Yarrow for Oral Health + Herbal Mouthwash Recipe

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is well known for its wound-healing and pain-relieving properties, but did you know it’s also a powerful herb for oral health? Traditionally used to soothe swollen gums, ease toothaches, and prevent infection, Yarrow makes an excellent natural mouthwash and gum soother.

Active Constituents & Herbal Actions

🌿 Active Constituents:

• Sesquiterpene lactones – Anti-inflammatory, astringent

• Flavonoids – Antioxidant, tissue-strengthening

• Alkaloids (including achilleine) – Helps stop bleeding, speeds healing

• Tannins – Astringent, tightens gum tissue

• Volatile Oils – (including 1,8-cineole & camphor) Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic

🌿 Herbal Actions:

• Astringent – Helps tone and tighten gum tissue, reducing inflammation

• Antibacterial – Fights oral bacteria that contribute to gum disease and plaque buildup

• Anti-inflammatory – Soothes irritated gums and oral tissues

• Styptic – Helps slow or stop bleeding from minor gum injuries

• Analgesic – Mild pain-relieving effects, useful for gum and tooth pain

How Yarrow Supports Oral Health

🔹 Gum Health & Bleeding Gums:
Yarrow’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties help tighten gums and reduce bleeding, making it an excellent remedy for gum disease.

🔹 Toothache Relief:
Thanks to its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, Yarrow can help soothe mild toothaches. Historically, fresh Yarrow leaves were chewed directly onto sore gums for relief.

🔹 Natural Antiseptic for Mouth Sores:
The antiseptic, antibacterial and wound-healing properties of Yarrow make it a great herbal rinse for mouth ulcers and sores and also freshen breath and can be helpful for reducing and preventing receding gums.

Yarrow Herbal Mouthwash Recipe

This simple Yarrow mouthwash is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and perfect for gum health, mouth sores, and fresh breath! If you don’t have all the herbs it is still very effective with just the yarrow, water and salt.

Ingredients:

• 1 C good water

• 2 Tbsp dried Yarrow leaves & flowers (Achillea millefolium)

• 1 tsp dried sage (Salvia officinalis) (optional, for extra antibacterial action)

• 1 tsp dried peppermint (Mentha × piperita) (optional, for fresh breath)

• 1 tsp sea salt (helps cleanse and remineralize gums)

• 5 drops clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum) (optional, for toothache relief)

Method:

1. Make a strong herbal infusion:

• Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, and add the dried herbs.

• Cover and let steep for 30 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.

• Strain and stir in sea salt while still warm.

1. Cool & store:

• Let cool completely before adding essential oil (if using).

• Store in a clean glass bottle in the fridge for up to 1 week.

How to Use:

• Swish 1–2 Tbsp in the mouth for 30 seconds, then spit.

• Use morning and night to support gum health and fresh breath.

• For gum pain or sores, hold a small amount in the mouth for 1–2 minutes before spitting.