Yarrow

Yarrow

 

Botanical name: Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae)

Parts used: flowers, leaves

Energetics: cooling, warming

Taste: sweet, bitter

Actions: antispasmodic, astringent, bitter tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, aromatic

Constituents: volatile oil with variable content (linalool, camphor, sabinene, azulene), sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, phytosterols, tannins

 

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture:  20 drops 3 times a day

Tea: Infusion

Description:

Yarrow is a native European plant with a long history as a wound healer and to help stop bleeding. Yarrow helps recovery from colds and flu and is beneficial for hay fever. It is also helpful for menstrual problems and circulatory disorders.  

Traditional Western Uses:

Healing wounds:  when used as a topical poultice, both fresh and dried, yarrow can encourage blood to coagulate, helping to stop bleeding. Another health benefit of the yarrow plant for wounds is as an antimicrobial to help keep them clear of infection. It can also be used to address signs of infection such as heat, redness, or yellow discharge.

Gynecological herb: yarrow helps regulate the menstrual cycle, reduces heavy menstrual bleeding, and eases period pain. 

Other uses: yarrow is helpful when combined with other herbs for colds and flu. Its bitter tonic properties make it useful for weak digestion and colic. It also helps hay fever, lowers high blood pressure, improves venous circulation and tones varicose veins. 

Cautions:

May cause allergic reaction in rare cases. Do NOT take during pregnancy.

 

*Chevallier, Andrew, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, New York City, Penguin Random House, 1996.