Yarrow is a plant that grows in North America, Asia, and Europe, and is characterized by its multiple medicinal uses dating back more than 3,000 years. Studies have shown that its components act as antibiotics and antioxidants. In the following lines of my Dalili Medical   guide, we will review the uses of yarrow and its possible side effects.

**What are the benefits of yarrow?**

 

Yarrow contains natural components that may contribute to promoting the health of the circulatory system and reducing the risk of some cardiovascular diseases. One study has shown that yarrow extract can help in: lowering high blood pressure, reducing blood fat levels, and fighting inflammation.

**How ​​can yarrow root be used?**

 

Adults usually use yarrow as a plant extract or in the form of tea. It can also be applied as an ointment or cream, or used as a mouthwash. It is recommended to talk to a healthcare provider to determine the type of product and the appropriate dosage for the specific condition.

**How ​​can yarrow be applied to wounds?**

 

Due to its blood clotting properties, yarrow leaves are used to treat nosebleeds. Fresh leaves or young flower tops can be crushed or chewed to form a saliva compress, then applied directly to or around wounds, wrapping them if possible to stop bleeding.

What can you make with yarrow?

 

**Fresh compress**: You can take yarrow leaves and rub or even chew them a little and apply them to the wound, which helps stop the bleeding and disinfect the wound. **Oil**: Yarrow oil or ointment can be used to treat eczema or similar skin conditions.

**How ​​to use yarrow to relieve menstrual cramps?**

 

**Yarrow tea**: You can make a soothing yarrow tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried or fresh yarrow flowers or leaves in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes.

**Is yarrow tea safe for children?**

 

There are no studies done to determine whether yarrow is safe for children, so it is best not to use it for children. It is recommended to talk to your child’s healthcare provider before giving yarrow to them.

**How ​​to Use Yarrow on Skin?**

 

Yarrow oil can be used as a light moisturizer or massage oil to help relieve dry or irritated skin. For spot treatment, it is recommended to apply yarrow essential oil diluted in a carrier oil to the affected areas to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

**How ​​to Make Yarrow Tea?**

 

To make yarrow tea, use 1-2 teaspoons of the herb per cup of boiling water, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes if desired. The fern-like leaves of yarrow can also be used in salads.

**Is yarrow good for colds?**

 

Yarrow has astringent and drying properties, making it a natural support for people with sinus infections and wet coughs, as well as sinus allergies. Yarrow helps to dry up excess mucus and expel it from the respiratory tract, and it also helps to reduce swelling in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

Is yarrow a pain reliever? 

 

Yarrow has analgesic properties, in addition to its anti-ulcer effects, supporting bile secretion, protecting the liver, and promoting wound healing. Preliminary results in other therapeutic areas, such as lowering blood pressure, combating diabetes, fighting tumors, and affecting sperm formation, appear promising but need further confirmation. Yarrow can also be used as an insect repellent.

How to make yarrow medicine?

 

To make yarrow tea, steep the leaves and flowers in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. It is recommended to use about 1-2 teaspoons of yarrow per cup of water. In addition to tea, yarrow can be ground into a fine powder or made into herbal remedies. Yarrow powder can be added to smoothies or foods to make it easier to consume.

**Common Name:** Yarrow

**Scientific Name:** Achillea millefolium

Yarrow is a perennial, creeping plant that grows to about 3 feet (1 meter) tall, with white flower heads and fine, scalloped leaves. Native to Europe, it has a long history of use in treating wounds. In ancient times, it was known as the "battleweed," as it was used as a hemostatic for wounds from war. It has always been considered a tonic and has a bitter taste. Yarrow aids in recovery from colds and flu, and is also helpful for hay fever. It is also useful in treating menstrual and circulatory disorders.

**Etymology:** The name is said to be in honor of the mythological hero Achilles, who used the herb to treat wounds after battle. The name is believed to be derived from the Greek word "achillon", meaning "thousand". Yarrow was formerly known as the "nosebleed herb", due to the use of its leaves to stop bleeding.

**Home and cultivation** Yarrow is native to Europe and western Asia, where it can be found growing naturally in temperate regions around the world, including meadows and roadsides. This herb spreads through its roots, and its aerial parts are collected during the summer when it is in flowering.

