Yarrow
Profile
| Latin Name | Achillea millefolium |
| Chinese Name | Yang Xi Cao |
| Family | Asteracea/Compositae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Soft> Herbaceous, Sharp Color: Yellow, Green, commonly Blue Parts Distilled: Flowers & Stalks |
| Regions | Germany, France, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Africa, and United States |
| Taste | Spicy, Sweet Nature: Cold |
| Affinity | LU/LR/SP |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Terpene (pinene, caryophyllene ~30-50%), chamazulene (~5-33%), ketones (thujone ~10%), coumarins (achilletin, achilleine) |
| Skin Type | Dry |
| Dosage | 4% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Release the exterior by promoting sweat* (clear Wind-Heat) and expel
- Phlegm
- Regulate Liver qi - for sinew spasm, menstrual cramping, absence of menses, wind-bi (radiating pain), skin itch, indecisiveness, tranquilizes (for anxiety, stress)
- Ascend Spleen qi - prolapse, varicosity, hemorrhoids, and frequent urination
Indications
- Liver Qi Stagnation (LR-14, LR-3, BL-18, GB-34)
- Wind-Heat with Yin Deficiency (GB-20, BL-12, LI-11, SP-6, LU-9)
Topical Applications
- Useful for dry skin and for promoting hair growth.
- Apply 2% dilution in olive oil base for hemorrhoids.
- Apply 4% dilution in safflower oil for wounds.
Specific Protocols
- 4% dilution of Yarrow (40%), Cedarwood (30%), and Rosewood (30%) for Wei Qi Insufficiency (e.g., hypothyroidism, Raynaud's syndrome, etc.).
Actions
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Vulnerary (used in the healing of wounds)
- Cell regenerative
- Mucolytic
- Choleretic
- Diaphoretic
- Emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow)
- Hypotensive
Contraindications & Cautions
- Neurotoxic
- Caution if allergic to ragweed
- Excess use leads to dark urine
- Not used during pregnancy
- Not for pre-pubescent children
Additional Comments
- Though Yarrow is cold, it can promote sweating.
- Yarrow is good for Divergent Channel issues