Because yarrow serves as a dependable blood coagulant, it was among the herbs the early colonists brought to America. Before the importation of hops in colonial times, yarrow was used to clarify and flavor beer. Another common use for yarrow was taking it to alleviate mild depression and indigestion. A mildly stimulating bitter tonic was prepared by drying the entire above -ground portion of the plant and pouring a pint of boiling water over a handful of dried material. The Indians acquired yarrow and grew it around their villages, using it as a coagulant and for reducing swollen tissues.
Common yarrow is also native to North America.
Colonel John Fremont reported that it was one of the commonest plants observed during one of his transcontinental journeys. Norman Taylor, a 20th century authority on plants, states that there is no scientific evidence for yarrow's medical properties.