Yarrow has been used for thousands of years as a healer of wounds, helping to control hemorrhages and infection. The herb is also thought to have a wonderful tonic effect on the gastrointestinal system (easing indigestion, flatulence, and dyspepsia) and act as a system purifier that rids the body of toxins through the skin and urinary tract.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by KT Botanicals is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History:
Yarrow is a hardy, herbaceous, creeping perennial that grows everywhere - in grass meadows, pastures, and by roadsides - in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, thriving in well-drained soil in full sun and growing to a height of three feet. One of the plant's common names, Milfoil, refers to its "thousand leaves," which grow alternately on an erect central stem that bears white or pink flower heads with yellow centers. Yarrow is an extremely potent plant; one small leaf will speed up the decomposition of a wheelbarrow-full of raw compost, and Yarrow's root secretions will frequently activate the disease-resistance of nearby plants in a garden. Moreover, it is said to intensify the medicinal actions of other herbs. As a garden plant, Yarrow is known to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, and the leaves, stems and flowers are used in herbal medicine as an aromatic, cooling, bitter astringent herb with powerful healing qualities. Since the dawn of man, Yarrow appears to have been used as a healer. An archaeological excavation unearthed a 40- to 60,000-year-old Neanderthal, who carried Yarrow, as well as other herbs, proving its historical value. Yarrow has long been associated with divination and clairvoyance and was considered "sacred" to the Druids, who used the stems to foretell the weather, and in China, the stems were employed to see into the future. It was even thought to be associated with evil and earned further common names, such as Devil's Plaything and Bad Man's Plaything, among others, and was used in casting spells and as a mild sedative. Historically, Yarrow was employed mainly to stop the flow of blood and treat wounds. The botanical name, Achillea, refers to the Greek legend of Achilles, who used Yarrow in an ointment during the Trojan War to stop the flow of blood in the wounds of his soldiers. (It is a wonder that Achilles ever had a vulnerable heel at all, while using Yarrow!) In 1653, the great English herbalist, Nicholas Culpepper, recommended Yarrow for its painkilling properties as a "profitable herb in cramps and pain." In North America, Native American warriors, including the Utes, used Yarrow to treat cuts and wounds, and the Zunis considered it a remedy for burns. The Shakers employed Yarrow as a treatment for a variety of ailments, from hemorrhages to flatulence. Yarrow was included in the
United States Pharmacopoeia from 1863 to 1882 as a tonic stimulant and as a means for controlling menstruation. Traditional herbalists in Europe, China and India have used Yarrow to stanch minor bleeding and treat wounds and inflammation (especially in the intestinal and female reproductive tracts); and today, it is mainly used for colds, flu and for its positive effects on the circulatory, digestive and urinary systems. Some of the constituents (over forty have been isolated) in Yarrow include essential oils (including the anti-inflammatory, azulene), achilleic, formic and salicylic acids, resin, tannin, gum, sterols, flavonoids, bitters, coumarins, nitrates, phosphates, potash and lime chlorides, and vitamins A, C, E, F and K.
Beneficial Uses:
Yarrow is a stimulating tonic for the digestive tract. Traditionally, the herb was used as a "stomachic" or agent that strengthens the stomach and digestive functions. The presence of the bitter principles, azulenes and sesquiterpenes, stimulates the production of gastric juices, helping to speed the processing and elimination of foods. Yarrow has been used to improve the appetite and ease gastrointestinal inflammation, flatulence, dyspepsia and indigestion. Moreover, Yarrow encourages bile flow and is thought to balance the function of the liver and has a positive influence on secretions produced throughout the alimentary canal (the mucous-membrane-lined tube of the digestive system, extending from the mouth to the anus, including the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and intestines).
As an antispasmodic, Yarrow is believed to soothe smooth-muscle spasms (also helping to improve certain gastrointestinal conditions). It relieves general cramping and menstrual cramps.
Yarrow is believed to help purify the system. As a diuretic, the herb promotes the release of toxic wastes (including uric acid) through increased urine flow, which is also helpful in cases of many urinary problems. As a strong, soothing diaphoretic, Yarrow naturally increases the body's temperature, opens skin pores and stimulates free perspiration, thereby increasing the elimination of toxins through the skin. By inducing sweat, the herb also helps to lower fever, which is particularly useful for feverish illnesses, especially colds, flu and measles. Yarrow helps to purify the blood of morbid waste material, which must be eliminated in sickness, and Yarrow's tonic action is most invigorating and will greatly assist nature's own measures to remove congestion and disease.
As an astringent, Yarrow has been used to treat diarrhea, especially mucous diarrhea, hemorrhoids and excessive menstruation and bladder conditions, particularly relating to involuntary urination in children.
Yarrow may be good for cardiovascular health. It is thought to lower blood pressure, help hypertension and protect against thrombosis after a stroke or heart attack. It is also believed to relax peripheral blood vessels and be good for thrombotic conditions, whereby a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or is formed in a heart cavity.
Considered an anti-inflammatory with pain-relieving qualities, Yarrow has been used to help ease the discomforts of rheumatism, gout and arthritis, and provide relief for menstrual pain and headache. Modern research confirms the historical use of Yarrow as a pain reliever for many conditions. Sterols and triterpenes stop the inflammatory processes, restore circulation and accelerate healing. These compounds stop the formation of enzymes for chemical reactions that cause inflammation and pain. The sesquiterpene lactones stop the action of pain-provoking hormones called prostaglandins.
Yarrow has been used for centuries as a hemostatic, an agent that controls or stops the flow of blood. It has been used internally to control hemorrhaging from the lungs and the bowels, among other applications. Externally, the herb has been a reliable remedy for healing wounds and arresting the blood flow from shaving cuts, nosebleeds, etc. Because it is believed to be so effective and quick when used in this manner, it is always wise to clean a cut first (before applying Yarrow), because the herb may begin the healing process while the dirt and infection are still within the wound. Of course, all deep or infected wounds should be treated by a doctor.
In recent tests, Yarrow demonstrated antibiotic and antibacterial qualities that appeared to kill many kinds of bacteria found on human skin and destroyed pain-causing infection. It was also effective against yeast infections and microbial infections and boils.
When used externally, Yarrow makes an excellent tonic lotion for oily skin (with eruptions), inflamed eyes, ulcers and wounds, and is a fine addition to a relaxing bath and steam facial.
Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.
Contraindications:
Pregnant or nursing women should not use Yarrow, as it is a uterine stimulant, nor should women with heavy periods or pelvic inflammatory disease. Continued or long-term use of Yarrow may cause skin irritation and/or allergic reactions. If so, discontinue its use. Yarrow may produce photosensitivity. If using Yarrow to treat wounds, be sure to clean the affected area first, as the herb can stop blood flow so quickly that it may seal in dirt or other contaminants. People with gallstones should avoid its use. Yarrow may cause severe allergic skin rashes when applied topically.
Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products.
- Yarrow - Botanical Extract 4:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each.
