Health Benefits of Yarrow Herb, Achillea Millefolium

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, and grows freely throughout North America and elsewhere in fields, meadows and roadsides. Each plant has a single stalk that grows up to about 20 inches tall, with feathery leaves and clusters of small white flowers at the top. It blooms from June to September. The whole plant including the roots can be harvested and dried.

Yarrow has Traditionally Been Used for Wounds in Battle

Named after the ancient Greek war hero Achilles, yarrow has long been known for its ability to stop bleeding. Called Herba Militaris, it has been used to treat wounds on battlefields from ancient times up to the First World War. Its hemostatic property is reflected in some of yarrow's common names, such as Soldier's Woundwort, Staunchwort and Bloodwort. Other names are Milfoil, Knight's Milfoil, Thousand Weed and Nosebleed.

Yarrow's hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable herb for treatment of acute bleeding of surface cuts or abrasions. Dried or fresh yarrow herb can be applied directly to a wound to help stop bleeding and reduce swelling and inflammation. Yarrow can also be used to treat persistent sores or wounds that do not heal, such as skin ulcers, as well as other types of skin problems including burns and rashes.

Other Medicinal Properties of Yarrow

It addition to its wound-healing properties, yarrow also has many other medicinal uses. As a diaphoretic, it is used to induce sweating to relieve fevers in the early stages of colds and flu. Its blood regulating and anti-spasmodic properties make it useful for painful menstruation and cramps. It helps to promote the release of bile from the gall bladder, which aids in digestion, and as a carminative, it helps to relieve bloating and gas. Yarrow has astringent properties and can be used for diarrhea as well as to shrink swollen hemorrhoids. It can also used for urinary tract infections.

The late herbalist Michael Moore wrote that yarrow root is beneficial for toothache and sore gums, by either chewing the fresh root or applying a tincture to the affected area.

Cautions and Contraindications
Some people may be allergic to yarrow, and in rare cases may develop contact dermatitis from touching it. Very high doses taken internally could interact with certain prescription drugs such as blood thinners or blood pressure drugs. Yarrow should be avoided if pregnant.

This information is for educational purposes only. If you have a serious health concern, see your health care provider.

Sources:
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook.St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2000.
Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Museum of New Mexico Press, 2003.
Tierra, Michael. The Way of Herbs. Pocket Books, 1998.
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/yarrow.htm