Small List of Yarrow Benefits

Yarrow has always been an interesting herb to me, mainly because of its ability to stop cuts and wounds from bleeding. But, as I learned more about herbs, and subsequently, yarrow, I learned that this little herb actually does quite a lot! Many of these uses are not very well known. So, I compiled a small list of things that yarrow is very useful in treating or helping with, and I think the reader will find it surprising what all yarrow can help heal!

List of benefits for Yarrow:

1. Heals the skin – its antimicrobial and pain relieving abilities make it a great herb for soothing irritation-prone skin and healing broken capillaries.

2. Very strong anti-bacterial – Useful for treating many types of bacterial infections, specifically the ones like Shigella that cause infectious diarrhea. Also useful as a mouth rinse for preventing dry socket after tooth extractions, helps deep cuts to heal faster, etc.

3. Diuretic – Helps flush waste from your kidneys

4. Good for hair care – Regular use of yarrow for hair, such as rinses, has been shown to reduce hair loss, promote hair growth, and soothe scalp inflammation.

5. Antiviral – Effective against the symptoms of common colds, flu, and other viruses, which shortens the length of these illnesses.

6. Diaphoretic – treats fevers by inducing sweating to remove the virus or other illness from the body, which also helps shorten the length of time you’re sick.

7. Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation which makes it very useful for treating things like varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Also, a warm yarrow poultice, tea bag, etc. applied to the eye can help improve blurred vision if the vision problem is caused by inflamed muscle/tissue in the eye. Just don’t get yarrow in the eye itself, as that will just cause irritation.

8. Astringent – Contains a lot of tannins, which stops wounds and cuts from bleeding. Also helps tighten the skin and pores, and reduce the oil in oily hair and skin.

9. Contains “coumarin”, which is an anti-thrombotic and lowers blood pressure, and could also help increase the benefits of medications taken to lower blood pressure.

10. Some studies show that it has possible benefits in helping treat diabetes, certain neurological problems, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Also has shown ability to help with brain health.

11. Warnings for yarrow –

A: it is a member of the daisy family (aka Asteraceae), so people who are allergic to daisies may find themselves allergic to this herb as well. If you’re allergic to it, don’t use it.

B: Due to its astringent properties, Yarrow can upset an empty stomach – don’t use on an empty stomach. And avoid using if you have an ulcer as it can agitate it.

C: It is an emmenagogue (which means it stimulates or increases menstrual bleeding) and should not be used during pregnancy.