From Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine,
by David Hoffmann
An antimicrobial herb is one usually rich in essential oils, and those antimicrobials that work well in the urinary system help with treatment success. Once such antimicrobial is yarrow, or Achillea millefolium. Yarrow can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to effectively treat prostatitis, for example.
Yarrow is diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, antimicrobial, bitter, and hepatic. It “is a standard remedy for helping the body deal with fever,” says herbalist David Hoffmann. “It stimulates digestion and tones blood vessels. As a urinary tract antiseptic, it is indicated in infections such as cystitis, for which it is most effective if used fresh.” It is also “thought to lower blood pressure through dilation of peripheral vessels.” Some people are hypersensitive to yarrow and other plants in the Asteraceae family. Some caution against use during pregnancy.
This health note is from March/April 2006, Vol. 15, No. 2., out of print, but the digital version is available here.
