COMMON YARROW

Health Benefits of Yarrow

The many health benefits of yarrow include the following:

• Faster healing of wounds
• Blood clotting
• Maintaining periods
• Reducing inflammation
• Lowering high blood pressure
• Regulating asthmatic symptoms
• REDUCING ANXIETY

Let us discuss them in detail below.

Wound Healing

Famed for its ability to heal all of Achilles’ wounds in Greek myth, this herb is known to speed the healing process of topical wounds. [4]

Blood-Clotting

When used in moderation, this herb is able to stimulate blood-clotting, making it quite valuable for acute injuries; however, in excess, this herb can act as a blood-thinner in the body, so caution should be taken.

Amenorrhea

If you are struggling with maintaining a regular period, the use of this herb, particularly in tea form, can help to increase regularity and protect your reproductive health.

Anxiety

Since ancient times, this herb has been used to lower stress hormones and induce a feeling of calmness in the body and mind. 

Mastitis

If your breasts are producing too much milk, to the point where the condition is painful, topical or oral ingestion of this herb is known to clear up the symptoms. 

Inflammation

This herb has long been used to reduce inflammation in various parts of the body, including symptoms of arthritis, gout, and irritable bowel syndrome. Both topical and oral use can help to relieve these issues.

Gastrointestinal Health

Yarrow is known to stimulate the release of gastric enzymes and bile, which can speed the digestive process and reduce symptoms of constipation, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.

Hypertension

Research has found that the regular use of yarrow can help to modulate blood pressure, which can lower your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart diseases. 

Uses of Yarrow

There are many impressive uses of yarrow, including in cooking, as an herbal substitute, in vinegar oils and for cosmetic use, among others.

• Soups – The peppery smell of this herb makes it a very popular flavor addition to soups, stews, and curries.
• Cooking Herbs – It can generally be compared to rosemary and oregano and is often added to dishes with those spices.
• Sautéing Food – When you sauté food, it can take on many of the flavors from the herbs around it, so people often use this as a sautéing complement.
• Infused Vinegar – If you want to make slightly peppery vinegar, you can infuse the oils with this herb by letting it steep for a few weeks in the vinegar.
• Salads – While not a common “salad green”, yarrow herb can be added to salads for a spicy bite.
• Cosmetics – When the stalks of yarrow are crushed, the oils that are released can be added to various cosmetics to enhance their astringent effects on the skin.
• Tea – Yarrow can be steeped in hot water to release its wealth of antioxidants and active ingredients for a peppery brew.

Side Effects of Yarrow

While there are many positive benefits of yarrow, there are a number of side effects to consider, including the following:

• Drowsiness
• Bleeding disorders
• Blood pressure problems
• Dermatitis
• Topical inflammation
• Increased urination

Since yarrow can slow blood clotting in some cases, so for those with bleeding disorders, it can be dangerous, as well as those undergoing surgery. Negative interactions with drugs that induce drowsiness, treat high blood pressure, reduce stomach acid or thin the blood may also occur, so speak with your doctor before adding this herbal remedy to your health regimen.