Shepherd's purse is an effective diuretic and astringent used for nosebleed, water retention, and diarrhea. It is famous for checking excessive menstrual flow or postpartum bleeding. When used as a hemostatic, the fresh tincture should be taken every hour or two. The herb loses its potency rapidly, and a good-quality "fresh-plant" tincture should be stored in a cool place out of the direct sunlight. It will retain its potency for 6-9 months. In Europe, shepherd's purse tincture is being recommended for lowering mild high blood pressure.

As a bitter tonic, it is used for lack of appetite, general debility, and convalescence. Yarrow helps regulate blood flow throughout the body, and coupled with its antiinflammatory action, it can relieve pain from arthritis and rheumatism. As a blood mover, it is also indicated for menstrual irregularities, such as sluggish or painful menses, delayed menstruation, and painful and heavy periods, having a mild pain-relieving effect as well as helping to remove blood congestion. It helps relieve spasms and inflammation and is sometimes helpful for irritable bowel complaints, colic, and intestinal and uterine cramps. Yarrow root is chewed to alleviate toothache.