Yarrow (Achillea) belongs to the genus Asteraceae. Yarrow is a perennial herb, which is the source of the healing benefits of yarrow tea. About 115 species are known. It is most common in Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Most of these plants grow in open meadows, hillsides, and undergrowth.
Yarrow leaves are opposite, continuous, or pinnately lobed. Inflorescences are shield-shaped and composed of tiny, white, or yellow, sometimes reddish flowers.
The medicinal yarrows are Achillea millefolium, Achillea moschata, and Achillea alpina. Yarrows cultivated as ornamental plants are Achillea millefolium, Achillea filipendulina, Achillea salicifolia, and Achillea tomentosa. Several other species are sown and grown as ornamental plants.
Benefits of Yarrow Tea
Yarrow has been used for thousands of years for its natural healing properties. Scientific research proves what folk medicine values most about this plant. Yarrow could help in the treatment of the ailments mentioned below.
- Reducing skin inflammation. Yarrow acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent when applied to the skin. A randomized controlled trial with volunteers showed that yarrow helped to repair irritated skin.
- Reduction of symptoms of dysmenorrhoea. There is evidence to support the use of yarrow for pain relief during the menstrual cycle. In one randomized controlled trial, yarrow tea reduced pain in dysmenorrhoea women.
- Reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. A randomized controlled trial showed a reduction in acute attacks in people with multiple sclerosis who consumed 250 mg or 500 mg of yarrow tea daily for one year. In this study, yarrow serves as adjunctive therapy. It was used in combination with maintenance medication.
- For irritable bowel syndrome. Yarrow is sometimes used to treat irritable bowel syndrome due to its antispasmodic effects. Studies have shown that it can relieve spasms in intestinal muscles.
- For wound healing. Since ancient Greece, yarrow has been used to make poultices and ointments to treat wounds. One medical study found that extracts of yarrow leaves have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help wounds heal.
- To reduce inflammation. Although inflammation is a natural body reaction, chronic inflammation can cause damage to cells, tissues, and organs. Research has shown that yarrow extracts reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. Other studies show that yarrow can also reduce inflammation in the liver, which may help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Yarrow has also been successful in fighting fever.
Benefits of Yarrow Tea for The Brain
Yarrow alleviates the symptoms of certain brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and encephalomyelitis. (Encephalomyelitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection.) In addition, studies have found that the antioxidants in yarrow have an anticonvulsant effect, making it a promising treatment for people with epilepsy.
The flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow tea can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that the plant-derived alkaloids in yarrow tea reduce the release of corticosterone, a hormone that increases during chronic stress.
How to Make Yarrow Tea
Sometimes yarrow is a part of tea blends for a variety of ailments. You can buy such teas in shops or pharmacies, where tea is usually in ready-to-buy bags. However, depending on how you feel and the nature of your ailment, you can combine yarrow with other healing herbs yourself.
Classic Yarrow Tea
This slightly bitter classic yarrow tea improves digestion and helps fight colds. It can also help with problems such as dandruff, itchy scalp, oily scalp, hair loss, or gray hair if you drink at least a cup of this tea daily.
Take 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh yarrow, cover with 200–250 ml of boiling water, and leave to steep for at least 10 minutes. Once the tea has cooled, strain it and season with a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey.
Fever-Reducing Yarrow Tea
This is a gypsy tea recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation for several centuries. The tea prepared according to this recipe is effective in reducing fever. Drink 1/2 cup (about 100 ml) every 30 minutes in case of a fever. When you start to sweat, reduce the tea to 1/2 cup every hour and drink until the fever subsides.
You will need:
- A 1.5-liter container to brew the tea;
- 1 l of boiling water;
- 2 teaspoons of elderflowers;
- 2 teaspoons of peppermint leaves;
- 1 teaspoon of yarrow flowers and leaves.
Put all the herbs in a 1.5-liter container and cover with boiling water. Leave for 30–45 minutes to soak well.
