Achillea millefolium

 

Achillea millefolium [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://blog.metmuseum.org/cloistersgardens/2009/06/23/midsomer-magick/achillea-millefolium2/

Common name: 
Yarrow
(Bone, 2003, p 471)

Latin binomial:
Achillea millefolium
(Bone, 2003, p 471)

Family: 
Compositae

(Bone, 2003, p 471)

Parts used:
Aerial parts
(Bone, 2003, p 471)
 

Active constituents:

• Up to 0.5 % volatile oils
• Flavenoids
• Tannins
• Bitter alkaloid

(Hoffman, 1983, 237) 

Actions:

• Diaphoretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Bitter tonic
• Antimicrobial
• Vulnerary
• Styptic
• Peripheral vasodilator 

(Bone, 2003, p.471)

Indications:

• Yarrow is known as one of the best diaphoretic herbs and is a standard remedy for aiding the body to deal with fevers.
• Lowers blood pressure due to the dilation of the peripheral vessels
• Urinary antiseptic
• Indicated in infections such as cystitis 

(Hoffman, 1983, 237) 

• Loss of appetite
• Amenorrhea, menorrhagia
• Hemorrhoids
• Common cold
• Hypertension
• Diarrhea
• Painful cramping (female repoductive system)
• Topical treatment for slow healing wounds and skin conditions

(Bone, 2003, p.471) 

Contraindications: 
Known allergy 
(Bone, 2003, p.471)

Cautions:
Sesquiterpenes are responsible for the allergic contact dermatitis caused by yarrow, people with known allergy to the family such as (ragweed and daises) should avoid using yarrow.

(Bone, 2003, p.471)

Dosage:

• Liquid extract: 2-6 ml of 1:2 (Bone, 2003, p.471)
• Infusion: poor 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb and infuse for 10-15 minutes, drink 3 times daily (Hoffman, 1983, 237)
• Tincture: 2-4ml of tincture, 3 times daily (Hoffman, 1983, 237) 

Combinations: 
For fevers Yarrow combines well with Elder flower, Peppermint, Boneset, Cayenne pepper and ginger.For raised blood pressure it can be used with Hawthorn, Lime blossom and Mistletoe. 
(Hoffman, 1983, 237) 

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.