The Benefits of Yarrow

I learned the incredible power of yarrow recently first hand, when it was the only thing that stopped my husband’s bad nosebleeds. Even the ENT docs were dumbfounded. With all their tools and modern methods to stop bleeding and they all failed. However the humble herb yarrow prevailed and stopped the bleeding fast!

Yarrow was used extensively in World War One on the battlefield to stem blood loss and help heal wounds, but it’s benefits and power go beyond just stemming blood flow, although for just that purpose alone some yarrow herb or salve should be in your first aid kit for when injury strikes!

So let’s discuss the abilities and benefits of this humble herb:

-Stops Bleeding- it’s a styptic and an astringent -stops bleeding exteriorly and interiorly. Use ground herb or a salve to stem flow externally and take yarrow tea to stop bleeding internally.

-Wound Healing- it’s antiseptic and stimulates tissue growth and healing

-Skin Inflammation – use topically as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

-Cramping: Yarrow tea can help cramping caused by menstruation and IBS, decreasing muscle spasms in intestines and eases abdominal cramping

-Digestive Health- Yarrow tea and herb stimulates appetite, eases indigestion and relieves gastrointestinal discomfort

-Cardiovascular Health: Yarrow tea and herb  contains flavonoids, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure and palpitations.

-Neurodegenerative Diseases (MS/ epilepsy/ Alzheimers/ Parkinson’s) reduces inflammation, cognitive disturbances. It attenuates disease severity, demyelinating lesions. The flavonoids apigenin and luteolin are of particular interest.

-UTIs- Yarrow increases urine production to flush out urinary system, reduce inflammation and fight off infections

-Arthritis and Gout- yarrow’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce joint inflammation and alleviate pain

-Sedative- Yarrow helps you to relax

-Respiratory Issues/ colds/ flu etc. Yarrow heals and tones mucus membranes, supports sinus infections, coughs and sinus allergies, helps dry up and moveexcess mucis out of the respiratory system and reduce swelling in nose and throat membranes. Add to the bath for children and elderly. Also helps to prevent colds.

-Hormonal Balance: Helps regulate menstrual cycles and ease PMS symptoms

-Stress Relief: Helps ease tension and uplift the mood

 -Fevers – yarrow tea helps induce perspiration and sweat it out

Salicylic acid

Yarrow contains Salicylic acid has earned its spot as a natural MVP for soothing neck and head tension. Think of it as your body's quiet ally, stepping in to support a healthy inflammatory response and taking the edge off discomfort from head tension or creaky joints. But this powerhouse doesn’t stop there—it’s also nature’s answer to toothache troubles. Found in certain plant leaves, salicylic acid can be chewed to deliver its calming properties straight to the source of discomfort. It’s like nature’s version of a quick fix, giving you a moment of relief right when you need it.

Yarrow is rich in flavonoids, free radical scavengers known to combat oxidative stress. Its calming effects make it a supportive herb for the nervous system, particularly for those dealing with chronic stress. This herb is a gentle companion for calming the mind and encouraging restful sleep.

So I Made It Into A Salve!

Having a salve is a lot easier than using herbs, especially for skin issues, so that's why I extracted the benefits of Yarrow ito organic almond oil and added beeswax. Simples and effective!

All in all, make sure you have some yarrow herb or salve in your house! Drop me a line if you have any questions.

Ally van de Pol is a Certfied Naturopath, Herbal Medicine Therapist, Iridologist and Nutrition & Healing Diets Coach.