Yarrow Tea

Yarrow, whose flowers, leaves and stems are used in tea making, is one of the medicinal plants with its many organic substances.

Yarrow; Its leaves, flowers and stem are used to make tea. Apart from tea, its various forms are used in kitchens and medicine. It offers alternative herbal treatment especially against gynecological diseases. It is recommended for women with menstrual problems. It is a traditional medicine believed to reduce body fever among the people. The history of the plant dates back to the Ancient Greeks. It has clusters of flowers that are quite aesthetic in appearance. You can find everything you wonder about this herbal tea, whose benefits do not end with counting, in our article!

What is Yarrow?

The scientific name of yarrow is “Achillea millefolium”. It is a perennial and durable plant from the “Asteraceae” family.

This strain is popular among the public and for its various uses in traditional medicine.

The scientific name of the plant, “Achillea”, comes from the Ancient Greek hero Achilles, who used this plant to heal himself and his soldiers. The name “Millefolium” is a reference to the many fine hairy leaves that characterize this plant.

It also has names such as candleflower, binbirleaf, devil’s nettle, whitehead, barkgrass, knight’s bin leaf, carpenter and marsamagrass. The type named “Queen of Cerise” is pink in color. Their names refer to either their beautiful flower and leaf structure or their medicinal properties. It is known as “herba militaris” (soldier’s grass) in Latin due to its use in the wounds of soldiers.

It is a plant native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It has spread especially in continents such as North America and Australia. The genus “Achillea filipendulina” known as “fern-leaved yarrow” is a variety native to the Caucasus, Iran and Afghanistan. It can be grown in many countries around the world.

It is a single-branched herb closely related to the daisy.

The flowers can be of various colors. There are clusters of yellow, white, pink, violet, red and salmon colored flowers. Yellow and white flowered types are generally seen in nature. It typically produces clusters of disc-shaped flowers of various colors from May to November. Each flower cluster contains 15 to 40 small flowers in a flat-topped zone. It is a wonderful ornamental plant with beautiful and very aesthetic looking flowers.

Yarrow is a tall but slender plant that can reach up to 1 meter in height. It can usually grow along landfills, roadsides, stream beds, the edges of train tracks, fences and lawns. It is compared to a weed that emits a chrysanthemum-like odor. It has hairy, highly divided, thin green leaves that can reach 5 to 20 centimeters in length. It is the appearance of the leaves that gives the plant its scientific name. The stem is long, thin and green in color.

What are the Benefits of Yarrow Tea?

Yarrow has been used by many civilizations around the world since ancient times for its medicinal properties.

Traditionally it has been used to treat inflammations, skin wounds, minor bleeding. It is especially effective in inflammations in the digestive system. It has soothing properties against anxiety and insomnia.

In the light of the healing properties of the yarrow plant, we can list the potential benefits of the tea form as follows;

Yarrow, which has antiseptic properties, is good for skin wounds and stops bleeding.
It has been traditionally used for wound treatment for centuries. The chemical substance “akidon” found in the plant is known for its ability to stop bleeding. It can prevent wounds from becoming infected.
One of the most popular benefits of this tea is its ability to stop internal and external bleeding. It is especially recommended in cases of internal bleeding. However, bleeding in the lungs or digestive system should be monitored by a doctor as it could be a sign of a serious problem.
Improves blood flow, removing toxins and bacteria from the blood. It can be used against the cooling of hands and feet in cases where blood circulation slows down.
It exhibits abilities such as lowering high blood pressure, relaxing blood vessels and improving breathing.It has an important place in traditional herbal medicine practices in China, India and Europe. It is beneficial against gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, bloating and stomach cramps.
Studies in animals have shown that it can reduce muscle spasms.
Yarrow tea is effective at the first signs of cold or flu. It helps clear mucus. It eases breathing by relieving nasal congestion.
It is stated that it strengthens the lungs by relieving sore throat. In addition, it helps to break body temperature by providing natural sweating in high fever.
It dries the nasal passageways in cases of allergies and hay fever; reduces sneezing due to dust and pollen. It has a calming and antispasmodic effect in asthma patients.
It supports the production of saffron by activating digestion in bodies prone to indigestion and heartburn.It has the potential to relieve pain and reduce tension and cramps.
A cup of yarrow tea serves as a sedative for mild anxiety states. It functions as a tonic that protects the nervous system in stressful and tense situations.
This herbal tea, which is said to relax the mind and body, can cure insomnia by relieving fatigue.
Anti-inflammatory property purifies the body from harmful toxins.
By increasing the production of urine, it provides the removal of fluid accumulation in the body. So it is an effective diuretic.
It can help clear bladder and kidney infections. It can also alleviate bladder irritations.

