Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
“Yarrow is amphoteric, meaning it moves in the direction its needed in the body. It’s both stimulating and sedative. For example, it is used to stimulate delayed or absent menstrual cycles and helps ease and relax uterine tension and menstrual cramps. At the same time, it is very effective at reducing heavy bleeding during menstruation”.
Rosemary Gladster (Herbalist) (Gladstar 2012)
Parts Used: Flowers, leaves (aerial parts)
Named after Achilles the hero from Greek mythology. It was thought that Achilles carried yarrow in battle to treat the wounds of his soldiers (Hall 1978, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens 2016).
Actions: Astringent, Vulnerary (wound healer), Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Hypotensive, Bitter, Antipyretic, Spasmolytic, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Haemostatic, Diuretic, Antiseptic, Peripheral vasodilator (Fisher 2009, Bone 2007, Hoffman 1990).
Contraindications: Check interactions between medications prior to taking yarrow.
Caution with anticoagulants
Tannin-containing herbs should not be taken with mineral supplements as it interferes with absorption.
May cause contact dermatitis
Avoid during pregnancy (Trickey 2011, Fisher 2009, Bone 2007, Hoffman 1990)
References:
Bone, K. (2007). The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press.
Fisher, C. (2009). Materia Medica of Western Herbs. New Zealand: Vitex Medica
Gladster, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladster’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. MA, USA: Storey Publishing.
Hall, D. (1978). The book of Herbs. Australia: Angus & Robertson Publishers.
Hoffman, D. (1990). Holistic Herbal: A safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. Great Britain: Thorsons
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (2016). The Gardener’s Companion to Medicinal Plants: An A-Z of Healing Plants and Home Remedies. UK: Quarto Publishing.
Trickey, R. (2011). Women, Hormones & the Menstrual Cycle. Victoria, Australia: Allen & Unwin
