Herbal Profile: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium

Common Names: Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Thousand Leaf, Nosebleed Plant

Family: Asteraceae

Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowers)

Description: Yarrow is a perennial herb with feathery, fern-like leaves and clusters of small, white to pink flowers. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Traditional Uses:

  • Wound Healing: Used historically for its ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. Known as “Soldier's Woundwort” for its use in treating battlefield injuries.
  • Digestive Aid: Helps with indigestion, bloating, and cramping.
  • Fever Reducer: Used to reduce fevers by promoting sweating.
  • Menstrual Relief: Alleviates menstrual cramps and regulates menstrual cycles.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in conditions like arthritis.

Constituents:

  • Volatile Oils: Including chamazulene, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Sesquiterpene Lactones: Including achillicin and millefin, which contribute to yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
  • Flavonoids: Including apigenin and luteolin, which provide antioxidant benefits.
  • Tannins: Contribute to yarrow’s astringent properties.
  • Alkaloids: Such as achilleine, which aids in blood clotting.

Medicinal Actions:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Astringent
  • Antimicrobial
  • Antispasmodic
  • Bitter tonic
  • Carminative
  • Diaphoretic
  • Emmenagogue
  • Vulnerary

Preparation Methods:

  • Tea/Infusion: Made by steeping dried yarrow leaves and flowers in hot water.
  • Tincture: Extracted using alcohol, typically taken in small doses.
  • Poultice: Fresh leaves can be crushed and applied to wounds.
  • Essential Oil: Extracted for use in aromatherapy and topical applications.

Dosage:

  • Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water, steeped for 10-15 minutes. Up to 3 cups per day.
  • Tincture: 2-4 ml (40-80 drops) up to 3 times a day.
  • Poultice: Fresh leaves applied directly to the skin as needed.

Safety Considerations:

  • Pregnancy: Avoid high doses during pregnancy due to its potential emmenagogue effects.
  • Allergies: May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Can cause skin irritation in some individuals when applied topically.

Culinary Uses: While primarily medicinal, yarrow leaves can be used sparingly in salads and soups for their mildly bitter taste.

Growing Conditions:

  • Soil: Well-drained soil, prefers dry to medium moisture.
  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Propagation: By seed, division, or cuttings.

Other Uses:

  • Gardening: Often used in companion planting as it attracts beneficial insects and repels pests.
  • Crafts: Dried flowers are used in floral arrangements.

Yarrow has been valued for centuries for its wide range of medicinal uses and continues to be a staple in herbal medicine practices today.