What is the best way to consume yarrow?
Yarrow has most often been used by adults as a plant extract or tea. It’s also been applied as an ointment or cream and used in gargles. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition. Given its anti-inflammatory actions and active constituents, yarrow has the ability to reduce spasms and inflammation in people who have been injured or are struggling with joint pain.Yarrow is used for many health conditions, and may be helpful in treating skin irritation, wounds, and menstrual pain. Yarrow might help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, but more research is needed. Always talk to your healthcare provider about yarrow and other herbs and supplement use.Hormonal Effects Recent research has indicated that yarrow may contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived chemicals that act on estrogen receptors in the human body. This allows yarrow to help balance female hormones by covering for a deficiency and blocking an excess of estrogen.Specifically, studies indicate that yarrow may reduce biomarkers of liver damage in people with cirrhosis and decrease relapse rates and cognitive decline in people with multiple sclerosis when it is used as an adjunct therapy.Yarrow may slow blood clotting, so in theory taking yarrow may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders (WebMD, 2015). Allergies may occur in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family, this includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies (WebMD, 2015).
What are the magic properties of yarrow?
Protection and Warding: Yarrow is considered by many to be a protective herb. Witches might use it to create charms, sachets, or talismans to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, or hexes. It was also believed that yarrow could be used to create a protective boundary or circle during rituals or spellwork. Healing applications are the main area of yarrow. Here, the whole herb (flower, leaves, stems) is used, it has the most active ingredients at the main flowering time in summer at midday. For medicinal purposes, yarrow tea is often prepared with dry or fresh herb.Numerous tribes in North America used yarrow for a variety of ailments. The crushed plant was applied to wounds and burns. The dried leaves were used as a tea to soothe colds, fever, and headache.Yarrow has been used medicinally since ancient times, including as an herbal tea. Research shows that its plant compounds may benefit wound healing, digestive issues, brain conditions, and other possible medical concerns.Whether yarrow is the herb Achilles used to treat wounded soldiers is a matter of academic dispute. However, many traditional names for the plant have been spawned that reflect associations with battle, blood and wounds, e.Do not use yarrow if you have an allergy to plants in the ragweed family, as you may also be allergic to yarrow. It also has possible interactions with lithium, some blood thinning and high blood pressure medications, medicines to reduce stomach acid, and drugs that cause sleepiness or have a sedative effect.
What parts of the yarrow plant are medicinal?
Leaves are finely dissected and feather-like, hence the name millefolium, meaning a thousand leaves. You can identify yarrow by the pungent smell let off by crushing its leaves. All parts of the yarrow plant can be used for medicine including flowers, stems, roots, and leaves. Use fresh yarrow on clean cuts, or prepare poultices and infused oils by macerating with vodka or oil. Its anti-inflammatory and clot-promoting properties help heal wounds. Confirm proper identification, and avoid it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.The flowering parts of yarrow are considered to be the most medicinal, but the whole plant can be used. The flowers can also be used for floral arrangements or dried and used in sachets or potpourri.Historically, yarrow was applied to treat wounds due to its ability to help constrict blood vessels—earning it the nickname “soldier’s woundwort. Yarrow tea can be enjoyed occasionally, but consult a healthcare professional before daily use.Antioxidant Protection: Yarrow is high in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which protect the skin from oxidative stress. Antioxidants aid to neutralize free radicals, which cause premature aging, wrinkles, and skin damage due to environmental conditions.There are alkaloids in Yarrow that in small amounts will aid in healing, but in large amounts can be toxic to humans and pets alike. Livestock also can be affected by the alkaloids in Yarrow when they graze.