Herbal Plant Information on Yellow Yarrow

Yellow yarrow is a common plant indigenous to Europe, but it's cultivated all over the world. In most places, yarrow is in bloom from June to September. It's popular in landscaping, but it also has valuable medicinal properties.

Oral Ingestion

• Taken orally, yellow yarrow stops spasms, which is beneficial for gastrointestinal disorders and menstrual cramps. It also relieves pain, reduces inflammation and shrinks tumors.

Topical Use

• Applied topically, yarrow helps blood to clot and provides pain relief when a leaf is applied directly to the wound.

Identification

• Yellow yarrow grows about 14 inches tall and has one stem. The plant is fibrous, and the flowers can bloom in shades of white, lilac or yellow.

History

• Yellow yarrow has been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years, and it's been used for thousands of years by Asians and Europeans as a wound coagulant.

Considerations

• You can buy yellow yarrow capsules, teas and tinctures at health food stores. You can also grow your own yarrow. All parts of the plant are edible. To prepare a tea, add a teaspoon of the dried flowers, stem and leaves to 8 oz. boiling water. Allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.