Traditional Use and Health Benefits of Yarrow
Green leaf yarrow. Medicinal herbs. Spring Garden 
To aid in identifying herbs, install a plant identification App on your phone. You take a pic and it will come up with the plant, picture and description.
Used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years, Yarrow has a long history of use in the traditional medicine systems of many ancient cultures. In fact it is so ancient that it was found amongst other medicinal herbs at a Neanderthal burial site in Iraq, dating from around 60,000 BCE.
Throughout history Yarrow was THE herb for the battlefield, hence its nicknamed “Herbal Militaris” and “Soldier’s Woundwort”.
Whilst its ability to staunch blood flow is second to none, Yarrow was also used to relieve pain, inflammation, fight infection and soothe spasms.
Yarrow Benefits
Wound Healing
Yarrow is known as a “styptic” – an astringent herb that stops bleeding. Its wound healing ability comes mostly from the alkaloid achilleine, which facilitates the coagulation of blood, which leads to the rapid closing of the wound.
To minimise the risk of infection, Yarrow activates the blood platelets in the affected area, which form a protective layer to keep the body protected from infection-causing bacteria. It has powerful anti-microbial properties which can be traced to the terpenes in its essential oil, effectively killing the bacteria when it is applied to the wound. The natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb make it ideal for use on minor cuts and burns, encouraging healing whilst relieving pain and inflammation.
Improves Circulation
Strangely enough though, Yarrow strengthens blood circulation and improves blood flow. It is known to dilate the capillaries, which in turn increases circulation.
Healthy blood circulation is essential to maintaining the overall health of the body as it ensures that every part of the body receives enough blood and oxygen to function properly.
Varicose veins are a common complaint caused by poor circulation – Yarrow is an excellent herb to prevent or treat this uncomfortable condition. It does this by dispersing blood congestion and by toning the walls of the veins with its astringent properties. This also makes it helpful for more serious complaints such as atherosclerosis.
Digestive Health
Classed as a “bitter herb”, Yarrow is an excellent digestive stimulant that encourages proper bile secretion from the gallbladder, which in turn promotes digestion and can prevent gallstones from forming. It also contains the phytochemical azulene, which has anti-spasmodic properties and relaxes the internal stomach muscles, making it useful cases of digestive cramps.
Yarrow is the traditional go to herb for stomach flu and other gastro-intestinal disorders because of its ability to heal and tone the mucus membranes in the digestive tract. It can also normalise hydrochloric acid secretions, with low stomach acid now being known to be the cause of many digestive issues – including indigestion and heartburn.
Women’s Herb
The benefits of Yarrow for women’s health in particular are many. It is particularly effective in either lessening heavy menstrual flow or in stimulating the uterus to bring on menstruation. Yarrow aids in toning the muscles and increasing muscular activity of the uterus, which serves to initiate menstrual flow. This is a wonderful herb for women with absent periods, also known as “Amenorrhea”. If you are using this herb to stop heavy bleeding, it is important to address the cause of this whilst using Yarrow.
Additionally, its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions make it especially useful in relieving menstrual cramps.
Yarrow Essential Oil
This sweet, green and herbaceously scented essential oil is naturally anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodicand astringent.
As an effective wound healer, it can be added to creams, lotions or a carrier oil and applied to prevent a wound becoming septic and to speed up healing. It forms a protective covering over the wound and stimulates the blood platelets and leukocytes (white blood cells that fight off foreign invaders).
Burning Yarrow essential oil in an oil burner will not only eliminate germs and pathogens from the immediate vicinity, it can help to bring down the inflammation of the respiratory tract and nasal passages, providing relief from coughs and colds.
It also makes an excellent bath oil that is relaxing and good for the skin.
Yarrow Powder
Yarrow Powder can be added to smoothies, encapsulated or mixed with a little water or juice. It can be also be used topically on minor wounds and made into a healing salve.
Yarrow Tincture
Traditional Use: 2-3ml taken 2-3 times per day, or as directed by a Herbal Practitioner.
Yarrow Herb Tea
Use 1-2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water and steep for 5 -10 minutes depending on taste.
Yarrow Essential Oil
Yarrow essential oil can be used in the bath, or vaporized in an oil burner. It can be added to a massage oil or cream. Use 6-8 drops per bath and 10 -18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Blends well with; valerian, oakmoss, vetivert, ylang ylang, cedar, lavender and german chamomile essential oils. It enhances the aroma of black pepper and bergamot essential oils.
As Yarrow seems to aid in the physical flow of the body’s most important substance, blood, its magical use is connected to managing the energetic flow in the body.
In astrology, Yarrow is considered to be feminine and is associated with Venus, the goddess of love.
Precautions
Do not consume Yarrow if you are allergic to members of the Aster family (such as daisies).
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Do not take Yarrow if you are on blood thinning medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using this herb.
I’ve added a couple of links to a dried herb and an essential oil, handy to keep around.
Not sure, click on the links and open in a new tab.
Make up your infused oil as directed.
To make a stronger ointment, add 8-10 drops of Yarrow essential oil and to scent it, 4-6 drops of Lavender essential oil.
I store my ointments and salves in small jars or cans as some I always have handy, so easy to carry.
Comments
Post a Comment