**Main components**

- Volatile oil with variable content (such as linalool, camphor, sabinene, azulene)

- Sesquiterpene lactones

- Flavonoids

- Alkaloids (such as achillein)

- Triterpenes

- Phytosterols

- Tannins (tannins)

**Benefits of Yarrow**

Here are the most prominent potential benefits of Yarrow:

 

. **Accelerating wound healing** Yarrow can contribute to accelerating the healing process of wounds and some external injuries that the body may be exposed to. Some studies have shown that applying yarrow extract topically to the skin may help promote healing of certain types of wounds and infections, such as:

- Wounds resulting from episiotomy (Ep isiotomy) which may sometimes be performed by the doctor during childbirth.

- Inflammation resulting from inflammation of the oral mucosa (Oral mucositis), a common condition during chemotherapy.

Yarrow contains chemical compounds that may contribute to stimulating the production of collagen in the skin, in addition to reducing swelling, inflammation and redness, making it a good option for accelerating wound healing.

However, it should be noted that research is still in its early stages, and scientific evidence on the effectiveness of yarrow in this area is still insufficient.

. **Promoting digestive health** Using yarrow can contribute to stimulating the production of digestive juices in the digestive tract, which may help:

- Speed ​​up the digestion process.

- Alleviate digestive disorders such as constipation, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

. **Promoting cardiovascular health**Yarrow contains natural ingredients that may contribute to improving the health of the circulatory system and reducing the risk of some cardiovascular diseases. One study showed that yarrow extract can help:

- Lower high blood pressure.

- Reduce blood fat levels.

- Fight inflammation.

However, it should be noted that most studies that have addressed the benefits of yarrow in this area are preliminary studies, and have often been conducted on animal models rather than humans.

. **Contributes to treating anxiety and sleep disorders** Yarrow is particularly useful for individuals who suffer from anxiety or insomnia. A preliminary study has shown that this herb has natural nerve-soothing properties, and that its effectiveness in relieving anxiety may be equivalent to the effectiveness of some medications intended for this purpose.

.** May enhance brain health** It helps treat some brain disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and encephalomyelitis resulting from a viral infection.

A recent animal study suggests that yarrow extract reduces the severity of encephalomyelitis, as well as brain and spinal cord inflammation and damage. Additionally, a study on mice showed that antioxidants in yarrow have anti-seizure effects, making this herb a promising treatment for people with epilepsy. This plant may help prevent symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, such as memory loss, impaired physical movement, and muscle tension. However, these studies are still in their early stages and limited to animals, which calls for studies on humans to verify the validity of these results. This plant also promotes sweating and protects against inflammation thanks to its nutritional and chemical compounds that may have multiple medical benefits. In addition, it contributes to strengthening the immune system and fighting some diseases and health problems such as colds, fever, and influenza.

It also helps relieve symptoms associated with mastitis, combat asthma and relieve its symptoms, as well as regulate the menstrual cycle.

Regulates blood sugar levels.

Combating some neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.

**Therapeutic properties of yarrow herb:**

Yarrow herb contains a range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

. It is also used to treat hemorrhoids by inserting it into the anus, and is also used to stop nosebleeds and pulmonary bleeding.

The liquid is extracted from the herb to be used as an effective treatment to stop uterine bleeding and menstrual bleeding, and it can be used outdoors through injection, where the fluids in it are extracted to be applied to wounds and ulcers.

- Calcium drugs are used to prevent blood clotting, as they work as effectively as fibrin without causing blood clots. They also enhance uterine contractions and reduce bleeding.

**Ways to use yarrow herb:**

 

Yarrow tea can be prepared by adding two tablespoons of the herb to a bowl and then pouring boiling water over it. It is recommended to drink 4 cups of this tea half an hour before each meal to help stop lung bleeding.

Yarrow has many benefits and uses, including treating intestinal flu, nosebleeds and gum bleeding, stomach pain and peptic ulcers. Yarrow oil can also be used by placing 5 drops of it on the skin throughout the day to relieve skin irritation.

Necessary precautions when using yarrow:

Although yarrow is considered safe for most individuals, caution should be exercised when used by the following groups:

- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: It is recommended not to take yarrow during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may lead to miscarriage.

- People taking blood-thinning medications: Yarrow should be avoided if taking blood-thinning medications, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

**Side effects**

Although yarrow is considered a natural herbal product, it may cause some side effects. Among these effects are skin irritation when used topically, in addition to increased urination, as it is considered a diuretic, and this effect has been observed in experiments on mice.