The common Yarrow, a hardy and pretty plant found growing in fields and ditches, is a valuable herb in every kitchen cupboard.

The medicinal applications of this plant are plentiful.

The wild plant is great for treating flu and fevers. Yarrow has a healing and soothing effect on mucous membranes. When Yarrow Root is used at the beginning, a cold often breaks up within 24 hours.

Since thousands of years yarrow has been used for a number of health conditions such menstrual ailments and bleeding hemorrhoids. In Chinese medicine yarrow is considered to represent the balance between yin and yang. In ancient China it was considered to be a sacred plant.

Similar to chamomile, yarrow is a common herbal remedy for bloating, flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal cramping.

Some studies have shown that yarrow can reduce smooth muscle spasms, which might explain its usefulness in gastrointestinal conditions. The alkaloid obtained from the herb known as achilletin has been reported to stop bleeding; however, no human clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of these traditional uses of yarrow.

The above ground parts of the common Yarrow are used as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, odontalgic, stimulant, tonic, vasodilator, and vulnerary.

The Yarrow root acts as astringent, tonic, stimulant, antipyretic and mild aromatic. A weak tea works well to lower temperatures.

Externally a decoction made from yarrow root is used to wash for skin eruptions.

Yarrow root is also an anesthetic. To relieve tooth pain, apply the fresh root.

Dosage and Administration

The following are recommended adult doses for yarrow:
• Dried herb: 2 to 4 g in infusion or capsules three times a day
• Extract (1:1, 25 ethanol): 1 to 4 mL three times a day
• Tincture (1:5; 40 ethanol): 2 to 4 mL three times a day
• Yarrow flowers, or equivalent preparations: 3 g a day as infusion or tea

In aromatherapy the essential root oil stands for love, courage and psychic awareness.

Hildegard of Bingen recommended yarrow to prevent even metastases. Just as the herb promotes proper healing of wounds, without infection of the site, the flower essence promotes healing of the aura without any loss of sensitivity.