Yarrow: What It Is and How to Use It
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a feathery-leafed flowering herb with clusters of tiny white blooms, named for the Greek hero Achilles — legend says he used it on the battlefield. It has been brewed as a tea in European herbal traditions for centuries. You can find dried yarrow at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, sold by weight from our bulk herb section.
Available in Bulk
We carry yarrow in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try in a tea blend, all the way up to a full bag. Our staff can help you find it on the bulk wall and talk through how it is traditionally prepared.
What We Carry
- Yarrow herb, cut and sifted — the dried leaves and flowering tops, the classic form for teas and infusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yarrow tea taste like?
Yarrow tea is bitter, aromatic, and slightly peppery, with a camphor-like note. It is an assertive herb, so most people blend it with milder companions like peppermint, lemon balm, or chamomile rather than drinking it straight.
Why is it named after Achilles?
According to Greek legend, Achilles used yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War — which is why its botanical name is Achillea. The common name "soldier's woundwort" comes from the same story. Yarrow was traditionally applied as a poultice as well as brewed as a tea.
What is yarrow traditionally used for?
In European herbal traditions, yarrow tea was a classic remedy for seasonal complaints and was traditionally used to support the body's response to colds. It was also one of the most widely used wound herbs in folk practice. These are traditional uses, not medical advice.
Who should be cautious with yarrow?
People allergic to plants in the daisy family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, echinacea) may react to yarrow, since it is in the same family. Traditional guidance also suggests avoiding it during pregnancy. As always, check with a healthcare provider if you take medications or have a medical condition.
Did you know? Yarrow's battlefield reputation lasted into the modern era — during the American Civil War, it was reportedly used as a field dressing when conventional supplies ran short, earning it the nickname "soldier's woundwort" among troops (source: documented in American herbal and Civil War medical histories).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find yarrow in the bulk herb section.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.