The Companion Herb: Yarrow Spiritual Meaning and Magic


The Magic of Yarrow

Yarrow is like a good, long-time friend — the perfect complement. When needing something to protect against negativity, yarrow is there, providing a shield.

Yarrow Used to Heal Wounded During World War I

Yarrow has been popularly used throughout history by soldiers to heal the wounded in battle, even as recently as World War I. Yarrow is associated with Achilles, the gifted warrior who was nearly invincible in battle.

Yarrow in Mythology

According to mythology, Achilles was taught how to treat his soldiers’ wounds using the powerful herb by Chiron, the wizened centaur who was known to teach his followers the secrets and magic of herbs.  

Yarrow flowers under a blue-hued filter.

Achilles’ Thousand-Leaved Herb

In fact, Yarrow’s genus name, Achillea Millefolium, is derived from the name Achilles, and translates to “Achilles’ thousand leaved herbs.” There are legends that claim the plant was formed from rust from Achilles’s spear.

The Healing Power of Yarrow

Yarrow provides healing when we are ill, helping us purge our fevers and lessen our aches and pains. The flower is especially adept at healing wounds, being able to slow blood loss, cleanse wounds, and repair damaged tissue.*

*(See FDA Disclaimer)

Yarrow’s Divine Magic

When delving deep into the spiritual world, using our powers of divination and psychic vision, yarrow helps heighten our experience and assists us in seeing more clearly.

Divination Spells with Yarrow

Yarrow is used in divination spells to discover who one’s future love will be, and also to find out if a current lover is truly in love. Yarrow flowers can be put in dream pillows to bring about prophetic dreams. 

Yarrow Sticks and the I-Ching

Dried yarrow stems are used in the I-Ching, and yarrow is considered a lucky herb by the Chinese. Yarrow is said to grow around Confucius’ grave, and the Chinese believe that yarrow promotes intelligence.

Second Sight with Yarrow

In the Hebrides Islands off the coast of Scotland, it is believed that rubbing your eyelids with a yarrow leaf grants second sight.

Yarrow flowers of various colors (light pink, dark pink, and eggshell white).

Magical Ways to Use Yarrow

Yarrow is the perfect companion plant. Not only is it strong and durable enough to withstand many ecological conditions, but yarrow can also raise the essential oil content of other herbs when grown next to them.

Yarrow in Love Spells

Yarrow is powerful for love spells. To guarantee love will last seven years, hang dried yarrow over the bed and use it in wedding decorations. Yarrow can help when seeking to attract friends or refresh ties between distant relations.

Yarrow Benefits in the Garden

Use yarrow to protect your garden against unwanted pests, as well as raise the health of the plants nearby overall. Yarrow can strengthen the power of other herbs in magical use as well.

Light pink yarrow flowers.

Protection with Yarrow

Yarrow can be worn for protection, and when held it can dispel fear and give courage. Yarrow was also used in exorcisms and to banish evil, as well as summon the devil.

Strength Psychic Abilities with Yarrow

Yarrow tea can strengthen psychic abilities, and drinking yarrow tea before divination helps the mind keep focus. Yarrow is associated with the seventh chakra, and yarrow oil and incense can cleanse the aura.

Yarrow Helps with Psychic Communication

Yarrow is very useful when trying to communicate with a loved one psychically and to help solve arguments it can help you and your lover see each others’ point of view more clearly.

Red yarrow flowers.

The Healing Power of Yarrow

Yarrow is Nature’s bandage. Folk names like Soldier’s Woundwort and Knight’s Milfoil hint at its history as a sort of first aid kit in the midst of battle.

Why is Yarrow Called The Nosebleed Plant?

Among yarrow’s many folk names, it is also called nosebleed, and by no coincidence. Not only can yarrow cause nosebleeds, but it is also an effective remedy against them.*

*(See FDA Disclaimer)

How to Use Yarrow for Nosebleeds

Simply take a yarrow leaf, squish it a little to release its aroma and therapeutic oils, roll it into a ball and use this to plug the nostril(s) that is bleeding.

White yarrow flowers in sunlight.

Can Yarrow Stop Bleeding?

Yarrow leaves can be used to pack a wound and stall its bleeding. They also have antibacterial qualities to help keep the wound clean of infection.

Using Yarrow to Stop Menstrual Bleeding

Yarrow is a powerful balancer, especially when it concerns the menstrual cycle. The flowers are often used to start a menstrual cycle that is arriving late, as well as ease the flow of a heavy cycle. For these same reasons, pregnant women should not ingest yarrow.

Dark pink yarrow flowers.

Yarrow Tea for Fever

Perhaps the most popular use for yarrow is as a sweat inducer. A cup of yarrow tea can help you break a sweat, which in turn can help break a fever. Additionally, yarrow assists the body in ridding itself of toxins.

Is Yarrow Good for Hemorrhoids?

When suffering from hemorrhoids drink yarrow tea, or use a yarrow poultice on the affected area.

Yarrow for Hair Growth

Using yarrow to wash your hair is believed to prevent baldness, although it won’t cure it if already balding.

Yarrow flowers sitting on hay.

FDA Disclaimer

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content.


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