Natural Remedies - Healing with Medicinal Herbs

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium Compositae/Asteraceae)


Other Names: Common Yarrow

Yarrow, a European native, grows in sparse soil on lawns and country roads. Its thin, dark green leaves are finely divided, earning the name "millefolium" (thousand-leafed). Flat inflorescences of tiny white or pink flowers bloom from June to October.


Parts for Use

Inflorescences, Herbaceous Parts, and Seeds

  1. Harvested during blooming season from June to October.
  2. Used fresh or dried for infusions, liquid extracts, tinctures, or powders.

Ingredients

Contains 0.2–0.5% essential oil in flowers and 0.02–0.07% in leaves, with sesquiterpenes like azulene and achillein for anti-inflammatory effects. Also includes flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and bitter substances for additional therapeutic benefits.


Use in Treatment

Yarrow’s essential oil calms muscle spasms, expels intestinal gas, reduces inflammation, and eliminates intestinal worms. Studies from 1982 confirmed azulene’s anti-inflammatory properties, and 1986 research highlighted its antibacterial activity. It soothes digestive issues like indigestion, constipation, bloating, and intestinal inflammation. Externally, it relieves rheumatic pain, hemorrhoids, oral infections, conjunctivitis, and eczema. Yarrow acts as a diuretic, lowers blood pressure, and supports thrombosis and urinary tract infection treatment. It also eases menstrual cramps, regulates irregular cycles, and breaks down mucus for respiratory health. In cosmetics, it cleanses oily skin.


Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sunny location.


Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Indigestion, Constipation, Bloating, Urinary Tract Infections, Menstrual Pain, Respiratory Issues)

  1. Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried herb in 250 ml boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, drink 3–4 cups daily.
  2. Liquid Extract: Take up to 2 ml 3 times daily.

For External Use (Rheumatic Pain, Hemorrhoids, Oral Infections, Conjunctivitis, Eczema, Menstrual Pain)

  1. Sitz Bath for Menstrual Pain: Steep 100 g dried herb in 20 liters of hot water, use for soaking.
  2. Compress for Skin or Pain: Prepare infusion, soak a cloth, apply to affected areas 1–2 times daily.

Warnings

  1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
  2. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  3. Excessive use may cause dizziness or headaches.
  4. May cause contact allergies.
  5. Avoid sun exposure during use due to potential photosensitivity.