What is Yarrow? Know its Importance, Benefits, Uses and Side effects in Ayurveda

2022-07-30 00:00:00

Yarrow is a perennial large flowering plant known by the scientific name Achillea millefolium. The flowers are yellowish white and arranged in clusters and have been used for their amazing health benefits since ancient times. It is also widely known as a nosebleed plant, because its leaves have the potential to thicken blood and control nosebleeds.

Importance of Yarrow in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, Yarrow helps control fever by causing sweating due to its antipyretic and diaphoretic properties. Due to its antispasmodic properties, it is also used to treat diarrhea. Consuming yarrow leaves can also aid digestion due to its carminative properties.

Nutritional Values of Yarrow

Yarrow is a powerful therapeutic herb containing vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and antioxidants. Yarrow is packed with vitamins A, C, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Uses of Yarrow

Highly valued for its indispensable healing properties, yarrow is mainly consumed in the form of tea. Tea made from yarrow leaves helps treat fever by stimulating sweating due to its antipyretic and diaphoretic properties. The refreshing yarrow tea improves the digestive process due to its carminative properties and is used to treat diarrhea due to its antispasmodic properties. The whole yarrow plant is edible as it is a gentle herb and provides many health stimulants such as strong herbal tea, extracts or essential oils.

Yarrow has astringent properties which helps tighten skin and when mixed with some skin care products, treats skin problems such as acne. Due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, yarrow leaves can also be chewed for toothaches. In addition, the leaves and flowers of yarrow can be used fresh and dried and can be used as an aromatic spice in various culinary temptations.

Health Benefits of Yarrow

• Heals woundIt is used to treat bleeding wounds, scars and other skin problems. Fresh yarrow leaves are wrapped or tied around a cut or wound, its healing properties helps speed up the healing process. Yarrow oil is endowed with antimicrobial properties and antioxidants which can be beneficial in treating various skin diseases. In addition, cleaning with a decoction of yarrow flowers is useful in the treatment of eczema.
• Relieves in stressThe goodness of flavonoids and powerful alkaloids in yarrow can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. The phytonutrients found in yarrow play an important role in reducing the secretion of corticosterone (a hormone that increases with stress). In addition, the essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to calm and relax the mind.
• Reduces inflammationThis herbal remedy is known to reduce inflammation of the skin and liver. Yarrow tea is beneficial for treating skin infections, signs of aging, fatty liver disease, and fever.
• Improves brain healthYarrow is a herbal remedy that helps to cure brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Yarrow is believed to have anti-seizure effects, which treat epilepsy. Adding this herbal tea to your diet is beneficial for improving memory also.
• Improves digestionYarrow is primarily used to treat symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. Loaded with a storehouse of flavonoids and alkaloids, this bioactive plant is renowned for relieving digestive problems and improving gut health.

Precautions and Side effects of using Yarrow

Yarrow is considered harmless. Even after using it for long, no known side effects were reported. However, when taken in excessive amounts, it can cause short-term side effects such as

• Yarrow is possibly hazardous if taken orally during pregnancy as it may affect the menstrual cycle and cause miscarriage.
• It can slow blood clotting. Consumption of yarrow might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
• Yarrow may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to this flower. If you have allergies, be sure to consult your doctor before taking yarrow.
• Drowsiness (Feeling abnormally sleepy).
• Skin irritation.
• Increased urination.

Where is it found?

Yarrow is widely grown in parts of North America, Europe and Asia. In India, Yarrow is found in the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.