Overview
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a good cooling diaphoretic and febrifuge from the Compositae family. It has a bitter, astringent, and pungent rasa, cooling virya, and pungent vipaka. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha (PK-) but may aggravate Vata in excess (V+). It works on plasma, blood, and muscle tissues, acting on the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Yarrow possesses astringent, antispasmodic, hemostatic, vulnerary, and diaphoretic properties, making it a versatile herb for Pitta conditions. It is particularly good for colds, flus, and infectious diseases where fever and inflammation are high. It stops bleeding both internally and externally, reduces excessive menstrual bleeding, and helps stop menstrual cramps.
It is indicated for colds, fever, gastritis, enteritis, measles, menorrhagia, nosebleed, stomach ulcers, abscesses, and hemoptysis. Its action is mild and mainly treats superficial conditions. It should be used with caution in high Vata conditions. Yarrow can be prepared as an infusion (hot or cold), powder (250 to 500 mg), or paste.
Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section A: Commonly Available Herbs
How to Use Yarrow by Condition
Explore how Yarrow is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.