Yarrow tea is especially recommended for gynecological diseases;

Serves as a tonic for women.
It is seen as an excellent herbal tea for female reproductive health.
It has effects such as regulating menstruation (menstruation) and stimulating bleeding in menstrual delays.< br/>Reduces or balances excessive menstrual bleeding. Relieves inner restlessness during menstrual periods.
It has been used traditionally against amenorrhea problems. It has an effect. />Balances the hormonal production of the liver, alleviating the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Yarrow tea cold can be used externally on the skin;

The best-known benefit of this tea is its ability to treat wounds and cuts.
It has the ability to clean wounds, relieve bleeding, reduce wound pain.
No scars (scars) in skin tissues It can soothe burns.
The calming and cleansing effect helps against redness and itching.
It shows antiseptic properties against the spread of skin infections.
It can be used to soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
In addition, it is stated to help clear acne.
This tea, which helps with internal inflammations, can also be effective in external inflammations when applied topically.
It can be applied to joint areas against joint inflammation and rheumatism.
Treatment of varicose veins. It can be applied with compresses for skin care. It can be applied as a tonic against scurvy.It is especially recommended for people with dark hair. It has the feature of cleaning the toxins from the scalp.

In summary;

Various forms of yarrow have been used as food and medicine since ancient times.
Although studies on its benefits in modern medicine are insufficient, its traditional use has a long history.
There is some anecdotal evidence and animal studies to support the medicinal use of tea.
It is an excellent wound healer; It is an ideal solution to calm inflammatory skin problems.
An herbal tea long known for its ability to heal cuts and wounds.
Recommended for gastrointestinal problems.
Great for anxiety, blood pressure and breathing problems It is a beverage. Important note: The benefits of yarrow tea, especially regarding menstrual periods in women, have not yet been confirmed by clinical studies! Experts recommend this tea for some health problems.

What are the Side Effects of Yarrow Tea?

Like many herbal teas, yarrow tea should be consumed with caution. It is especially important that people with a history of any health problems do not exceed the recommended daily dosage of tea.

Within the framework of experts’ evaluations, we can list the potential side effects of yarrow tea and some other forms of the plant as follows;

Yarrow tea may cause drowsiness in general.
Excessive consumption of this tea may cause dizziness and headaches.
It may cause frequent urination in some people.
Contact dermatitis when used topically and may cause skin irritation. It can make the skin more sensitive to sun rays.
Yarrow; It belongs to the Aster family, which includes plants such as chrysanthemum, ragweed and chamomile. Those who are allergic to one of these herbs may also be allergic to yarrow.
This herb contains small amounts of a toxic substance that is harmful to the liver; however, it is still not considered toxic. Therefore, it is important to consume it in recommended doses.
The blood thinning feature of the plant is due to the substance called “coumarin”.For this reason, it is not seen as safe during breastfeeding.
There is not enough scientific study on whether it is safe for use in children. For this reason, pediatric use is not recommended. In particular, it should not be given to children younger than 5 years old.

On the other hand, yarrow tea may interact with the following drugs;

Yarrow; may interact with blood thinners, lithium, stomach acid reducing drugs, sedatives, blood pressure and epilepsy drugs. This tea can seriously increase or decrease the effect of such drugs.

It should not be used together with the following drugs;

Blood-thinning drugs (such as Warfarin)
Lithium-containing drugs
Stomach acid-reducing drugs (such as Omeprazole)
High blood pressure drugs
Drugs that cause sleepiness (Anticonvulsants and sleeping pills) such as). The recommended daily dosage for people suffering from inflammatory diseases is 4 to 5 grams.

However, there is no clinical study on whether this dose is appropriate for everyone.

