OriginThe herb of Achilles
According to legend, Achilles used it to treat the wounds of his warriors before Troy - therefore Achillea, and therefore folk names like soldier's herb and blood-stopping herb.
Yarrow grows in meadows, pastures, embankments, roadsides, and lawns throughout Europe, Asia, and North America—one of the most common plants in the world. It is exceptionally adaptable: it tolerates drought, trampling, and frequent cutting, and thrives in both poor and rich soils. Its finely divided leaves resemble tiny feathers, giving it its species name. millefolium - Milfoil - introduced; the white to pink flower umbels are actually many small baskets, densely packed like an umbrella.
The use of yarrow for wounds is as old as its name. Achilles is said to have learned it from the centaur Chiron; archaeological evidence of yarrow can be found in Neolithic strata. Folk names such as Soldierwort, Bloodwort, Carpenter's weed and yarrow The latter, because sheep like to eat it, illustrates its versatility. For centuries, it was one of the most important herbs in gynecology; an old saying went: "Whoever has yarrow in their garden doesn't need a gynecologist"—something no one would say today, of course.
It is also one of the classic indicator plants in biodynamic agriculture and an excellent source of nectar for bees. In the garden, it acts as a neighborly helper: it attracts hoverflies and lacewings, whose larvae feed on aphids. And a practical detail for collectors: the leaves are recognizable as early as spring, long before it flowers – their fine pinnate texture is unmistakable.
To useWhat yarrow can do for you
Yarrow combines two active principles, and that's what makes it so versatile. It contains Bitter substances like the gentian and a essential oil containing azulenes Like chamomile – bitterness meets antispasmodic properties. The European Medicines Agency and Commission E list it accordingly. Loss of appetite and dyspeptic symptoms, at cramping pain in the lower abdomen in connection with the period, as well as externally as Sitz bath for painful spasms in the pelvic area.
The same applies to digestion as with all bitter herbs: unsweetened, twenty minutes before eating. The bitter substances stimulate saliva, gastric juices, and bile flow; the essential oil also has antispasmodic and carminative effects. This makes it one of the few plants suitable for both loss of appetite and cramps – with most others, you have to choose.
The Gynecology This is the second pillar, and the more traditional one. For spasmodic menstrual cramps, it is used internally as a tea and externally as a sitz bath. There are no reliable clinical studies on this; what does exist is a plausible mechanism – the azulenes and flavonoids have an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle – and a very long history of experience. To be honest: this is a traditional application, and what is best documented for menstrual pain remains local heat.
The third, oldest application is the Stopping bleeding in small wounds. The tannins have an astringent effect, and for centuries the herb was crushed and applied to cuts. This is harmless for minor everyday injuries, but it is not recognized as a medicinal remedy today. The only documented external application is the sitz bath – and here, warmth is again a crucial part of its effect.
IngredientsThat's what's in the weed
The essential oil It makes up 0.2 to 1 percent and contains, depending on its origin, Proazulene - Precursors from which the deep blue liquid is obtained through steam distillation Chamazulen It develops, just like with chamomile. Not all yarrow varieties form it: The aggregate species Achillea millefolium It comprises several chromosome races, and only the tetraploid and hexaploid forms contain proazulene. Therefore, medicinal products are tested for this, while wild collection is a gamble. Other oil components include cineole, camphor, sabinene, and borneol.
The second important group are the Sesquiterpene lactones Achillicin, millefin, and related compounds. These are the bitter substances of the plant and are responsible for its digestive effect. At the same time, they are the reason for two warnings: They can trigger reactions in people allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, and they are found in the so-called Meadow dermatitis involved - a skin inflammation that occurs when plant sap comes into contact with the skin and the skin is then exposed to the sun.
Join in Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin), tannins, Phenolic acids and alkamides. The tannins explain the hemostatic and astringent effect on wounds. The following applies to preparation: Let it steep, covered., because the essential oil is volatile - and unsweetened for digestive use, so that the bitter substances can trigger their reflex.
Enhanced combinationsWhat makes yarrow stronger
A herb with two directions - and a separate rule of application for each.
Like all bitter herbs: twenty minutes beforehand, without sugar.
Applying a hot water bottle to the lower abdomen is the best-documented remedy for period pain.
One hundred grams of herbs to two liters, steep for twenty minutes, then add to a sitz bath.
Three antispasmodic plants that complement each other well.
When it comes to feeling full after eating fatty food.
The essential oil is volatile - let it steep, covered, for ten minutes.
What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.
Yarrow is one of the more common triggers in this family.
The combination can trigger meadow dermatitis - wash your hands after collecting.
Traditionally classified as having an effect on the uterus - avoid during pregnancy.
