Known in Gaelic as 'lus chasadh na fala' - the plant that staunches blood. It is named after the Greek god Achillies who discovered the plants power to staunch blood. Historically it was warmed in milk and applied to the inside of the nostril with a feather to stop nosebleeds but it has also been known to induce nosebleeds.

In highland folklore it is said that young women who wanted to know the name of their true love cut yarrow by moonlight with a balck handled knife and recited a charm. She took the plant home in her right stocking, put it under her pillow and slept on it, if his back was turned towards them in the dream it meant they would never marry. If he faced them then marriage would soon follow.