Antiseptic, analgesic, dilating blood vessels, promoting sweating, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, stopping bleeding, lowering blood pressure, reducing fever, tonic, insect repellant, expelling worms

Dry or fresh herb, tea, tincture, oil infusion

Yarrow’s main use historically has been stopping bleeding and disinfecting wounds.

Yarrow also increases capillary dilation, making it a good anti-inflammatory and helpful for arthritis or severe dermatitis. It can also help subcutaneous blood clots in the ears and skin when applied externally.

Yarrow also acts as a bacteriostatic for treating cystitis, especially in the early stages of kidney infection. It can also help the lungs eliminate microbes and foreign bodies. Yarrow is very useful in treating pneumonia.

Yarrow can help expel worms and reduce inflammation and infection in the stomach and colon.

Yarrow can help reduce fever, especially when taken at the onset of fever.

To stop bleeding on minor wounds, use a powder or poultice of the dried or fresh plant applied directly to the wound.

For disinfection, use a cooled tea as a skin rinse. The skin rinse may also help repel fleas, mosquitoes and biting flies.

To use internally, give a tincture of the herb at a dose of 1/4 teaspoon per 30 pounds of an animal’s body weight, 2-3 times daily. Cats should get 1/8 teaspoon.

• Allergic reactions to yarrow are fairly common, and can cause dermatitis on the skin of sensitive animals.
• Yarrow may be toxic if consumed in large quantities over an extended period of time.
• Do not use yarrow in pregnant or lactating animals.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

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