Herbalists in North America, China, India, Russia, and Europe have long used yarrow (Achillea millefolium) to stop bleeding and to treat wounds and various forms of inflammation, but the herb’s history probably stretches back to the origins of human endeavor.
Dried yarrow was among several medicinal herbs found during the excavation of a 50,000-year-old Neanderthal grave in Iraq. (Lietava J. Medicinal plants in a middle Paleolithic grave Shanidar IV? J Ethnopharmacol 1992;35(3):263-66)
Yarrow’s genus name stems from a Greek legend attesting to Achilles’ use of the herb to staunch bleeding among his soldiers during the Trojan War. Its species name, millefolium,is Latin for “a thousand leaves,” referring to yarrow’s finely divided, feathery foliage, which emits a pleasant chamomile-pine aroma when rubbed.
Yarrow is a handsome perennial plant that can grow up to three feet tall in moist years; it spreads by runners to form large mats of interconnected roots and stems. It is tolerant of drought; during dry years it conserves energy by simply growing shorter.
Various cultivars of yarrow have been developed for landscaping, including yellow and cinnamon-hued varieties. It is unknown if these plants possess the same medicinal properties as the wild type, which typically exhibits snow white blossoms or white blossoms tinged with rose.
Medicinal Properties of Yarrow
The biochemical constituents of yarrow include tannins, sterols, triterpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, eugenol, camphor, proazulene, achilleine, and a wide variety of secondary aromatic compounds. These substances—which are present in differing concentrations in the flowers, leaves, and root—account for yarrow’s medicinal properties:
- Antipyretic (reduces fever)
- Diaphoretic (induces sweating)
- Astringent (shrinks inflamed or dilated tissues)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Carminative (soothes the digestive tract)
- Hemostatic (slows bleeding)
- Antispasmodic (relaxes smooth muscle)
- Cholagogue (increases the production and flow of bile)
- Sedative
(From The Way of Herbs. Michael Tierra. Pocket Books, 1998, pg 211 and Indian Herbalogy of North America. Alma R. Hutchens. Shambhala Publications, 1991, pp 313-15)
Medical Uses for Yarrow
Yarrow has been employed for a wide variety of complaints. It can be used internally or externally as a tincture, an infusion (tea) or decoction (a liquid concentrated by simmering), in ointments or salves, or even in its powdered form:
- Fever: Taken as an infusion or tincture, helps to reduce fever both by a direct antipyretic effect and by stimulating sweating.
- Sedative: Alone or in combination with chamomile, fennel, or anise, helps to induce sleep; a particularly effective approach to children with irritability and fever from colds or other viral infections.
- Hemorrhoids, nosebleeds, ulcers, and minor wounds respond well to topical applications (as infusions, ointments, salves, or powders).
- Menstrual symptoms: Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties help to relieve cramping and other menstrual complaints.
- Toothache: a bit of yarrow root can be chewed for dental pain until a dentist can be consulted.
- Gastrointestinal complaints: Helps recovery from diarrhea caused by viral or bacterial infections. Yarrow may have specific antimicrobial activity against Shigella. (Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West. Michael Moore. Red Crane Books, 1993, pp 272-5)
- Cystitis or urethritis: Anti-inflammatory and astringent properties may help to ease the discomfort from bladder or other genitourinary infections.
Contraindications to the Use of Yarrow
- Pregnant women should not take yarrow internally.
- Individuals with symptomatic gallbladder disease or known gallstones should avoid taking yarrow internally.
- Yarrow should not be used to treat large, deep, or infected wounds.
- People who are allergic to members of the Compositae family (ragweed, daisy, aster, chamomile, etc.) should avoid yarrow. (Prescription for Herbal Healing. Phyllis A. Balch. Avery Books, 2002, pp 144-5)
Yarrow is a widely distributed plant with a variety of medicinal uses. Even if a person isn’t interested in herbal healing, yarrow makes a hardy, attractive addition to the landscape.
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