Achillea millefolium

Common Name: Yarrow

Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)

Parts used: Aerial parts: flowers and leaves

Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, alkylamides

Taste/smell: Bitter, aromatic, pungent, astringent. Flowers are more aromatic, and the leaves are more astringent and bitter.

Tendencies: Cooling, drying

Actions

• Bitter digestive stimulant

• Hemostatic/Anti-hemorrhagic/Styptic

• Astringent

• Antispasmodic

• Antibacterial

• Antifungal

• Anti-inflammatory

• Anodyne

• Anticoagulant

• Vulnerary

• Emmenagogue

• Abortifacient

• Anti-catarrhal

• Diaphoretic

• Bronchodilator

• Decongestant

Uses

Bitter Digestive Stimulant:

• Hypochlorhydria

• Non-ulcer dyspepsia

• Maldigestion

• Anorexia

• Biliary insufficiency (due to low bile production, not obstruction)

• Biliary dyskinesia

• Gas

• Atopic constipation

• Diverticulosis

Hemostatic/Anti-hemorrhagic/Styptic:

• Menorrhagia

• Metrorrhagia

• Mild bleeding

Astringent:

• Diarrhea

• Bleeding

Antispasmodic:

• Intestinal cramping

• Menstrual cramping due to uterine spasms

• Acute gallbladder colic

• Excessive gurgling and rumbling in the GI tract

• Excessive peristalsis

• Urgent, explosive diarrhea

Antifungal:

• Yeast infections

Anticoagulant:

• Bruises

Topical Vulnerary:

• Skin wounds

• Skin ulcers

Emmenagogue:

• Amenorrhea

• Irregular periods

• Dysmenorrhea

• Excessive menstrual flow with uterine atony

• Inflamed ovaries

• Prolapsed uterus

• Uterine fibroids

Abortifacient:

• Abortion

Anti-Catarrhal:

• Upper respiratory infections with excessive mucous production and secretion

Diaphoretic:

• Mild-to-moderate fever

Bronchodilator:

• Shortness of breath

• Asthma

Decongestant:

• Sinus congestion

Mental Picture and Specifics

• The individual feels restless, has vertigo when moving slowly, and feels as if something is forgotten or the mind is dull. The head seems congested. Yarrow is specific for fevers with hemorrhage. It will help in fevers where the skin is hot and dry, and the patient is restless and delirious. It is best for atonic and relaxed tissues where there is free discharge, massive bleeding of bright red blood, or diarrhea. The tongue is red, the complexion sanguine, and the pulse is usually rapid and full.

• Yarrow is a perennial with many virtues. It is a manipulator and concentrator of energy. It assists other beings in the assimilation of minerals and the assimilation of strength. It makes the body feel strong and resident to ailments and danger. It provides strength to those who are weak-minded or weak in character.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects

• Active peptic ulcers (particularly duodenal ulcers, which are associated with hyperchlorhydria, unlike gastric ulcers)

• Gastritis

• Hyperchlorhydria

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Biliary obstruction

• Acute diarrhea

• Acute cholelithiasis

• High fever

• Allergic hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family (i.e. arnica, chamomile, feverfew, ragweed, tansy, yarrow)

Adverse Effects

• Nausea

Toxicity

• None

Interactions

• Increases gut motility

• Theoretically decreases absorption of many drugs if taken simultaneously