Yarrow: The Unsuspecting Herbal Shield Against Ticks
- Andree Noye
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
By Andrée Noye, Clinical Herbalist. Reading Time: 3 minutes.
Achillea millefolium, known commonly as yarrow, may blend into the landscape of wildflower meadows and roadside ditches, but this modest medicinal plant holds a potent secret: it naturally repels ticks. Long trusted for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory benefits, yarrow also works as a gentle, plant-based tick deterrent. Here’s how, and why it matters.
Why Ticks Avoid Yarrow
Ticks are guided by scent. They seek hosts by detecting heat, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid using a specialized sensory structure on their legs. When yarrow is present, its volatile compounds—particularly camphor, borneol, and sesquiterpene lactones—disrupt these signals. These aromatics may mask human scent or disorient ticks enough to discourage contact.
Though scientific studies specific to Achillea as a tick repellent are limited, its phytochemical profile overlaps with many known repellents, including other members of the Asteraceae family. Traditional knowledge and field experience consistently support yarrow’s inclusion in natural insect defense protocols.
The Herbal Spray: Safe, Effective, and Easy to Make
Here’s how to prepare your own yarrow-based tick repellent at home using ingredients most herbalists already have on hand.
Yarrow Tick Repellent Spray (for adults and children over 3)
Ingredients (250 ml batch):
* 2 large handfuls fresh or dried yarrow flowering tops (Achillea millefolium)
* 250 ml filtered water
* 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (acts as a mild preservative and skin toner)
* 5 drops Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) essential oil
* 5 drops Rhododendron groenlandicum (Labrador tea) essential oil
* 250 ml sterilized spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Prepare a strong infusion: bring water to a simmer, add yarrow, cover and steep for 20 minutes.
2. Strain and cool completely.
3. Add vinegar and essential oils, then pour into spray bottle. Shake well. Store in the fridge and use within 5–7 days for maximum freshness.
To Use:
Spray liberally on arms, legs, ankles, neck, and clothing before heading into high grass or forested areas. Reapply every 2 hours. For sensitive skin or children under 3, omit essential oils and patch test first.
For Dogs: A Toxin-Free Alternative
Conventional flea and tick treatments often contain neurotoxins, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting compounds. A mild yarrow spray offers a safer routine for dogs, especially in rural areas or for animals with chronic skin conditions.
Dog-Safe Yarrow Spray:
* 2 handfuls of yarrow flowering tops
* 250 ml simmering water
* Optional: 1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
Steep yarrow in water for 15–20 minutes. Cool, strain, and pour into a clean spray bottle. Mist the dog’s coat lightly before walks. Avoid eyes, genitals, and open wounds. Repeat as needed. You can also place dried yarrow under bedding or lightly infuse hydrosol into their resting space.
Bonus Tip: Yarrow as a Companion Plant
Yarrow isn’t just for your first-aid kit. Planting it near patios, garden paths, or along the edges of your property can reduce tick presence over time. It invites predatory insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps while asking for little in return. All it needs is full sun, poor soil, and a bit of space to thrive.
Final Thoughts: Respect the Common Ones
As clinical herbalists, we often seek out rare or exotic botanicals for specific actions—but some of the most versatile allies grow at our feet. Yarrow’s ability to tone mucous membranes, stop bleeding, support digestion, and now protect against ticks makes it a medicine chest staple. For tick season, it earns a place at the front of the shelf.
Contraindications: Yarrow may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. Avoid use during pregnancy in concentrated internal form. Not for use on open wounds with alcohol-based extracts.
