The Complete Herbal Tutor. Anne Mcintyre

       Constituents

      Volatile oil (azulene, borneol, camphor, linalool, pinene, thujone), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, quercetin), sesquiterpenes, silica, sterols, bitters, tannins, salicylic acid, amino acids (lysine), coumarins, fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, oleic), vitamins (B, C, E), minerals.

       Actions

      Diaphoretic, diuretic, astringent, digestive, bitter tonic, hepatic, antimicrobial, alterative, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, vasodilator, analgesic, antihistamine, emmenagogue, expectorant, haemostatic, styptic, vulnerary.

      Growing wild in hedgerows and meadows in the Northern hemisphere, yarrow has been valued as a first aid remedy since the time of the ancient Greeks, for staunching bleeding and healing cuts and wounds.

       Digestion

      • Yarrow stimulates the appetite, and enhances digestion and absorption of nutrients.

      • It can be used to treat wind, spasm, IBS and indigestion.

      • Its astringent tannins protect the gut from irritation and infection, helpful in diarrhoea and inflammatory problems including gastritis and colitis.

       Circulation

      • Taken in hot tea, yarrow promotes sweating, and helps reduce fevers.

      • It lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, relieves leg cramps and varicose veins.

       Nervous System

      • Yarrow can be used as a gentle relaxant.

      • Its astringent properties tighten our subtle boundaries, reduces susceptibility to negativity from others.

       Respiratory System

      • When taken in hot tea with mint and elderflower, yarrow relieves colds and congestion.

      • Its anti-histamine effect (from luteolin) can be used for allergies such as rhinitis.