Yarrow
Achillea millefolium — also: Soldier's woundwort, Milfoil
Strong traditional reputation for minor wound care; little modern human-trial evidence.
An ancient battlefield 'woundwort' (its name honors Achilles); used across Europe and by Indigenous peoples to staunch bleeding and for fevers and digestion.
Topical styptic for minor cuts; traditional digestive and fever herb.
Astringent tannins and alkaloids (achilleine) may promote clotting; anti-inflammatory flavonoids in lab studies.
- Traditional styptic for minor cuts
- Digestive/fever folk use
Mostly traditional and preclinical; human trials are scarce.
- Little modern evidence
- Best preparation unclear
- Daisy-family allergy
- Photosensitivity
- Pregnancy risk
- Pregnant people; those on blood thinners
Allergy in daisy-family-sensitive people; photosensitivity; uterine-stimulant reputation.
Theoretical additive effects with blood thinners and BP medication.
Avoid medicinal use in pregnancy (traditional emmenagogue/abortifacient reputation).
Common wild and garden plant; dry aerial parts. Confirm identification (toxic look-alikes exist among umbellifers nearby).
A classic trail styptic for nicks and scrapes — keep it away from pregnancy and deep wounds.