Family: Compositae.

Synonyms: Yarrow, Milfoil, nosebleed, herb militaris, soldier’s woundwort, thousand leaf, thousand seal, field hop, millefolium, old man’s pepper, thousand seal, ladies’ mantle.

Parts Used: Aerial parts.

Active Compounds

Volatile oil, containing a- and b-pinenes, borneol, bornyl acetate, camphor, caryophyllene, eugenol, farnesene, myrcene, sabinene, salicylic acid, terpineol, thujone and many others, and including the sesquiterpene lactones. Many samples contain high concentrations of azulenes, up to about 50%, including chamazulene and guajazulene.

Sesquiterpene lactones; achillin, achillicin, hydroxyachillin, balchanolide, leucodin, millifin, millifolide and many others.

Alkaloids and bases; betonicine (= achilleine), stachydrine, achiceine, moschatine, trigonelline and others.

Miscellaneous; acetylenes, aldehydes, cyclitols, plant acids etc. The volatile oil, which is rich in sesquiterpene lactones, gives yarrow its anti-inflammatory activity. Alkamides (which are also found in echinacea) may further reduce inflammation.

Medicinal Actions and Uses

Diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-microbial, bitter, hepatic, tonic, alterative, vulnerary.

Useful for:

• common cold/sore throat
• indigestion and heartburn
• inflammation
• menstruation, painful (dysmenorrhea)
• minor injuries

Yarrow is one of the best diaphoretic herbs and is a standard remedy for aiding the body to deal with fevers. It lowers blood pressure due to a dilation of the peripheral vessels. It stimulates the digestion and tones the blood vessels. As a urinary antiseptic it is indicated in infections such as cystitis. Used externally it will aid in the healing of wounds. It is considered to be a specific in thrombotic conditions associated with hypertension.