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.
Working with Yarrow
Part(s) Used
Flowering Plant
Herb Forms
Capsule, tablet, tincture, bulk herb.
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. When used cold, the herb has the ability to clear heat and toxins, especially nitrogenous waste products from the body through the urine. As a bitter tonic, it is used for lack of appetite, general debility, and convalescence. Yarrow helps regulate blood flow throughout the body, and coupled with its antiinflammatory action, it can relieve pain from arthritis and rheumatism. As a blood mover, it is also indicated for menstrual irregularities, such as fluggish or painful menses, delayed menstrution, and painful and heavy periods, having a mild pain-relieving effect as well as helping to remove blood congestion. It helps relieve spasms and inflammation and is sometimes helpful for irritable bowel complaints, colic, and intestinal and uterine cramps. Yarrow root is chewed to alleviate toothache.
Yarrow has a taste of BITTER, SALTY, AROMATIC and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Some herbal experts advise against the use of this herb if you have allergies to plants in the aster family. Occasional photosensitivity has been reported from eating the plant.
Conditions treated with Yarrow
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
decongestant, diaphoretic
Application
tea, tincture, capsule
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.