Field First Aid · 2026

Yarrow — benefits & uses

The soldier's herb — traditionally pressed on cuts and brewed for a fever. What it does, and how to grow it.

White yarrow flowers with dried yarrow and a first-aid cloth on a wooden table
Traditional use

Stop small bleeds

The classic field styptic — crushed and pressed onto a small cut to help slow the bleeding.

Also for

Fever & colds

A traditional "sweat it out" fever tea, often paired with elderflower and peppermint.

Grows like

A tough perennial

Drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly and hard to kill — comes back year after year.

Safety

Not in pregnancy

Avoid during pregnancy and if you're on blood thinners. Otherwise a hardy first-aid staple.

Field use: a clean, crushed fresh leaf on a minor scrape; a mild tea for a feverish cold. Not medical advice — deep or serious wounds need professional care.

Grown & used, on video

Grow your own yarrow

Yarrow is one of the ten non-GMO seed varieties in Nicole Apelian's Medicinal Garden Kit, with her remedy guide covering its uses.

Herbs for wounds & first aid →

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