What is Yarrow?

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering plant that was used in ancient times to stop the bleeding from battle wounds. More recently, it has primarily been thought of as a tonic for the digestive and female hormonal systems. Yarrow has a number of beneficial effects on health; It is useful as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, digestive, antispasmodic, and tonic. It can be used to treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, digestive disturbance, diarrhea, headaches, pain, fevers, and the symptoms of the common cold.

Key Health Benefits of Yarrow

Digestion and Antispasmodic

Yarrow can be used as a digestive bitter that promotes the increased secretion of digestive juices. This increases the secretion of saliva, stomach acid, digestive enzymes and bile, all of which promotes better digestion and help to alleviate symptoms of gas, bloating, and constipation. Because it also has antispasmodic abilities, it can help to reduce spasms in the digestive tract, including IBS and gallbladder attacks.

Hormonal Effects

Recent research has indicated that yarrow may contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived chemicals that act on estrogen receptors in the human body. This allows it to help balance female hormones by covering for a deficiency and blocking an excess of estrogen. It was also traditionally used as a tonic for the uterus, which helps to relieve menstrual cramps and stop excessive menstrual bleeding.

Slows Bleeding

The traditional use of yarrow to stop the bleeding from open wounds has since been supported by research. Applying the leaves to a wound can help to slow the bleeding. It has also been found to slow excess menstrual bleeding. Interestingly, taking it internally has also been shown to stimulate circulation and may be able to help lower blood pressure. Because of this, yarrow is thought to be a blood regulator, and will either promote circulation or slow the blood as required.

Antibiotic

The aerial parts of yarrow are also used to help break up phlegm, a common symptom of infection. Extracts of yarrow have been shown to have antibiotic activity and also to act against certain mutated cell types in a test tube.

Anti-inflammatory

The ability of yarrow to reduce inflammation and inflammation-associated pain has been well established. It can help to reduce the effects of the common cold and can help with the treatment of fever by promoting a healthy sweat.

Cosmetics

Yarrow is often added to cosmetics and personal hygiene products. It is valued for its astringent, cleansing and tonic effects on the skin. Since it is high in antioxidants, it is also valued for its protective and anti-aging effects.

Shopping For Yarrow

Most yarrow supplements are made as encapsulated or loose dried herb, or a tincture. It can be found alone or in combination formulas for digestion, bleeding, hormone regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. The essential oil of yarrow contains thujone, a substance that is toxic and should only be used under professional supervision. It used to often be added to massage oils to be used topically as an anti-inflammatory for inflamed joints. It is also often found in cosmetics and cleansing hair products. The typical dose for loose or encapsulated herb is 4.5g per day in divided doses, although this is not based on research. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the product label of your supplement.