Yarrow is a tall perennial flowering plant that goes with the scientific name Achillea millefolium. It is widely grown in parts of North America, Europe and Asia. The blossoms are yellowish white in colour and arranged in clusters and have been used since times immemorial for their incredible health benefits. It is also commonly known as a nosebleed plant, as the leaves are potential in blood clotting and controlling nosebleed disorders. Moreover, Achillea refers to the soldiers in Greek mythology, who used this plant to cure the injured soldiers. There are more than 140 different species of Achillea which are distinguished by their clustered florals and hairy and fragrant leaves.

Uses Of Yarrow

Yarrow is highly valued for its indispensable medicinal properties and is mainly consumed in the form of tea. The tea brewed from yarrow leaves helps in treating fever by stimulating perspiration owing to its antipyretic and diaphoretic actions. Refreshing yarrow tea is beneficial in promoting the digestion process due to its carminative nature and is used in curing diarrhoea due to its antispasmodic trait. The entire plant of yarrow is edible as it is a soft herb and confers numerous wellness incentives as a potent herbal tea, extract, or essential oil.

The natural astringent property of yarrow aids in tightening skin and cures skin problems like acne when blended with several skincare products. Yarrow leaves can also be chewed to handle toothache owing to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions. Additionally, the leaves and flowers can be used in fresh and dried forms and as an aromatic spice in several culinary delights.

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Chemical Composition

Yarrow is immensely valued as a powerful therapeutic herb that contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and antioxidants. This white blossom is packed with vitamins A, C and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Potential Health Benefits of Yarrow

Gut Health

Yarrow has been used largely to treat a host of digestive problems like ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating and constipation. Laden with a storehouse of flavonoids and alkaloids, these bioactive plant compounds are best known to ease digestive issues and improve gut functions and health.

Heals Wound

This flowering plant has been used as a natural wound healer for ages. It is used to cure bleeding wounds, scars, and other skin woes. Fresh yarrow leaves are wrapped or tied around the wound or cut, the healing properties support in speeding up the recovery process. The oil extracted from the yarrow plant is endowed with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that may be valuable in treating several skin conditions. Besides these, washing with a concoction of yarrow flowers is beneficial in treating eczema.

Eases Stress

The goodness of potent flavonoids and alkaloids in the yarrow plant may relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. The phytonutrients present in the yarrow plant holds a significant role in lowering the secretion of corticosterone, a hormone that peaks up during stress. Apart from this, the essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy to calm and relax the mind.

Augments Brain Health

Yarrow plant is a classic herbal medicine that has been proven to treat brain disorders like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and encephalomyelitis – inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection. A powerhouse of antioxidants yarrow plant is credited to have anti-seizure effects that are potential in treating epilepsy. Adding this herbal tea to the diet regimen is beneficial in improving memory, movement and muscle tone in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients.

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Combat Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to shield the cells, tissues, and organs from foreign invaders. This herbal medicine is known to ease skin and liver inflammation. Yarrow tea is valuable in treating skin infections, delay signs of ageing, cure non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and offer respite from fever.

How To Take Yarrow?

Yarrow can be prepared and consumed in several ways, the leaves and flowers can be taken fresh or dried form and infused into a refreshing tea. Yarrow extracts, powder, and ointments of leaves and flowers are also available.

Side Effects

Yarrow herb is well tolerated and considered safe even for long-term usage. There are no known side effects reported. However, when taken in an excess amount it may exhibit short-term side effects such as:

Drowsiness

Skin irritation

Contact dermatitis

Increased urination

Pregnant women should avoid consumption of yarrow in any form , as it may impact the menstrual cycle and harm the developing foetus. Further, people who are generally allergic to yarrow and other related plants should avoid consuming it. It is always best to consult your doctor before adding this herb, especially for people who are taking medications like sedatives and anticoagulant drugs.