Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is brewed from a popular medicinal herb (1) has been used for thousands of years for its potential health benefits. In fact, its genus name, Achillea, refers to the warrior Achilles in Greek mythology, as he used yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds (1).
There are 140 different species of Achillea, which are characterized by their clustered flowers and hairy, aromatic leaves (1, 2). Studies indicate that this plant may have various benefits as an herbal tea, extract, or essential oil.
Here are 5 emerging benefits and uses of yarrow.
May Enhance Wound Healing
Since the times of Ancient Greece, yarrow has been used in poultices and ointments to treat wounds. One animal study found that yarrow leaf extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, both of which aid wound healing (3, 4). Furthermore, this study noted that yarrow leaf extract may increase fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for regenerating connective tissue and helping your body recover from injury (4,5). Meanwhile, a 2-week study in 140 women observed that an ointment made from this herb and St. John’s wort helped heal episiotomy sites, which are surgical incisions on the vaginal wall made during childbirth (6).
May Alleviate Digestive Issues
Yarrow has long been used to treat digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms of which include stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. In fact, this herb contains several flavonoids and alkaloids, which are plant compounds known to relieve digestive complaints (7, 8, 9). In a study in rats, a yarrow extract tonic protected against stomach acid damage and demonstrated anti-ulcer properties (10). Another animal study found that the flavonoid antioxidants in yarrow tea may fight digestive spasms, inflammation, and other IBS symptoms (11).
May Help Reduce Symptoms of Depression And Anxiety
The flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow tea may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety (7,12,13). Studies demonstrate that plant-based alkaloids like those in yarrow tea reduce the secretion of corticosterone, a hormone that’s high during chronic stress (12, 14). One study found that yarrow essential oils administered orally to rats reduced anxiety and encouraged daily mental and physical activity (15). However, these results are preliminary and don’t necessarily apply to anxiety in humans. Furthermore, you should not ingest essential oils. Yarrow has been shown to aid certain brain disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and encephalomyelitis — inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection (16,17). A recent animal study noted that yarrow extract reduced the severity of encephalomyelitis, as well as the brain inflammation and spinal cord and brain damage it caused (18). Plus, a rat study found that yarrow’s antioxidants have anti-seizure effects, making this herb a promising treatment for people with epilepsy (19). Additional rat studies indicate that this plant may prevent symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, such as memory loss and impairments in physical movement and muscle tone (16, 20, 21, 22).
May Fight Inflammation
While inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to cell, tissue, and organ damage (23). Yarrow may reduce skin and liver inflammation, which could help treat skin infections, signs of skin aging, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (24, 25). A test-tube study determined that yarrow extract not only decreased inflammation but also increased skin moisture (26). Other test-tube studies reveal that this extract may reduce liver inflammation — as well as fight fevers (27, 28).
Yarrow
There are 140 different species of Achillea, which are characterized by their clustered flowers and hairy, aromatic leaves (1, 2). Studies indicate that this plant may have various benefits as an herbal tea, extract, or essential oil.
Here are 5 emerging benefits and uses of yarrow.
May Enhance Wound Healing
Since the times of Ancient Greece, yarrow has been used in poultices and ointments to treat wounds. One animal study found that yarrow leaf extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, both of which aid wound healing (3, 4). Furthermore, this study noted that yarrow leaf extract may increase fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for regenerating connective tissue and helping your body recover from injury (4,5). Meanwhile, a 2-week study in 140 women observed that an ointment made from this herb and St. John’s wort helped heal episiotomy sites, which are surgical incisions on the vaginal wall made during childbirth (6).
May Alleviate Digestive Issues
Yarrow has long been used to treat digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms of which include stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. In fact, this herb contains several flavonoids and alkaloids, which are plant compounds known to relieve digestive complaints (7, 8, 9). In a study in rats, a yarrow extract tonic protected against stomach acid damage and demonstrated anti-ulcer properties (10). Another animal study found that the flavonoid antioxidants in yarrow tea may fight digestive spasms, inflammation, and other IBS symptoms (11).
May Help Reduce Symptoms of Depression And Anxiety
The flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow tea may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety (7,12,13). Studies demonstrate that plant-based alkaloids like those in yarrow tea reduce the secretion of corticosterone, a hormone that’s high during chronic stress (12, 14). One study found that yarrow essential oils administered orally to rats reduced anxiety and encouraged daily mental and physical activity (15). However, these results are preliminary and don’t necessarily apply to anxiety in humans. Furthermore, you should not ingest essential oils. Yarrow has been shown to aid certain brain disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and encephalomyelitis — inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection (16,17). A recent animal study noted that yarrow extract reduced the severity of encephalomyelitis, as well as the brain inflammation and spinal cord and brain damage it caused (18). Plus, a rat study found that yarrow’s antioxidants have anti-seizure effects, making this herb a promising treatment for people with epilepsy (19). Additional rat studies indicate that this plant may prevent symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, such as memory loss and impairments in physical movement and muscle tone (16, 20, 21, 22).
May Fight Inflammation
While inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to cell, tissue, and organ damage (23). Yarrow may reduce skin and liver inflammation, which could help treat skin infections, signs of skin aging, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (24, 25). A test-tube study determined that yarrow extract not only decreased inflammation but also increased skin moisture (26). Other test-tube studies reveal that this extract may reduce liver inflammation — as well as fight fevers (27, 28).