Therapeutic Uses
Bruises and Pain – Yarrow teas and tinctures contain salicylate-like derivatives such as stigmasterol and betasitosterol that reduce the inflammatory processes, which may accelerate healing. These compounds stop the formation of enzymes necessary for a series of chemical reactions that cause inflammation and pain. Yarrow also contains compounds designated sesquiterpene lactones, which reduce the action of pain-provoking hormones, the prostaglandins. Besides stopping pain, yarrow teas and tinctures kill many types of bacteria, some of which, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are found on human skin, thus indirectly preventing pain by halting potentially painful infection. In animal studies, a chloroform extract of yarrow (A. millefolium) when applied topically had anti-inflammatory effects.
Common Cold and Influenza – Essential oil of yarrow is used in aromatherapy to relieve colds and flu. The compounds chamazulene and prochamazulene, which are found in the essential oil, are known to act as anti-inflammatory agents. Yarrow is also combined with echinacea, elder flower, ginger, and peppermint leaf in over-the-counter (OTC) extracts used for cold and flu relief.
Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure – In one study, 15 to 20 drops twice a day of a 70% ethanol extract of yarrow (A. wilhelmsii) lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol in participants after four months, and it continued to go down at month six. At six months, triglycerides were significantly reduced, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol increased. Significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure occurred in patients with stage I hypertension after six months.
Medicinal Uses: * Chinese * Colds * Cuts & Wounds * Dysmenorrhea * Hypertension * Menorrhagia
Yarrow Leaf & Flower Side Effects: Avoid in pregnancy, can cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive people who suffer from allergies related to the Asteraceae family. Moderation is the key to safe use, the thujone content can be toxic over an extended period of time.
Yarrow Leaf & Flower Drug Interactions: Taking yarrow along with medications that slow clotting (aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others) might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
