Yarrow ~ Achillea millefolium

Yarrow

Latin name: Achillea millefolium

Family: Asteraceae

Part used: flowers, leaves

Habitat: native to Europe and W. Asia; naturalized in N. America

Main constituents: volatile oil, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoid, alkaloids

Energetics: bitter, aromatic, pungent, cooling, drying

Main herbal actions: bitter tonic, antiseptic, antifungal, astringent, styptic, stimulating anti-inflammatory, anodyne, antipyretic, hemostatic, hypotensive

Minor herbal actions: diaphoretic (hot infusion), diuretic (cold infusion)

Main medicinal uses: rheumatism, colds, catarrh, fevers,

Minor medicinal uses: amenorrhea, hypertension

Preparations: infusion: 1 tsp/cup water (typical), 15 grams qd (Khalsa); 1:1 fresh tincture: 10-30 gtt qd-qid

Contraindications: topical use with sensitive people (can cause allergic dermatitis), pregnancy

Toxicity: B-isothutjone can cause vomiting, stomach and intestinal cramps, urinary retention, renal damage, vertigo, tremors, and convulsion.

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations