Yarrow is a member of the aster family, and is closely related to both chrysanthemums and chamomile. It grows best in a sunny and warm habitat, and is frequently found in meadows and along roadsides. It is native to Europe and western Asia, but has been naturalized in North America, Australia and New Zealand. Herbal legend has described that yarrow (Achillea millefolium) was named after Achilles, the Greek mythical hero who used it to stop the bleeding wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War in 1200 BC. In Medieval times, yarrow leaves were rolled up and stuffed in the nose to stop bleeding. The Anglo-Saxons named yarrow, "gaeruwe", from "gearwian", meaning “to prepare” or “to treat” referring primarily to its traditional use as being curative. For centuries, yarrow has been popular in European folk medicine, in part because yarrow contains flavonoids (plant-based chemicals) that support normal saliva secretion and stomach acid, helping to support healthy digestion.
What is Yarrow Used For?
Yarrow helps to support healthy blood flow by normalizing circulation. It has also been shown to support healthy digestion by support healthy secretions of fluids in both the mouth and stomach.
Yarrow helps to support healthy blood flow by normalizing circulation. It has also been shown to support healthy digestion by support healthy secretions of fluids in both the mouth and stomach.
Sesquiterpene lactones, polyacetylenes, achilleine and flavonoids such as apigenin. The volatile oil contains chamazulene, other azulenes, tannins, coumarins, saponins, sterols, and salicylic acid.
Parts Used
Flowers, some peduncle.
Additional Resources
1.) Final report on the safety assessment of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Extract. Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 2:79-84.2.) Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.3.) Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation, or in those with a sensitivity or allergy to the Asteraceae plant family. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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