Yarrow

Latin name: Achillea millefolium Linn. (Asteraceae)

Sanskrit/Indian name: Biranjasipha, Gandana

General information:

Yarrow, found in the Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon, is revered for its healing properties. It is said that the herb’s Latin name, Achillea millefolium dates back to the mythical figure Achilles, who used the herb for healing wounds.

Yarrow is a potent styptic, which stops bleeding and heals skin quickly. It is often used in herbal remedies designed to treat heavy bleeding from menstrual periods to bleeding ulcers. TheGerman Commission E recommends Yarrow in dyspeptic ailments like mild spasms and ailments of the gastrointestinal tract.

Therapeutic constituents:

The herb contains the alkaloid achilline, which helps arrest internal and external bleeding.

Key therapeutic benefits:

• As an anti-hemorrhoid, Yarrow stops internal and external bleeding.
• The herb is also helpful in treating gastrointestinal disorders like dyspepsia and spastic pain in the stomach.