the Asteraceae, cross reactions can easily occur. A person might become sensitized to the sesquiterpene lactones in one plant (e.g., Ragweeds – Ambrosia spp.) and subsequently will have a reaction to a novel species (e.g., Chamomile or Yarrow) in the family. This is why the herbalist should be cautious when using Asteraceae herbs with people who have a tendency toward respiratory and contact allergies or problems with chronic eczema / atopic dermatitis. 

Minimum 250 seeds per pack. Please note the seeds aren't organic as shown in the photos.