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Yarrow - A Natural Herbal Remedy

| Modified on Jul 20, 2019
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has a long history as a source of natural remedies for a slew of health conditions and has been prescribed for practically everything. In particular, it is well-regarded for its astringent and antiseptic properties and for these reasons is often used for wound care.

Yarrow is a common weed in the Northern hemisphere and can grow anywhere. The entire Yarrow plant can be used medicinally and is often chopped up for use as a salve or one teaspoon at a time as an aromatic tea. However, long-term use can result in photosensitivity.

Natural Cures: In addition to wound care, yarrow is frequently used to treat colds and flu. It can reduce a fever and promote perspiration when needed. Yarrow is also recommended for nosebleeds and to improve general cardiovascular health, including issues with menstrual bleeding.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Colds, Flu, Detox, Infections

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Posted by Maria P. (Canberra, Australia) on 07/20/2019
 ★★★★★

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Since 1986 I have used Yarrow for cold and flu. It shortens the time I have symptoms and brings on a heating up during the night which causes a detox through perspiration.

Also, after an operation, I used Yarrow before I entered hospital and then put drops under my tongue straight afterwards. It started to remove the anaesthetic from my system in fact it was coming out my pores and my nightie was wet with it. I asked my husband to take me home before somebody noticed and thought it was infection. Once home, I just changed nighties often until it all settled down. I pick it in the garden these days.

One big handful, in a saucepan with a pint of water gently heat about half an hour. Then I leave it to cool in that water before straining. With this method I put a tablespoonful in every drink until the flu has gone. I always have some in the freezer and out it comes at the first sign of sore throat or sniffle.

Constipation

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Posted by Na954 (Rochester, Minnesota ) on 03/03/2011
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I have suffered from constipation for years, and it was worsened by Menopause. These things have really helped. 1. Using a small step stool in front of the stool to elevated the legs. This puts the colon in a more natural positon. 2. Yarrrow tea.

Menstrual Issues

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Posted by Serena (Palm Springs, Ca) on 12/04/2011

Has anyone used yarrow before? Someone recommended I use a yarrow tincture to help with my breakthrough bleeding due to new birth control... Any experiences with this?

Replied by K
(Toledo, Oh)
01/03/2012
★★★★★

Serena- I have used Yarrow for both respiration issues as well as feminine issues. I currently use Solaray's capsules. They are 320mg/capsule and it recommends 1-3 capsules 2x a day. I cannot take birth control and needed something to help control my heavy bleeding. Yarrow is it! It works very well! I worked my way up over a couple of weeks to 6 a day. It does clear out excess mucus from your body, so you may have a few funky BMs and cough up some of the excess mucus. Not to worry, just back off a capsule or 2 and try upping it again a few days later. Hopefully it helps with the spotting/bleeding! It works GREAT for me! :)

Replied by Rachel
(Reinholds, Pa)
02/11/2012

Since Yarrow is a stronger herb than some- we herbalists recommend that you do not take yarrow all the time. Take it for 2-3 weeks, then rest your body a few weeks and take it again if you need it.

It is really a great herb for bleeding and detoxing.

Poison Ivy

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Posted by Garnet (Austin, TX) on 04/13/2009
 ★★★★★

Yarrow for Poison Ivy. I make a paste of the dried flowers, add some clay and sometimes comfrey to make it stick. Leave on 20 minutes. Blisters dry up and skin heals after one application.

EC: Pics of yarrow here: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=yarrow+flower&gbv=2&aq=0&oq=yarrow

Wound Care

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Posted by Robert (Martinez, Ca, Usa) on 03/02/2010
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I experienced an injured dog on a hike, it had gotten into barbed wire & was bleeding profusely with the owners not knowing what to do I picked some wild, (of course), yarrow, (achillea millefolia), & applied it to the wound stopping the bleeding. Yarrow is easy to grow & is a very good friend/gift to have around. Identifying is easy & it has a pleasant distinctive odor. Pictures are available on the net. This would be my first choice in the field or at home as I once suffered a laceration which would have required sutures as so claimed my nurse friend. I picked my yarrow friend that I had grown in my yard & applied it with a dressing. The bleeding stopped & also the throbbing pain within minutes. I left it on overnight & when I removed the dressing the next morning. it looked as though it had been sutured! I have used plantain,(plantago), as a drawing agent for absesses & it is a good field remedy for poison oak or nettle sting as it is anti-inflamatory.It grows plentiful in most areas & easily identified, see net for pictures. There are 2-types, the large leaf & more narrow, lance-like, leaf. They grow tall stalks straight up from the leaves & the seed pods are at the tips which can be removed for planting in your garden. One pod can grow say 50 plants or more pending the size. Always remember to leave some for the outdoors so the population remains healthy & thank the creator for the gift when harvesting.



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