Botanical Name
Achillea millefolium Linn.
Family Name
Asteraceae
Identification No.:SDACH/HG/213
Vernacular Names
- Hindi: यारो
- English: Yarrow, Milfoil
- Marathi: यारो
Habitat & Distribution
Native to Europe and temperate regions of Asia. Cultivated in parts of India, especially in Kashmir and Himalayan regions.
Morphology
- Plant: Erect, aromatic perennial herb
- Leaves: Finely divided, feathery, fern-like
- Flowers: Small, white or pale pink, in flat-topped clusters
- Roots: Creeping rhizomes
Varieties
- Achillea millefolium var. lanulosa
- Achillea millefolium var. rosea
Substitute/Adulterant
No known classical substitutes; adulteration with other Asteraceae herbs is possible in trade.
Phytochemicals
Volatile oils (azulene, borneol, camphor, cineole), flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, sesquiterpene lactones, achilleine
Raspanchaka
- Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
- Prabhava: Rakta sthambhaka (hemostatic)
- Doshashamaka: Kapha-Vatahara
Karma (Rogaghnata)
- Raktasthambhaka
- Jvaraghna
- Shothahara
- Krimighna
- Vranaropana
- Stanyashodhana
Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses
External
- Used as wound healer and antiseptic dressing
- Leaf paste applied to cuts, bruises, and insect bites
Internal
- Useful in fevers, indigestion, and menstrual irregularities
- Promotes appetite and relieves flatulence
- Acts as a mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent
Part Used
Whole plant (leaves and flowers most commonly)
Dose
- Churna: 1–3 g
- Infusion/Tea: 50–100 ml
- Tincture: As per physician’s advice
Yoga / Formulations
Primarily used in classical European and Unani medicine; modern Ayurveda incorporates it into polyherbal infusions and topical lepas for wound care
IUCN Status
Least Concern (LC)
Research Updates
- Wound healing properties: Topical applications of Achillea millefolium have shown accelerated wound closure and epithelialization, supporting its use as a natural wound healer.
- Menstrual regulation: Extracts of Achillea have been observed to regulate menstrual flow and reduce dysmenorrhea by modulating uterine contractions and hormone levels.
- Anti-inflammatory activity: Studies confirm its efficacy in reducing inflammatory markers and edema in experimental models, validating its traditional use for swelling and pain.
