Yarrow for your first aid kit + yarrow wound powder recipe
If I had to choose just one wild herb for first aid, it would be Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Abundant, accessible, and highly effective, Yarrow has been relied upon for centuries as a natural wound healer, earning it the nickname “nature’s bandage.” And with good reason—you can literally apply fresh Yarrow like a plaster while out walking in the woods or forest.
Yarrow’s first aid benefits stem from its unique combination of astringent, styptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Whether you’re dealing with cuts, scrapes, bruises, or swelling, this herb is a first-aid kit in itself. It’s also a powerful diaphoretic, meaning it can help break a fever by promoting sweating.
I always make sure to harvest plenty of Yarrow to dry so I have it on hand when fresh leaves aren’t available. Here’s why this humble wild herb is so valuable:
🌿 Key Benefits of Yarrow for First Aid
Stops Bleeding Fast (Styptic Action)
Yarrow is a powerful styptic, meaning it helps slow or stop bleeding when applied directly to wounds. This is due to alkaloids like achilleine, which have been shown to accelerate blood clotting. If you’re out on a walk in the forest and get a cut, you can chew the fresh leaves or crush them between your fingers and apply them to the wound to help clot the blood. If you have dried Yarrow powder on hand, it works even better.
Natural Antiseptic & Wound Healer
With antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Yarrow helps prevent infection and speeds up healing. It contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and tannins, which work together to cleanse wounds and promote tissue repair. This makes it an excellent choice for a herbal wound wash, poultice, or infused oil for first aid.
Fever Support & Immune Boost
Yarrow is one of the best diaphoretic herbs, meaning it encourages sweating to help the body naturally break a fever. A warm cup of Yarrow tea at the first sign of a cold or flu has been a trusted remedy for centuries. This action is largely due to volatile oils like camphor and eucalyptol, which support circulation and immune function.
Soothes Bruises & Reduces Swelling
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds, Yarrow is also excellent for bruises, sprains, and swelling. A strong Yarrow tea can be used as a compress for sore muscles or injuries, while a Yarrow-infused oil can be turned into a bruise-healing salve (keep an eye out for this recipe in the coming days!). Try it as a mouth wash particularly with sore or swollen gums or bad breath. It may even have a use in helping to reduce the appearance of receding gums due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
Bringing Yarrow into Your First Aid Kit
Fresh Yarrow is a lifesaver in the wild, but having dried Yarrow powder means you can always have this incredible wound healer on hand. It’s easy to make, stores well, and can be used in first-aid blends for cuts, scrapes, and herbal poultices.
Yarrow Wound Powder Recipe
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been a trusted first-aid remedy for centuries, valued for its ability to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and support wound healing. Known as "Soldier’s Woundwort" and "Nature’s Bandage," it was famously used on battlefields to treat injuries (most famously by Achilles in Greek mythology).
Why Yarrow?
Yarrow contains powerful active compounds that make it an essential herbal ally for wound care:
🌿 Achilleine & Alkaloids – Help to coagulate blood and stop bleeding.
🌿 Flavonoids & Tannins – Support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
🌿 Volatile Oils (including Camphor & Azulene) – Provide antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, helping to prevent infection.
🌿 Salicylic Acid – A natural pain reliever, similar to aspirin, which helps soothe irritation and discomfort.
Traditional & Modern Uses:
Stops Bleeding – Applied as a powder or poultice, Yarrow can quickly slow bleeding from cuts and minor wounds.
Wound Healing – Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help speed up recovery.
Bruises & Swelling – Used topically as a powder or wash to reduce pain and inflammation.
Bites & Stings – Helps soothe irritation from insect bites and minor skin infections.
Fever & Circulation Support – Taken internally as a tea, Yarrow promotes sweating to aid in fever management.
This simple yet effective Yarrow wound powder is an essential addition to any herbal first-aid kit. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
1 C dried Yarrow leaves and flowers
1 Tbsp dried Plantain leaves (optional, for extra healing and anti-inflammatory benefits)
1 Tbsp dried Calendula flowers (optional, for antimicrobial support)
Method:
Ensure all herbs are fully dried to prevent moisture from spoiling the powder.
Using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or high-speed blender, grind the dried herbs into a fine powder.
Sift through a fine mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces.
Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place.
How to Use:
For cuts & scrapes: Sprinkle directly onto clean wounds to help stop bleeding and support healing.
For insect bites & stings: Mix with a little water or aloe vera to create a soothing paste.
For deeper wounds: Combine with honey to create an antimicrobial wound dressing.
For bruises & inflammation: Mix into a poultice with a few drops of water and apply to the affected area.
🌿 Pro Tip: Carry a small jar of this powder in your travel first-aid kit for quick, natural wound care on the go!
