The common yarrow, also known by its scientific name, achillea millefolium, is a part of the Aster family. It’s common names are: common yarrow, milfoil, bloodwort, carpenter’s weed, gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man’s pepper, devil’s nettle, sanguinary, soldier’s woundwort, thousand-leaf, thousand-seal et plumajillo.
It is commonly seen in pastures, roadsides, meadows, and lawns. As physical characteristics, it has long stems covered with fine hair, clustered flower heads, and fern-like leaves. Common Yarrows are easy to grow and can survive almost in any condition due to its weed-like characteristics. Its color ranges from white, yellow, pink, purple and dark red, making this plant a favorite among gardeners and florists. Common Yarrows are popularly used in flower arrangements and for controlling soil erosion due to its extensive root system.
Aside from its various uses in flower arrangements and gardening, the Common Yarrow’s roots, stem, leaves, and flowers are used medicinally. The Common Yarrow has several medicinal properties that can provide cure for circulatory problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are caused by the swelling of a group of blood vessels in the rectum and anus. This can be extremely unpleasant because it induces pain during or after defecating. Hemorrhoids are caused by several factors such as straining during defecation, constipation, and pregnancy. It is found that this condition is a health problem to men and women equally, and it ranges from 45 up to 65 years of age. Symptoms of inflamed hemorrhoids are bleeding, pain, rectal itchiness, and sometimes prolapse due to the damaged tissue during defecating.
Complications of hemorrhoids may include blood clotting or an extensive prolapse that might need surgery. Several treatments have been developed and one of them is the use of medicinal plants such as the common yarrow.
The common yarrow can be prepared and used in several ways. One preparation is “infusion”. Infusions are best for extracting the water constituents of an herb. The hot water acts as an agent on releasing the essential oils within the plant. These essential oils include “flavonoids” that helps lessen the inflammation of the hemorrhoids. The Common Yarrow’s essential oils also provide antiseptic properties that limit the growth of bacteria on the affected area.
Infusions may be applied topically using a clean cotton ball or as an additive for hot sitz bath. Another preparation of the Common Yarrow is by mashing the roots of the plant. Mashed roots of this plant can be applied topically because it can be used as a local anesthetic to open wounds. Use of the Common Yarrow as a topical hemorrhoidal treatment can be done thrice daily or as needed.
Prior to using common yarrow, it is best to check for any adverse or allergic reactions. This can be done by conducting an allergy test on a small area of the body, particularly the arm. One must not proceed from using the Common Yarrow as medication if there is presence of redness, swelling, and rashes. The Common Yarrow is proven effective and safe as a medicinal herb by pharmaceutical firms around the world, but it is still recommended to consult a doctor prior to using herbal medication as cure for hemorrhoids.
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