The many beautiful wonders of yarrow (inside and out)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is one of my all-time favorite healing plants. Also known as the Nosebleed plant, I typically use this beauty for altar work since its beauty persists long beyond its expiry date as a dried flower arrangement.
Beyond its looks, Yarrow is perfect for the toning blood vessels (an unsurprisingly attribute since the taste of this plant is very bitter and astringent on the tongue), associated with bruises, swellings, varicose veins, high blood pressure, hypertension and bleeding gums. Taken internally as a warm infusion, Yarrow does wonders for bringing down temperatures caused by fevers or stimulating appetites due to its diaphoretic properties.
When working with fresh aerial parts of Yarrow, the plant’s natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are ideal for unitary tract infections such as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).
Yarrow has also been traditionally been known to help stop blood flow in cuts and bruises due to its hemostatic properties. Here's how yarrow is thought to work in this context:
Vasoconstriction: Yarrow is believed to have vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it may cause blood vessels to constrict or narrow. This constriction can reduce blood flow to the affected area, helping to slow down or stop bleeding from minor cuts or wounds.
Astringency: The astringent properties of yarrow contribute to its ability to constrict tissues. Astringents work by causing the proteins in the tissues to coagulate, which can help in the formation of blood clots and reduce bleeding.
Coagulation: Yarrow may promote blood coagulation, the process by which blood forms clots. This is crucial in wound healing, as clots help to seal the wound and prevent further bleeding.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Yarrow's anti-inflammatory properties may also play a role. By reducing inflammation in the affected area, yarrow may help stabilize blood vessels and promote the clotting process.
Externally, Yarrow is a great plant partner for aiding in the healing of wounds. The antimicrobial activity provided by the plant’s extracts protect against a wide range of bacteria.
A. W. Priest and L. R. Priest, authors of Herbal Medication: A Clinical and Dispensary Handbook, 1983 stated this about Yarrow’s magic:
“ … mild, slow, and stimulating diaphoretic: indicated for the first stage of acute febrile reactions. For atonic and relaxed tissues where there is free discharge or passive hemorrhage of bright red blood. Cold preparations stimulate the appetite and tone the digestive organs.”
I’m a fan.
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Note: The medicinal version that is safe for human consumption and topical purposes is the white variety of the plant.
