Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties.
Known for its ability to treat a wide range of ailments, yarrow is a powerful herb that supports the body in various ways, from wound healing to improving digestion. Here’s what yarrow can cure and how you can use it to improve your health.
What Yarrow Cures
- Wound Healing
- One of yarrow’s most famous uses is for healing wounds. It has powerful astringent and antiseptic properties that help stop bleeding and prevent infection. Yarrow can be applied topically to cuts, scrapes, and bruises to speed up the healing process.
- How to Use: Crush fresh yarrow leaves and apply them directly to the wound, or make a poultice by mixing dried yarrow with water and applying it to the skin.
- Reduces Inflammation
- Yarrow is effective at reducing inflammation both internally and externally. It can be used to soothe skin conditions like eczema and rashes, as well as to reduce inflammation in the body, helping with conditions such as arthritis or digestive inflammation.
- How to Use: Apply yarrow as a poultice or in creams for skin inflammation. Drink yarrow tea to reduce internal inflammation.
- Improves Digestive Health
- Yarrow has been used to treat various digestive issues, including indigestion, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. It stimulates bile production and improves digestion, making it a helpful remedy for digestive discomfort.
- How to Use: Drink yarrow tea made from dried yarrow leaves and flowers to help with digestion. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow in hot water for 10 minutes and drink after meals.
- Relieves Menstrual Cramps
- For women, yarrow is known for its ability to regulate menstrual cycles and ease cramps. Its anti-spasmodic properties help relieve pain and discomfort during menstruation.
- How to Use: Drinking yarrow tea can help reduce menstrual cramps. You can also apply a warm yarrow poultice to the lower abdomen for relief.
- Fights Cold and Flu
- Yarrow is a powerful immune booster and can help reduce fever, fight off colds, and ease flu symptoms. It works as a diaphoretic, encouraging sweating, which helps the body cool down and expel toxins during a fever.
- How to Use: Drink warm yarrow tea at the first sign of a cold or flu to boost your immune system and reduce fever. For extra potency, combine yarrow with other herbs like elderberry or echinacea.
- Improves Circulation
- Yarrow is a natural stimulant that helps improve circulation. It can be useful for people suffering from poor circulation, varicose veins, or high blood pressure.
- How to Use: Drinking yarrow tea regularly can help improve circulation and support cardiovascular health.
How to Use Yarrow
- Yarrow Tea: To make yarrow tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow leaves or flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day for digestive health, menstrual cramps, or to fight colds.
- Yarrow Poultice: For external use, crush fresh yarrow leaves or mix dried yarrow with water to form a paste. Apply this directly to wounds, bruises, or areas of inflammation to promote healing.
- Yarrow Oil or Salve: You can make yarrow oil or salve by infusing yarrow in olive oil for several weeks, then using this oil to treat skin conditions, joint pain, or inflammation.
- Yarrow Tincture: A few drops of yarrow tincture taken under the tongue or added to water can offer quick relief for digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and more.
Precautions
- While yarrow is generally safe, it may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as daisies or ragweed.
- Pregnant women should avoid yarrow, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
Final Thoughts
Yarrow is an incredible medicinal herb with a wide range of healing properties. Whether you’re looking to heal wounds, improve digestion, or reduce inflammation, yarrow can be a valuable natural remedy in your wellness toolkit. By using yarrow in tea, poultices, or tinctures, you can take advantage of its powerful healing benefits.