Yarrow Herbal Remedies
Yarrow is a well-known diaphoretic herb which has long been used to reduce fevers and clear up congestive colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. It is also an excellent herb for cleansing programs, for which 2-3 dropperfuls of the tincture are added to hot water or cleansing teas and used in conjunction with saunas and sweating therapy. When used cold, the herb has the ability to clear heat and toxins, especially nitrogenous waste products from the body through the urine. As a bitter tonic, it is used for lack of appetite, general debility, and convalescence. Yarrow helps regulate blood flow throughout the body, and coupled with its antiinflammatory action, it can relieve pain from arthritis and rheumatism. As a blood mover, it is also indicated for menstrual irregularities, such as fluggish or painful menses, delayed menstrution, and painful and heavy periods, having a mild pain-relieving effect as well as helping to remove blood congestion. It helps relieve spasms and inflammation and is sometimes helpful for irritable bowel complaints, colic, and intestinal and uterine cramps. Yarrow root is chewed to alleviate toothache. Yarrow has a taste of BITTER, SALTY, AROMATIC and a temperature of COOL.
Yarrow Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Yarrow Infusion | 1 cup tea 2-3 x daily |
| Yarrow Tincture | 10-30 drops 2-3 x daily |
Yarrow Reference Information
| Latin Name | Achillea millefolium |
| Other Names | Milfoil |
| Part Used | Flowering Plant |
| Herb Forms | Capsule, tablet, tincture, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Blood, Immune system, Liver, Reproductive system |
| Cautions | Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Some herbal experts advise against the use of this herb if you have allergies to plants in the aster family. Occasional photosensitivity has been reported from eating the plant. |
| Botanical Info | An upright aromatic plant in the Aster family with finely dissected leaves and flat-topped, umbrella-shaped white flowering parts. |
Supporting Research
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Remington, J.P. et al. 1918. The Dispensatory of the U.S. of America. 20th. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott.