Kalmia Latifolia Herb vs Norse Yarrow

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Kalmia Latifolia Herb

Kalmia latifolia

Analgesic

Achillea millefolium var. borealis

Analgesic

Kalmia Latifolia Herb

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Norse Yarrow

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Beautiful North American evergreen with toxic grayanotoxins used carefully by Native peoples for skin and rheumatic conditions.

Nordic variety of yarrow used by Vikings and Norse peoples as a wound herb, digestive bitter, and fever remedy.

Active Compounds

grayanotoxin, arbutin, ericolin, tannins

achillin, azulene, camphor, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

topical pain remedy in Native American folk medicine, treatment of skin diseases, rheumatism poultice

wound staunching in Viking folk medicine, fever and cold remedy, digestive bitter

Modern Uses

topical analgesic, antimicrobial

hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic

Adult Dosage

Topical use only under supervision - highly toxic

2-4g dried herb as tea or 3-5ml tincture

Contraindications

internal use - lethal, pregnancy, children

pregnancy - emmenagogue, asteraceae allergy

Side Effects

grayanotoxin poisoning - cardiovascular collapse

contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E