The Highlanders of Scotland still make an ointment from it which is applied to wounds. Milfoil tea is held in repute in the Orkney Islands for dispelling melancholy. It is said that it is the same plant which Achilles used to treat wounds of his soldiers, hence the genus name Achillea. The specific name millefolium is derived from the many segments of the foliage, hence the common name milfoil and thousand weed. Another popular name is nosebleed from its property of stopping bleeding of the nose.
Yarrow tea is a good remedy for severe colds and is useful in the commencement of fevers.
It opens the pores freely and is recommended for colds and measles. The infusion is made with 1 oz. of dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water. It may be sweetened with sugar or honey with a small amount of pepper.