Sugar blocks the bitter reflex.
Only some of the strains contain proazulene - goods tested for medicinal purposes.
For deeper or heavily bleeding wounds, a pressure bandage and a doctor are necessary.
ApplicationHow it is used
- Yarrow teaTwo teaspoons per 250 ml, covered for ten minutes, unsweetened before meals.
- Women's teaUsing raspberry leaves and lady's mantle during the days around your period.
- Sitz bathOne hundred grams of herbs to two liters of water, steep for twenty minutes, then take a sitz bath.
- Stomach teaWith chamomile and lemon balm for cramping, irritated stomachs.
- Liver and gallbladder teaUse dandelion for bloating after eating fatty foods.
- Wound dressingThe historical application - crushed herbs on small cuts.
- Young leavesIn spring, a small amount is added to wild herb salads - distinctly bitter.
- herbal liqueurYarrow is an ingredient in many traditional digestive bitters.
- garden perennialAn excellent source of nectar for insects and attracts beneficial insects.
- Indicator plantIn biodynamic agriculture, it is one of the herbs used in preparations.
As a home remedyThe sitz bath
Yarrow sitz bath for abdominal cramps
- Place about one hundred grams of dried yarrow herb into a large pot and pour two liters of boiling water over it.
- Cover and let steep for twenty minutes, then strain - the infusion will have a slightly greenish-blue shimmer due to the azulene.
- Pour the infusion into a sitz bath or bathtub and fill with warm water to about 37 degrees and a height up to the navel.
- Sit in it for ten to fifteen minutes, then dry off, dress warmly, and rest for half an hour. Repeat every other day if needed.
For cramping in the lower abdomen, especially around menstruation. Commission E has given a positive assessment of yarrow sitz baths for precisely this application. To be honest: A significant part of the effect comes from the warmth For local heat therapy to relieve menstrual cramps, there are controlled studies showing effectiveness similar to mild painkillers. The azulenes and flavonoids in yarrow also contribute; their effectiveness is plausible, but not individually proven. This doesn't make the sitz bath less effective—it simply explains why it helps.
Ten to fifteen minutes, if necessary every other day on the days in question. Not suitable for those with a daisy family allergy., Avoid sitz baths during pregnancy and in cases of acute pelvic inflammatory disease accompanied by fever. Sitz baths put a strain on the circulatory system – use them cautiously and at a lower temperature if you have heart disease or low blood pressure. Very severe, increasing, or newly occurring lower abdominal pain should be evaluated by a gynecologist; it could be a sign of endometriosis or inflammation.
Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say
Ayurveda
Yarrow is not a classic ingredient in Ayurveda. Based on its properties, it would be classified as bitter, pungent, and astringent, as well as cooling and drying. Pitta and Kapha lowering, Vata In larger quantities, it increases the effect. As a hemostatic and digestive herb, it would be classified there alongside bitter astringents. This is a classification based on principle, not on tradition.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Chinese culture, yarrow has a very specific role, though not as medicine: The dried stems of Achillea-Species have been the classic oracular medium of the Zhou period. I Ching - Fifty yarrow stalks are divided and counted according to a fixed procedure. Its medicinal uses are only marginally mentioned in the Materia Medica. Yi Zhi Hao guided. According to its nature, it would be a bitter, cool herb that clarifies heat and moves blood stasis.
Warning noticesWhen you should be careful
Please note
- Asteraceae allergy: Yarrow is one of the more common triggers in this family - avoid if you have a known sensitivity.
- Meadow dermatitis: Plant sap on the skin plus sunlight can trigger skin inflammation - wash hands after collecting.
- Pregnancy: Traditionally classified as having an effect on the uterus - avoid excessive amounts of treatment and sitz baths.
- Bile ducts: The bile flow-stimulating effect is unsuitable in cases of gallstones or bile duct obstruction.
- Sitz baths: They put a strain on the circulatory system - caution is advised for those with heart disease and low blood pressure.
- Clarification: Severe or newly occurring lower abdominal pain should be examined by a gynecologist.
This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.
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SourcesWhat is this based on?
- EMA/HMPC: European Union herbal monograph on Achillea millefolium L., herba - traditional use for dyspeptic complaints and spasmodic abdominal pain.
- Commission E: Monograph Millefolii herba/flos (yarrow herb and flowers), Federal Gazette 1990 - internally and as a sitz bath.
- Blaschek W (ed.): Wichtl - Herbal drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. 6th edition 2016, monograph Millefolii herba - Proazulenes and chromosome races.
- Akin MD et al. Continuous low-level topical heat in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2001; 97(3): 343–349.
- Paulsen E. Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis 2002; 47(4): 189–198.
