Achillea millefolium

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Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-18 (EDT)

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Yarrow6320.jpg

Yarrow was once known as nosebleed, its feathery leaves making an ideal astringent swab to encourage clotting. It is a well known and versatile herb that is effective for its historical use of staunching bleeding and disinfecting wounds. It is also one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers. To explore the characteristics, medicinal uses and prescribing considerations of this herb in more detail, check out the references indicated.[1] [2]

Characteristics

Uses

Historical Uses:

Yarrow was once known as nosebleed, its feathery leaves making an ideal astringent swab to encourage clotting. It is a well known and versatile herb that is effective for its historical use of staunching bleeding and disinfecting wounds. It is also one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers.

Medicinal Uses:

Internal

  • Bleeding
  • leucorrhea, menorrhagia with uterine spasms/pelvic pain
  • painful cystitis
  • liver dysfunction, poor digestion and assimilation
  • Other Conditions

Topically

  • Bleeding and Trauma
  • use a poultice with pulverized fresh plant - plant, flowers, leaves - and apply locally
  • Leucorrhea - douche

Prescribing Considerations

The information provided is intended to augment the treatment from a naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional. Although most herbs are generally safe, it is recommended that you avoid self-prescribing especially when there is an underlying ongoing medical condition, if you are on any prescription medications or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Formulations and Preparation

Safety

The safety and prescribing considerations for this herb include:[3], [4]

  • Generally regarded as safe.
  • Side-effects are not generally seen.
  • Caution: may increase hydrochloric acid production, therefore use a proton pump inhibitor when combining with an H2 antagonist; caution with anticoagulant therapy.
  • Contraindicated in pregnancy due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient actions if the essential oil with thujone component is used. Allergic hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family.
  • Drug-Herb Interactions not generally seen.

References

  1. Boon Heather, Smith Michael (2009) 55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide Second Edition Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research, CCNM Toronto.
  2. Godfrey Anthony, Saunders Paul, Barlow Kerry, Gowan Matt (2011) Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine, Advanced Botanical Medicine. V3 CCNM Press, Toronto.
  3. Stargrove Mitchell Bebell, Treasure Jonathan, McKee Dwight L (2008) Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies.
  4. Brinker Francis (1997) Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions: Plus Herbal Adjuncts With Medicines, 4th Edition Eclectic Medical Publications.