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Like most herbs, yarrow is commonly used to make home remedies for minor complaints like allergies or sleep disorders. According to several studies, yarrow offers benefits for your brain and digestive health.
To reap these health benefits, consider making yarrow tea part of your regular diet.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) belongs to the genus Achillea which has more than 140 different species. Yarrow bears clustered flowers and has hairy, aromatic leaves.
Research suggests that yarrow offers several benefits when used as an herbal tea, extract, or essential oil.
Findings from an animal study suggest that yarrow can help address brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and encephalomyelitis, or the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to a viral infection.
According to another animal study, yarrow extract helped reduce the severity of encephalomyelitis, brain inflammation and spinal cord and brain damage it caused in animal subjects.
Meanwhile, a separate rat study also showed that antioxidants in yarrow have anti-seizure effects. Researchers hope that their findings can be used to develop a yarrow-based treatment for people with epilepsy.
Other animal studies have regaled that yarrow can help prevent symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s like memory loss and impairments in physical movement and muscle tone.
Yarrow home remedies have been used to treat digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), conditions that often cause with debilitating symptoms like:
Researchers have reported that yarrow also contains several flavonoids and alkaloids and that these plant compounds can help treat digestive issues.
In one animal study, results showed that using a yarrow extract tonic helped prevent stomach acid damage. The tonic also had incredible anti-ulcer properties.
In a separate animal study, scientists discovered that the flavonoid antioxidants in yarrow tea can help protect against digestive spasms, inflammation and other IBS symptoms.
Yarrow doesn’t just relieve digestive issues, it can also help improve your mental health.
Research has found that flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow tea can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. According to studies, the beneficial plant-based alkaloids in yarrow tea helped reduce the secretion of corticosterone, a hormone that’s high during chronic stress.
Another study revealed that yarrow essential oils administered orally to rats helped reduced anxiety and encouraged daily mental and physical activity in the animal subjects.
Researchers added that further study is needed to determine if yarrow essential oils will offer the same benefits for humans.
Inflammation is a natural bodily response when you’re sick, but chronic inflammation can cause cell, tissue and organ damage.
Studies also suggest that yarrow can help reduce skin and liver inflammation. In turn, this can help treat skin infections, signs of skin aging and even non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Findings from a test-tube study showed that yarrow extract can help reduce inflammation and increase skin moisture.
Different test-tube studies have also shown that yarrow extract can be used to reduce liver inflammation and treat fevers.
Some home remedies use yarrow in poultices and ointments for treating wounds.
According to an animal study, yarrow leaf extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are essential for wound healing. Study findings also revealed that the herb extract can increase fibroblasts or the cells responsible for regenerating connective tissue and helping your body heal from injuries.
Finally, a two-week study in 140 women showed that an ointment made from yarrow and St. John’s wort helped heal episiotomy sites or the surgical incisions on the vaginal wall made during childbirth.
According to a 2017 review and other studies, yarrow also has other health benefits:
Yarrow is generally considered safe for use, but if you’re not used to the herb, consult your physician to check for possible drug or allergic interactions.
Yarrow is sold as an extract, powder, ointment and tincture. You can also buy dried yarrow leaves and flowers. Buy dried yarrow and premade tea bags online or from a health store.
To date, there is no established standard dosing for yarrow. In studies, researchers use daily doses of 250 mg to 500 mg for up to a year. However, the amount needed to be effective may vary depending on different factors and what you’re taking yarrow for.
Follow the recipe below to make soothing yarrow tea.
Ingredients for 1 serving:
Preparation for dried yarrow tea:
Preparation for fresh yarrow tea:
Alternatively, you can add yarrow powder to juices, smoothies, or plain water. Yarrow essential oils can be added to baths, lotions, or diffusers.
While yarrow has been used in traditional medicine to treat different conditions, studies have found that the herb does have many scientifically proven health benefits such as improving brain health and relieving digestive problems.
Visit Herbs.news to read more articles about yarrow and other medicinal herbs.
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