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Yarrow is a very hardy and prolific plant which can be found growing
naturally in many regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. It is
also a very attractive plant that is used in landscaping. The
flowering tops of yarrow are used to produce herbal remedies and
products.
Yarrow is believed to have originated in the milder
climates of Europe and Asia and has been around for over 3,000
years. In ancient times the leaves and flowers of yarrow were eaten
and tea-like drink was made from yarrow leaves. Medicinally, fresh
leaves of the yarrow plant were applied to wounds to stop bleeding,
fight fevers, treat gastrointestinal conditions, lessen heavy
menstrual bleeding, and improve circulation. Fresh leaves were
chewed to relieve toothaches.
In more recent times, yarrow
has been used in connection with a number of health conditions
including menstrual ailments and bleeding hemorrhoids. Similar to
chamomile, yarrow is also a common herbal remedy for bloating,
flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal cramping.
A number of
chemicals may contribute to yarrow’s medicinal properties. The
volatile oil of yarrow, which is rich in sesquiterpene lactones and
alkamides, is believed to have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Some studies have shown this yarrow can reduce smooth muscle spasms,
which might further explain its usefulness in gastrointestinal
conditions. The alkaloid obtained from the herb known as achilletin
has been reported to stop bleeding; however, no human clinical
trials have confirmed these traditional uses of
yarrow.
Dosage and Administration
The
following are recommended adult doses for yarrow:
- Dried herb: 2 to 4 g in infusion or capsules three times a day
- Extract (1:1, 25% ethanol): 1 to 4 mL three times a day
- Tincture (1:5; 40% ethanol): 2 to 4 mL three times a day
- Yarrow flowers, or equivalent preparations: 3 g a day as
infusion or tea
- Sitz baths: 100 g yarrow per 20 liters (5 gal) of water
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