Achillea millefolium L. (Compositae), commonly called yarrow or milfoil. Also known as woundwort, carpenter's weed, and devil's plaything. In French, it is Millefeuille; in German, Schafgarbe.
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Name
Achillea millefolium L. (Compositae), commonly called yarrow or milfoil. Also known as woundwort, carpenter's weed, and devil's plaything. In French, it is Millefeuille; in German, Schafgarbe.
Source
Yarrow is a very common plant that grows in pastures around the world, especially if the soil is well drained. Remedies are made from the dried flowers and stems collected just as the plant is flowering. There are a number of closely related subspecies.
History
According to legend, Achilles made poultices with this plant to treat soldiers who had been wounded in battle. For thousands of years, yarrow has been applied to open wounds to stop the bleeding and to accelerate healing. Scandinavians, on the other hand, used yarrow in place of hops to make beer. In the 16th century, Germans added the seed to wine as a preservative. According to folklore, it also helped women predict the future.
Traditional Claims
Antiseptic, digestive, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Commission E Recommendations
Internally for loss of appetite. Hot soaks for the treatment of pelvic discomfort are also recommended.
Proven Effects
Depending on how the essential oil of this plant is extracted, the content of active ingredients will vary. However, large quantities of sesquiterpene lactones (achillicin) are present and thought to be the active agents. The results of some studies suggest that yarrow is a good anti-inflammatory agent, but these laboratory findings have never been validated in a clinical trial. The results of other experimental studies suggest that achillicin can help stop bleeding and that it also calms the stomach. There are no clinical trials.
Dosage
Commission E recommends a daily dose of 4.5 grams of dried herb, or three teaspoons per day of juice pressed from the fresh plant. For use in a sitz bath, soak 100 grams of yarrow in 5 gallons of warm water.
References
Chandler RF, Hooper SN, Hooper DL, Jamieson WD, Flinn CG, Safe LM. Herbal remedies of the Maritime Indians: sterols and triterpenes of Achillea millefolium L. (Yarrow). J Pharm Sd 1982;71(6):690-3.
Davies MG, Kersey PJ. Contact allergy to yarrow and dandelion. Contact Dermatitis 1986; 14(4):256-7.
Hausen BM, Breuer J, Weglewski J, Rucker G. aipha-Peroxyachifolid and other new sensitizing sesquiterpene lactones from yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., Compositae). Contact Dermatitis 199 1;24(4):274-80.
Taran DD, Saratikov AS, Prishchep TP, Vengerovskii Al. [The wound-healing properties of the essential oils of yarrow and Yakut wormwood and khamazulen in napalm burns]. Voen Med Zh 1989(8):50-2.
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Directions
Take 1 to 2 capsules up to three times daily at mealtime with a glass of water.
Ingredients
Yarrow Root - 300 mg
Cautions
Concerns
Skin allergy to all members of the Compositae family are relatively common (arnica, artichoke, chamomile, coltsfoot, dandelion) and occasionally the rashes may be quite severe. They subside when the plant is withdrawn from the diet.
Warnings
None.
Drug Testing
None of the components of yarrow should have any effect on routine workplace urine drug screening tests.
Additional Information
Herb-Xtra is committed to the manufacture of high quality, standardized and guaranteed natural health products and supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
