Yarrow 4:1

Botanical: Achillea millefolium (also known as Achillea lanulosa)
Family: Compositae (daisy) - Asteraceae (aster-sunflower)

Other common names: Bloodwort, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Noble Yarrow, Nosebleed, Thousand-Leaf, Old Man's Pepper, Thousand Seal, Knight's Milfoil, Yarroway, Bad Man's Plaything, Staunchweed, Devil's Nettle, Devil's Plaything, Thousand Leaf Gandana, Lady's Mantle*

*Note: There is another herb that is also commonly (and frequently) called Lady's Mantle, but it is an entirely different plant (Achemilla vulgaris) with different applications.

For centuries, Yarrow has been used to stop bleeding both internally and externally. Yarrow is also thought to alleviate inflammation, reduce fevers, stimulate the appetite and encourage sweating, while expelling toxins from the body. Yarrow's astringent properties are especially helpful in stopping nosebleeds, excessive menstruation and diarrhea.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Yarrow may be found along roadsides, in meadows and in pastures in Europe, Asia, South Australia and North America and can grow in altitudes as high as 8,500 feet.  The part of this plant used medicinally is the above-ground portion, particularly the flowering tops.

The genus name, Achillea, is named after Achilles, the Greek hero, who, as legend claims, was taught herbology by the centaur, Chiron, who was said to have used Yarrow to stanch the bleeding of the warrior's wounds during the Trojan War (1200 B.C.).  The species name, millefolium, is derived from the Latin words meaning "thousand leaves."  The plant has a long history of use, going back thousands of years.  It was once associated with evil, as evidenced by its alternative names, Devil's Nettle, Devil's Plaything and Bad Man's Plaything, and was used in casting spells.  An old American and English superstition claimed that young girls should tickle their noses with Yarrow to see if their lovers were being faithful - if the nose bled, the man's heart was true.  In France and Ireland, people wanting to be more clairvoyant would hold Yarrow over their eyes, and the Druids used Yarrow stems to foretell the weather.   In ancient China, dried Yarrow stalks were used to acquire guidance and wisdom. In a more practical vein, when Yarrow is added to a compost pile, it will accelerate its breakdown and when it is grown in the garden, it helps other plants nearby become more disease resistant. This herb was also used to flavor tobacco and as a snuff.  The primary chemical constituents of Yarrow include essential oil (proazulene, borneol, camphor, cineole, eugenol, linalool, pinene, sabinene, thujone), isovalerianic acid, achillein, formic acid, salicylic acid, polyacetylenes, asparagin, sterols, glycoalkaloid (achhilleine), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, rutin, quercitin), coumarins and tannins. Yarrow's effects are mostly astringent.  Yarrow nutritionally supports mucus membranes.

It is closely related to Chamomile, both botanically and chemically.  Yarrow also contains fairly high amounts of selenium, potassium, vitamins A, C, E, F and K.  Having a variety of effects on the body, Yarrow is believed to alleviate inflammation, reduce fevers, stimulate the appetite and encourage sweating, thus expelling toxins from the body.   Yarrow's astringent properties are especially helpful in stopping nosebleeds, excessive menstruation and diarrhea.  Yarrow is also thought to relieve muscle spasms, arthritis and indigestion. Yarrow helps to relax peripheral blood vessels, thereby helping to improve circulation.

The constituents, achilletin and achilleine, are said to aid in blood coagulation.  Yarrow contains several anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving constituents, such as azulene and salicylic acid.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.  Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Contraindications:
Pregnant or nursing women should not use Yarrow, as it is a uterine stimulant, nor should women with heavy periods or pelvic inflammatory disease.  Continued or long-term use of Yarrow may cause skin irritation and/or allergic reactions.  If so, discontinue its use. Yarrow may produce photosensitivity.  If using Yarrow to treat wounds, be sure to clean the affected area first, as the herb can stop blood flow so quickly that it may seal in dirt or other contaminants.  People with gallstones should avoid its use.  Yarrow may cause severe allergic skin rashes when applied topically.

Capsule Information:
Our Yarrow supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.