Medicinal Uses for Yarrow Plants

Yarrow has a long and well documented history of effective medicinal uses. This perennial wildflower, Achillea millefolium, grows in meadows and dry areas all over North America, though it is from Europe originally.

History

• Yarrow's botanical name derives from Achilles, the Greek hero who reportedly used yarrow to staunch the wounds of his soldiers.

Features

• Wild yarrow usually has white flowers, while garden varieties may be pink, violet, red or yellow. The leaves are feathery, and the plant is quite fragrant.

Function

• Yarrow promotes blood clotting and induces perspiration. It has proven anti-inflammatory properties also. Over 120 chemical compounds have been discovered in this common weed.

Benefits

• Drink yarrow tea when you have a fever to sweat it out. Sprinkle yarrow leaves and blossoms in your sauna and inhale the fragrant steam.
  Chew a fresh yarrow leaf if you have a toothache.
  Yarrow tea is recommended for women to help with menstrual irregularities of many varieties.
  Apply yarrow tea to skin to help with rashes.

Warning

• Don't take large doses of yarrow, which could cause headache or dizziness. Avoid taking yarrow while pregnant. Don't take internally for long periods of time. Thujone, one component of yarrow, is considered toxic.