Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, has hemostatic properties (ability to stem bleeding) which made it the medication of choice for treating war injuries in ancient times. Yarrow leaves were traditionally applied to wounds to stop bleeding. Its hemostatic effects are not as reliable as proper bandaging and pressure, so it's rarely used for bleeding now. However, yarrow can be taken internally to stop internal bleeding. Yarrow flowers are also a strong diaphoretic and are used to cool high fevers and help the body fight infection. A warm tea of yarrow is one of the best remedies for inducing sweat and breaking a fever. Add a little peppermint to improve the flavor. The flowers are highest in the volatile oil during dry weather, so a fresh flower tincture or sealed simmer glycerite made from flowers gathered after a 3-week drought makes a very strong medicine.
Yarrow is a safe remedy but should be reserved for medicinal use and not taken regularly.
This can be taken freshly, an infusion, tincture, glycerite, or topical use.