At a glance
- Common name
- Yarrow
- Botanical name
- Achillea millefolium
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Aerial parts, leaves, flowers
- Traditional correspondences
- Venus / Mars; Water / Air
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Historical record
Named after Achilles, who according to the Iliad used yarrow to treat his wounded Myrmidon warriors at the siege of Troy. Dried yarrow stalks have been used for over 3,000 years in China to cast the I Ching.
Folklore and mythology
Plucked with the left hand under the full moon while reciting charms to dream of one's future spouse. Tied over baby cradles to shield against fairy changelings. Known as 'Soldier's Woundwort' and 'Devil's Nettle'.
Sacred to Achilles and Chiron the Centaur. In Chinese Taoist lore, yarrow stalks act as sacred conduits connecting heaven, earth, and human destiny during hexagram divination.
Other accounts say Chiron taught Achilles its wound-closing virtues, and Taoist masters selected 50 straight stalks for I Ching divination.
Tradition: Greco-Roman & Chinese Taoism Associated figures: Achilles & Shennong / I Ching Sages
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Is yarrow safe to use?
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Yarrow is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Yarrow.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.
Exposure note: EPA indoor-particle guidance says burning can add particles and advises ventilation. ASPCA plant entries address ingestion, not smoke exposure. See the sourced burning, pet and pregnancy lookup; neither source clears this plant as safe to burn.