Condition
Treatment Support
blood mover
Application
tea, tincture, capsule
Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium)
Also know as Milfoil
Botanical Information
An upright aromatic plant in the Aster family with finely dissected leaves and flat-topped, umbrella-shaped white flowering parts. If you want to grow the most potent medicine, choose the white-flowered species instead of any of the other flower colors available in nurseries.
Working with Yarrow
Part(s) Used
Flowering Plant
Herb Forms
Capsule, tablet, tincture, bulk herb
Yarrow tea is slightly bitter and aromatic and is a well-known European remedy used to ease the symptoms of colds, flu, and painful digestion, “liver stagnation” (weak bile flow) accompanied by poor fat digestion and a feeling of fullness after meals, especially fatty ones. Laboratory studies have established that yarrow has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (relaxing the smooth muscles found in the uterus and digestive tract), antifever, and antiviral effects. As an extra bonus, yarrow seems to have a calming effect, which can help with PMS and other nervous conditions, and it stops bleeding when applied to a wound.
Yarrow is a well-known diaphoretic herb which has long been used to reduce fevers and clear up congestive colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. It is also an excellent herb for cleansing programs, for which 2-3 dropperfuls of the tincture are added to hot water or cleansing teas and used in conjunction with saunas and sweating therapy.
There is a fair amount of variation in the chemistry and biological actions in wild yarrow populations, so we recommend growing your own from seed or from plants from a reliable source, rather than purchasing plants from nurseries or gathering them from wild populations.
Yarrow has a taste of BITTER, SALTY, AROMATIC and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing unless you are under the guidance of an experienced herbal practitioner. Some herbal experts advise against the use of this herb if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family. Reactions can manifest as a skin rash (even from just handling the herb, which is more likely with the fresh plant) digestive upset, or headaches. Occasional photosensitivity has been reported from eating the plant.
Conditions treated with Yarrow
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
styptic
Application
leaf powder externally
Condition
Treatment Support
decongestant, diaphoretic
Application
tea, tincture, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
diaphoretic
Application
tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
antifungal
Application
tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
styptic
Application
powder externally
Condition
Treatment Support
insect repellant, immune modulator
Application
rub tincture on externally, or use commercial spray
Condition
Treatment Support
styptic
Application
tea as a wash and taken internally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