Licorice, Ginger, and Yarrow Tea
This delicious yarrow tea, with the healing properties of licorice and ginger, is suitable for colds and fevers. Licorice is particularly useful for respiratory conditions, while yarrow and ginger are beneficial for sweating.
You will need:
- A cup of tea;
- 1 tbsp. chopped, fresh yarrow leaves or flowers;
- ½ teaspoon of ground licorice root;
- ½ teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger;
- 200-250 ml of boiling water.
Mix the yarrow, licorice, and ginger in a saucepan and cover with boiling water. Cover and let stand for 3-5 minutes. You can strain before drinking.
IMPORTANT! If you have high blood pressure, make the tea without licorice.
Yarrow and Peppermint Tea
This yarrow and peppermint tea, taken one cup a day for a month, can help to restore and regulate the menstrual cycle. It can also help with nausea; drink the tea in small sips until it eases.
You will need:
- A cup for the tea;
- 1 sprig of yarrow (dried or fresh);
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint or spearmint (dried or fresh);
- ½ teaspoon licorice root (optional);
- 250 ml of water.
Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and cover it with boiling water. Cover the tea and leave it for 20 minutes. You can strain it before drinking it.
Cool Raspberry Leaf and Yarrow Tea
Yarrow and raspberry leaf tea can help with diarrhea.
You will need:
- 2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow;
- 200 ml of boiling water;
- a few grains of sea salt;
- 2-3 ice cubes.
Put the raspberries and yarrow in a saucepan, cover with boiling water, and leave for 15 minutes. Strain the tea, add salt, and add ice cubes. Stir until the ice melts. The tea should be at room temperature or cooler.
IMPORTANT! Do not drink this tea if you are taking diuretics or blood thinners.
Benefits of Yarrow Oil
Yarrow oil can be beneficial.
- For hair. Using yarrow oil can help you have healthy and beautiful hair. If you have an oily scalp, add 15 drops of yarrow oil to lukewarm water and rinse your hair with warm water. This will keep your hair healthy and free of excess oil. It also prevents split ends and adds volume to the hair.
- For the skin. Yarrow has active anti-inflammatory properties that speed up skin healing and reduce wrinkles. A few drops of the oil on clean skin provide excellent hydration and can protect against bacterial infections. It can also prevent skin rashes and acne.
How to Make Yarrow Oil
You will need:
- 1.5 l jar;
- 1 liter of quality olive oil;
- 2 cups (400 ml total) of dried yarrow;
- 2-3 tablespoons of dried rosemary (not necessary, but it gives the yarrow a distinctive aroma and enhances its beneficial properties).
Place the rosemary and yarrow in a jar and cover with oil. Place the jar in a dark place and keep it at room temperature. Shake it regularly. After 3–4 weeks, strain the oil and use it.
Harvesting Yarrow
Yarrow blooms between July and October. It is advisable to pick them up in sunny weather. They contain the highest concentration of essential oils at this time.
When collecting yarrow for medicinal use, cut it about 15 cm long, together with the inflorescence. Collect the leaves also to make tea.
As with all herbs, dry the collected yarrow in a well-ventilated room protected from direct sunlight. You can also dry them in an oven, but at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C. Dried yarrow should be stored in a cloth bag for up to 2 years.
Side Effects of Yarrow Tea
Yarrow tea is not recommended in the following cases:
- Children under 6 years of age
- Pregnant and lactating women
- If you have low blood pressure
- People are prone to allergies. If you are allergic to chrysanthemums, chamomile, or calendula, you may also be allergic to yarrow. These plants belong to the same Asteraceae genus.
Even perfectly healthy people should not drink yarrow tea often. The drink will be beneficial if you drink it no more than twice a day for a week. After that, take a break for at least 10 days.
IMPORTANT! Be sure to consult your doctor before taking yarrow tea for treatment.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232110/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19075697/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037887411730418X?via%3Dihub
Associative photos from © Canva.
