Take a look at the yarrow tea benefits and you’ll want to keep it stocked in your pantry. This tea comes from one of the most storied medicinal plants in history. If you’ve never heard of it, come see what modern research shows.
Got indigestion? Ditch the antacid. Instead, drink some yarrow tea.
If you’re not familiar with it, this medicinal plant (aka ‘milfoil’ or ‘achillea’) grows all over the world. And since ancient times, it’s been used to treat various ailments.
Inflammatory disorders, wounds, and digestive disturbances are just a few of its therapeutic uses.
Are you skeptical about the efficacy of folk medicine? Are you somebody that only will try a natural remedy if there’s clinical proof it works?
Well, according to this meta-analysis, several therapeutic uses of it are supported by experiments and clinical studies.
If you don’t feel like reviewing the meta-analysis, no worries. There are over 75 references. In light of this, let’s take a look at just a few of the highlighted uses of this herb….
Natural Remedy For Upset Tummies
There are different species of milfoil. And any of these species can be brewed into a tea. Herbal teas from this plant have been used for centuries for treatment of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
Research in the meta-analysis suggests it’s effective for digestive upset is two-fold. First, it acts as an antispasmodic. That means it prevents cramps and spasms.
If you suffer from abdominal cramps you’ll appreciate the potential pain-relieving properties. Furthermore, it possesses numerous types of antioxidants.
As such, it acts as a strong anti-inflammatory. Most digestive disorders are inflammatory.
Anti-Aging Benefits
In one referenced study in the meta-analysis, milfoil helped restore levels of glutathione. Glutathione is your body’s internal master antioxidant.
If you have very low levels of this amino acid, you’re at greater risk for aging prematurely. And at greater risk for developing chronic disease.
If your liver is the primary detox organ, glutathione is the main detox component of your cells.
Also, milfoil also helps activate SOD or ‘superoxide dismutase‘. SOD is another important anti-aging compound.
Better known as “the youth molecule,” SOD is like the #1 violinist in a symphony whereas glutathione is the conductor.
Both SOD and glutathione are critical for keeping reactive oxygen species (ROS) in check. When you have too much ROS circulating in your body, that’s when you’re at risk of developing disease.
Thus, the naturally-occurring compounds possess impressive antioxidative potential.
Herbal Tea For Ulcers
By now, you know the benefit of milfoil plant for upset tummies. And not just for your run-of-the-mill indigestion. But more serious complications.
In fact, this study suggests it reduces chronic gastric ulcers. Moreover, it significantly may regenerate gastric mucosa. That’s the protective layer of your stomach.
However, these conclusions are with rat subjects, not humans.
Nonetheless, the results show promise for human trials. In fact, milfoil is already featured in a topical medication for people. It’s called Sedospasmil®, which is used for the treatment of chronic colitis.
More Therapeutic Uses
In addition to its anti-ulcer properties, it also has antibacterial properties. It also protects the liver.
And, it can stimulate bile production. Bile is produced in the liver. It helps break down fats.
This Turkish study (PDF) suggests a particular species of milfoil in an essential oil (A. biebersteinii) exhibits strong antimicrobial activity.
In the research, it protected against 8 bacteria, 14 fungi and one yeast. The type of yeast in particular may be familiar to you: C. albicans.
This yeast is better known simply as “candida.”
Are you into natural skincare? Then you might want to give this natural herbal remedy a try.
In the meta-analysis, one source of research points to its use in treating several skin conditions.
This includes eczema, atopic dermatitis, non-allergic dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea. As well as other skin problems caused by inflammation. It may even help heal soft tissue infections.
Traditional Uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, formulas with milfoil may even help heal soft tissue infections. relieve pain, heal soft tissue injury, fractures, dislocations, boils, and gout.
Indigenous cultures in northern Europe and North America also used yarrow tea as both a contraceptive and a substance to increase menstrual low.
The scientific name of this herb is Achillea millefolium. “Achillea” comes from Achilles, the protagonist of the Trojan War in the epic poem/story The Iliad.
Achilles supposedly used it to treat his fallen soldiers’ wounds.
Fast forward around 3000 years since the Trojan War. (Whether it was real or mythological is up for debate.) Beverages from the milfoil plant are still widely used traditionally around the globe.
Take Turkey for instance. There, it treats both abdominal pain and gas.
Speaking of breaking wind, let’s get back to traditional Chinese medicine. In theory, the herb works by clearing wind.
Wind is a concept in Chinese medicine that is difficult to grasp by most westerners. Don’t confuse this with “breaking wind,” the colloquial term for flatulence, rather, wind is one of the six external factors that gives rise to disease in Chinese medicine theory.
In addition, there are two additional actions of the herb in Chinese medicine. It acts as a tonic. Tonics replenish energy and blood.
Also, it clears heart phlegm. Heart phlegm, if left untreated, results in high blood pressure.
Modern research supports some of these traditional uses. Scientists are able to identify several therapeutic components in it.
One of them is linoleic acid. The seeds from the plant are high in this essential polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Linoleic acid can prevent hardening in the arteries and other diseases. “This makes [it] a potential source of edible oil for human consumption,” concludes the authors of this study.
Side Effects
There might be for Swiss mice. According to this study, milfoil extract demonstrates a lowering of sperm count.
It’s not clear, though, if the same is true in, say, French mice. Or humans for that matter.
And research from Sweden shows that it may cause skin reactions. However, WebMD says milfoil is likely safe to consume.
Take caution if you’re pregnant, breast feeding or have a bleeding disorder.
How to make yarrow tea
According to EdibleWildFood.com, you can make it in is little as 15 minutes. Allow just five minutes for the prep time. And 10 minutes to cook for one serving. The taste will be slightly bitter.
Simply take 1 tsp dried leaves and add it to a mug of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Make sure to strain the leaves. Add a lemon slice and/or honey.
Where to buy yarrow tea
Before you buy, ask yourself in what format you want it. Do you want an essential oil? How about a whole plant?
Perhaps you just want to make a simple cup of tea. If so, you can just buy dried leaf and flower.
How to harvest yarrow tea
According to LearningHerbs.com, this is one of the best herbs for curing fevers. In fact, you can make a bath out of it to bring your child’s fever down.
If you want to save money and make your own, you can harvest it. In fact, all you have to do is gather the leaves and flowers.
Cut the entire stem halfway down. Then, harvest the herb after the flowers are open. The flowers should still look vibrant.
Next, tie them by their stems in small bunches. And make sure to hang them in indirect sunlight. When the flowers are completely dry, bunch them and store in a mason jar.