What are the known traditional, historical, and cultural uses of yarrow?

    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Traditional cultures spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia have reported using yarrow to treat conditions or distress of the gastrointestinal system, menstruation, skin, blood (diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, infection, varicosity), respiratory system, and rheumatism.[1]

    Over 76 different Indigenous peoples of the Americas (notably the Paiute, Thompson/Ntlakyapamuk, Iroquois, Shoshoni, and Cheyenne tribes) have used yarrow as a traditional treatment for over 50 different conditions and ailments. The most frequently cited uses for yarrow among First Nations are as a dermatological aid, analgesic, cold remedy, fever reducer, and antidiarrheal, and to aid in gynecological, gastrointestinal, or rheumatic conditions.[2]