Summary

Yarrow grows in the northern hemisphere, and since ancient times it has been used in traditional medical systems of Asia, Europe, and North America. Western herbalists recommend yarrow primarily for indigestion associated with heaviness, cramping, and gas. This bitter and aromatic tasting herb stimulates digestion and relieves cramping of smooth muscles. Its antispasmodic effects extend to the pelvic region where it’s often used to relieve menstrual cramps.

As a first aid remedy, yarrow is valued for its astringent and vulnerary properties to help heal wounds both internally and topically. The Ancient Greeks applied yarrow to injuries on the battlefield to arrest bleeding and heal wounds. The First Nations people in North America applied it topically to bruises and strains, and the tea was consumed as a diaphoretic remedy to treat fevers and colds.

Indications

Gastrointestinal
• digestive complaints
- dyspepsia
- colic
• inflammation of the mucous membranes
- gastric ulcer
- gastritis
- colitis
• sitz bath for hemorrhoids

Respiratory
• upper respiratory tract infections
- colds
- influenza

Urinary
• urinary tract infections (UTI)
• hematuria

Cardiovascular
• hypertension
• atherosclerosis

Dermatologic
• bleeding wounds (topical application)
• leishmaniasis

Gynecological
• atonic menstrual complaints
- dysmenorrhea
- menorrhagia
- leukorrhoea

Actions

• Bitter
• Vulnerary
• Diaphoretic
• Antispasmodic
• Astringent
• Carminative
• Antiviral
• Diuretic
• Antiinflammatory
• Antiulcerogenic
• Antihypertensive

Constituents

• Volatile Oils (Azulene, Chamazulene)
• Sesquiterpene Lactones (Achillicin)
• Flavonoids
• Bitters
• Alkaloids
• Tannins
• Coumarin

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 of flower in 40% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Fluid extract (1:1 of flower in 25% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Infusion (dried flower): 2-4g tsp tid

Safety

- Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Contra-Indications:
• Asteraceae allergy: contains sesquiterpene lactones

Pregnancy & Lactaction:

Interactions

- Iron supplements • may reduce the absorption of non-heme iron. Take iron supplements a few hours apart.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002