Yarrow
Snapshot
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering herb traditionally used to support digestive health, wound healing, and circulatory balance through its bitter principles and volatile oils.
What is Yarrow?
Yarrow is the aerial parts (leaves, flowers) of the perennial herb Achillea millefolium, containing bitter sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), and essential oils (chamazulene, cineole) that confer its therapeutic actions.
Where It Comes From
Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, yarrow grows wild in meadows and roadsides; harvested at full bloom, the herb is shade-dried or low-heat dehydrated and milled into powders, tinctures, or capsules.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides bitter sesquiterpene lactones (achillicin), flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils rich in chamazulene and α-pinene, which contribute to its cholagogue, anti-inflammatory, and astringent effects.
Health Benefits
Yarrow stimulates bile flow and digestive secretions, supports healthy appetite and digestion; promotes wound healing and hemostasis when applied topically; and modulates mild inflammatory responses, supporting circulatory and menstrual comfort.
Recommended Dosage
Dried herb tea: 1–2 tsp (1.5–3 g) steeped for 10 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Tincture (1:5): 1–2 mL, 2–3 times daily. Capsule/powder: 500–1,000 mg, 2 times daily with meals.
How to Use It
Brew as a tea, take tincture diluted in water, or consume capsules with food; for minor wounds, apply infused oil or salve to clean skin to support tissue repair.
Who Should Use It?
Suitable for those with occasional digestive discomfort, mild menstrual cramps, or seeking natural circulatory support; ideal for topical use in wound-care preparations.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
May potentiate anticoagulant medications; avoid in pregnancy due to emmenagogue effects; potential allergic reaction in those sensitive to the Asteraceae family; discontinue if rash occurs.
Final Thoughts
Yarrow is a versatile herb offering digestive support, gentle anti-inflammatory actions, and topical wound-healing benefits, making it a valuable addition to both internal and external herbal applications.
Scientific Studies
Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7020-4978-6.00022-5
McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Phytother Res. 2006;20(7):519–530. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1900
Cong C, et al. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Achillea millefolium extract for anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activities. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;145(1):16–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.020