Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is native to Europe - Achilles used to tread soldiers' wounds and this led to its other names of woundwort and herba militaris. It is a bitter herb and was used in beer as both flavoring and preservative. The key constituents in it are tannins, coumarins, salicylic acid, triterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones and volatile oils. 

Content can vary between plants and locations, but many agree that the major oils are eucalyptol, camphor, a--terpineol,  chamazulene,  b-caryophyllene,. These oils are strongly antioxidant, and show varying levels of activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter lwoffii, and Candida krusei.1

The flavonoids are antioxidative, antidiabetic, and antispasmodic and can help with high blood pressure.2 The strong antioxidative properties of yarrow make is useful for reducing skin ageing while its antimicrobial properties make it soothing for irritations. It is cytotoxic and is being investigated as a cancer treatment.

The alkaloid achillene is astringent and stops bleeding. This makes yarrow helpful as a poultice for varicose veins and for wounds. Yarrow has estrogenic properties and is used as a remedy for painful, heavy menstruation. The combination of antispasmodic and astringent properties makes yarrow helpful for mild diarrhea, A glycerite is used for weak digestion, colic, and ulcers.

Dosing: Tincture for indigestion 20 drops 3 x day. Poultice for cuts, scrapes, bruises. For colds mix yarrow, peppermint, elderflower drink as tea 3 x day. If using glycerite take 5 ml in water 2 x day.

Possible reactions: Possible allergen due to asteraceae family.

Contraindications: Do not use it in pregnancy. Yarrow can interact with anticoagulants, lithium, sedatives, and antacids. Always consult your physician before using herbal remedies.

1 Orav, A., Kailas, T., & Ivask, K. (2001). Composition of the Essential Oil from Achillea millefolium L. from Estonia. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 13(4), 290–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2001.9699697

2 Saeidnia S, Gohari A, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F. A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea. Daru. 2011;19(3):173-86. PMID: 22615655; PMCID: PMC3232110.