Yarrow, a common wildflower with a rich history of medicinal use, has been a go-to remedy for centuries. Did you know that this unassuming plant was found in a Neanderthal burial site dating back 60,000 years?1
Its Latin name, Achillea millefolium, is derived from the legendary Greek hero Achilles, who allegedly used it to treat his soldiers’ wounds.
But there’s more to yarrow than just its wound-healing properties. Here are 8 ways this versatile plant can benefit your health and well-being.
1. Wound Healing Wonder
Yarrow’s ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing has earned it the nickname “soldier’s woundwort.” The alkaloid achilleine in yarrow facilitates blood clotting, reducing the time it takes for a wound to close by up to 32%.(ref)
The herb’s antimicrobial properties, attributed to the terpenes in its essential oil, effectively kill bacteria and prevent infection when applied topically.
The wound-healing powers don’t stop there. The plant’s natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Yarrow not only encourages healing but also relieves pain and inflammation in the process.
So next time you’re out hiking and get a scrape, reach for some yarrow leaves to create a quick poultice.
2. Digestive Health Hero
Yarrow is a bitter herb that stimulates digestion by promoting proper bile secretion from the gallbladder. This not only enhances digestion but can also prevent the formation of gallstones. Yarrow acts as an antispasmodic, relaxing the stomach muscles and easing digestive cramps.(ref)
Yarrow’s ability to heal and tone the mucous membranes in the digestive tract makes it a traditional remedy for stomach flu and other gastrointestinal disorders.
It can even normalize hydrochloric acid secretions, addressing the root cause of many digestive issues like indigestion and heartburn. So, if you’re prone to digestive discomfort, consider adding some yarrow tea to your daily routine.
3. Women’s Health Ally
Yarrow is a true friend to women, offering a range of benefits for reproductive health. It can help regulate menstrual flow, either by reducing heavy bleeding or stimulating the uterus to bring on delayed periods.
Its ability to tone the uterine muscles and increase their activity makes it an effective remedy for absent periods, a condition known as amenorrhea.(ref)
Yarrow’s benefits for women don’t end there. Its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful ally in relieving menstrual cramps. Yarrow’s positive effect on circulation ensures that the reproductive organs receive an adequate blood supply, helping to alleviate pelvic congestion associated with conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
4. Circulation Booster
While yarrow is known for its ability to stop bleeding, it also has the seemingly contradictory effect of improving circulation. Yarrow dilates the capillaries, increasing blood flow throughout the body.
Healthy circulation is crucial for maintaining overall health, as it ensures that every part of the body receives enough blood and oxygen to function properly.
Yarrow’s circulation-boosting properties make it an excellent herb for preventing and treating varicose veins. By dispersing blood congestion and toning the vein walls with its astringent properties, yarrow can alleviate the discomfort associated with this common condition.
It may even offer benefits for more serious circulatory issues like atherosclerosis.
5. Immune System Supporter
Yarrow’s antimicrobial properties extend beyond wound healing, making it a valuable herb for supporting the immune system. When taken internally as a tincture or tea, yarrow can help the body fight off infections.
Its ability to address a wide range of cold and flu symptoms makes it a go-to remedy during the sniffles season.
Gargling with yarrow tea can soothe a sore throat, while drinking the hot tea can induce sweating, helping to lower a fever. Yarrow’s antimicrobial action supports the immune system’s efforts to combat infection, while its expectorant properties can help relieve a stubborn cough.
So next time you feel a cold coming on, reach for some yarrow to give your immune system a helping hand.
6. Skin Savior
Yarrow’s benefits for the skin go beyond its wound-healing abilities. The herb’s astringent properties make it useful for toning and tightening the skin, reducing the appearance of pores. Yarrow can also help balance oil production, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare products for oily or acne-prone skin.
But yarrow’s skin-loving properties don’t stop there. The plant’s anti-inflammatory action can soothe irritated skin, while its antioxidant content helps protect against free radical damage.
Yarrow’s ability to improve circulation also benefits the skin, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. Try incorporating yarrow into your skincare routine as a toner or face mask for a natural boost of radiance.
7. Culinary Creativity
Yarrow’s versatility extends into the culinary realm, offering a unique flavor profile to adventurous cooks. In medieval times, yarrow was used to flavor beer before the introduction of hops. Its bitter, slightly spicy taste can add an interesting twist to modern craft brews as well.
The young leaves of yarrow can be used fresh in salads, adding a delicate, feathery texture and a hint of bitterness. Yarrow leaves can also be dried and used as an herb in cooking, imparting a subtle, sage-like flavor to dishes.
Try incorporating yarrow into your next batch of homemade sausage or use it to season a hearty stew for a taste of culinary history.
8. Cosmetic Charm
Yarrow’s delicate, fern-like leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers make it an attractive addition to cosmetic products. The herb’s astringent properties make it a useful ingredient in natural deodorants, helping to control odor and reduce perspiration.
Yarrow’s skin-soothing effects have also earned it a place in artisanal soaps and lotions. Its ability to tone and tighten the skin, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, make it an ideal ingredient for products designed to promote a youthful, radiant complexion. So, next time you’re in the mood for a little DIY beauty, consider incorporating yarrow into your homemade skincare creations.
It is a remarkable herb with a wide range of medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic uses. From its ancient history as a wound-healing remedy to its modern applications, yarrow has proven itself to be a versatile and valuable plant.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.