The Yarrow Herb - Uses & Health Benefits

The yarrow herb, or the Achillea millefolium, is native to Europe and naturalized to the temperate regions of North America as well as other temperate regions.

Yarrow plants have been used for the treatment of external skin wounds for since as far back as at least the ancient Greeks.

Achillea actually refers to the ancient hero Achilles, who is said to have used yarrow for himself and his soldiers. Millefolium, on the other hand, means “of a thousand leaves” – this refers to the fine, delicate and feathery leaves of the plant.

The yarrow plant is also known as “bloodwort”, “carpenter’s weed”, “common yarrow”, “knight’s milfoil”, “milfoil”, “noble yarrow”, “nosebleed”, “old man’s pepper” and “staunchgrass”.

Modes of use

Yarrow flower tops and leaves are the parts of the plant used for medicinal purposes.

Yarrow can be taken as an infusion (yarrow tea) or as a tincture. Yarrow essential oil, extracted from the plant, is also used.

Medicinal properties and uses of yarrow

Yarrow has the following beneficial properties.

antibiotic

anti-inflammatory – due to its oils

antiseptic – due to its oils

antispasmodic

astringent – due to the presence of resins

diuretic

sedative – a mild one, useful for dealing with mild insomniac conditions

The yarrow herb also has the following positive effects.

helps to improve cardiovascular conditions, partly by regulating blood pressure

improves the appetite

purifies the blood

regulates the menstrual cycle – due to the sterols in yarrow, which function in a similar fashion to hormones

repairs damaged or worn out body tissues – due to the presence of silica

removes heat and toxins from the body, by increasing sweating

stimulates the circulatory system

stimulates the flow of bile

In addition, yarrow helps to deal with the following health conditions.

allergies, such as hay fever – helps to alleviate the symptoms

chest and respiratory congestion – helps to clear the condition

colds and the common flu – provides relief from these conditions, especially when taken hot

coughs – provides relief

diarrhea and dysentery – astringent quality helps to alleviates these conditions

digestive system – improves digestion and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients

enteritis – anti-inflammatory property helps to alleviate this condition

fever – provides relief, especially when taken hot, as it promotes sweating

gastritis, stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal conditions – anti-inflammatory property helps to alleviate these conditions

hemorrhoids – helps to heal the condition, as it stimulates blood flow

high blood pressure – helps to regulate blood pressure

infections – aids healing, due to its anti-inflammatory quality

intestinal bleeding – astringent quality helps to alleviate this condition

intestinal issues like colic, cramps and flatulence – antispasmodic quality helps to relief these symptoms

menstrual conditions, such as heavy menstruation or menstrual bleeding, uterus blockages – provides relief and helps to heal

sore throats – provides relief, especially when taken hot

Externally, the yarrow herb has been used, and is reputedly very effective, for helping to heal bruises, burns, cuts, swelling, ulcers and wounds on the skin or body surface. This is usually carried out using poultices made from the whole plant, yarrow leaves, or powder produced by grinding up dried yarrow tops.

Infusions are also used to wash the skin to help deal with skin conditions, for example eczema. In addition, the essential oils of yarrow are sometimes rubbed on affected skin.

In the past, the leaves of the yarrow plant were chewed on to reduce the pain arising from toothaches.

The gas rising from boiling yarrow infusions were also inhaled to alleviate mild asthmatic symptoms.

For its other uses, yarrow oil is sometimes included as part of hair shampoos.

Caution when using yarrow

There are no significant side effects noted from the use of the yarrow herb.

However, yarrow should not be used during pregnancy as it may stimulate the uterus.

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