yarrow
Yarrow has long been used as a folk remedy for wound healing, inflammation, and pain. It may also help reduce anxiety. It has shown in studies to have beneficial antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, reduce spasms, heal wounds, and more. More human studies are needed.
Studies have shown that certain bird species that add yarrow to building their nest demonstrate a reduced amount of parasitic infections.
Over 30 research articles were found on yarrow. Four double blind human studies demonstrated oral healing, wound healing, reduction in menstrual pain, and reduction in Multiple Sclerosis symptoms and relapse. Additionally, this herb has shown potential in vitro and in vivo action as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-parasite, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, digestive aid, spasmolytic, insecticide, anxiolytic, estrogenic, and hypertensive. It may also be useful as snake bite anti-venom. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Latin Name: Achillea millefolium
Family: Asteraceae
Yarrow is a flowering plant with long hairy stem up to 1.5 feet, feathery leaves, and clustered flowers that are usually white but may be pink, yellow, red, or orange.
Add 1 tsp of dried herb or 2 tsp of fresh herb (flowers and tops) to 8 ounces of hot water. Cover and steep for 20-30 minutes. Strain and drink or apply topically.
Oil is steam distilled from the flowers, with a herbaceous, floral, complex aroma. With similarities to chamomile, it is also in the Asteraceae family, and contains the chamazulene constituent, giving it a blue color.