For this reason, those who suffer from bleeding disorders or use any blood thinning medication should not consume this tea. It may not be a good idea to consume this tea before and after surgeries!

How to Prepare Yarrow Tea?

The flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are used to make Yarrow tea. These pieces can be used fresh or dry. Powdered form can also be used in some recipes.

When the yarrow plant is brewed to make tea, the beneficial compounds and organic substances in its content mix into the water of the tea. This facilitates the absorption of these substances by the body.

The recipe for the tea is the same as for an ordinary herbal tea;

Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow or 3 fresh leaves.
Boil 1 glass of water.
Add the dried herb or fresh leaves to the water.
Let it steep for 10 minutes.
Consume the leaves with or without straining.

Let’s share some tips about yarrow tea;

Honey or sweetening products can be used to sweeten yarrow tea.
Many recipes indicate that lemon containing vitamin C will make a delicious addition to tea.
The longer the tea brews, the better its flavor; but it becomes bitter.
It can be combined with herbs such as mint, mullein, goldenseal, eucalyptus and chamomile.
When mixed with eucalyptus, its vapors can clear sinus problems and nasal congestion.
With mint and elderflower, it can cure flu and fever. It can be consumed against.It can be found as tea, fresh and dried herbs, capsules, tablets, tinctures and liquid extracts in herbal product stores and online shopping sites. It can also be obtained from nature in suitable regions for its cultivation.

Yarrow plant can be used for the following purposes;

Today, yarrow is cultivated for both medicinal use and gardens.
Many people use the leaves and flowers of this plant in cooking, salads and soups like spinach.
The young leaves of the plant are used in dishes such as spinach leaves, in soups, It can be used in stews and sautés.
Can be substituted for tarragon as a dried or fresh herb.
It can be added to various vinegars and oils to add flavor.
The flowers and leaves of the plant add flavor to soft drinks, liqueurs, sauces and bitters. .
Parts of the plant can also be used in baths. When cooled, it can be applied topically to the skin.
It is used in cleaning agents and shampoos in the cosmetics industry.
Gardens grow yarrow to improve soil quality and against some insect species.
Helps enrich soils by preventing erosion.
It is a rare part of landscaping with its beautiful flower clusters.

Nutritive Value and Content of Yarrow

A glass of yarrow tea contains rich and nutritious components.

For medicinal purposes, the flowers, leaves and stems are collected when it blooms. The flowers and leaves can be eaten directly. These parts are rich in chemical compounds, nutrients and phytochemicals that occur naturally in plants.

Some of these phytochemicals are beneficial flavonoids and terpenes for human health. Among these flavonoids and terpenes isolated from the plant; luteolin, apigenin, casticin, centaureidin, artemetine, sesquiterpenoids, paulitin, isopaulitin, desacetilmatrikarin and psilostaquine.

Also; Commercially available yarrow has a higher proportion of fats, saturated fatty acids, proteins, sugars and flavonoids. In the yarrow in nature; carbohydrates, organic acids, unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and phenolic levels are higher.

Short Facts About Yarrow

• The history of the use of yarrow for food and medicinal purposes, BC. It dates back to the Trojan War in the 1200s.
• More than three thousand years ago, the Ancient Greeks used this plant to treat bleeding wounds.
• The Greek hero Achilles used the leaves and flowers of the plant to protect himself and his soldiers. He treated his wounds.
• In classical times, it was called “herba militaris” (soldier grass) due to its ability to stop the bleeding of war wounds.
• It is stated that it has a history dating back to Neanderthals 60 thousand years ago. .It can be used as a substitute for tarragon in some recipes.
• Yarrow is sweet and has an anise-like scent. However, it also leaves a bitter aftertaste. For this reason, it is often compared to tarragon.
• The powder form of yarrow is used to stop bleeding. It also has a soothing effect when sprinkled on painful wounds.
• Yarrow is the main ingredient in many ointments. Yarrow oil has been used as an ointment for burns in wars using “napalm” bombs.
• It is believed to be a good luck herb in traditional Chinese culture. It has also been used as part of various rituals.
• The Chinese believe that this herbal tea strengthens the mind, energizes the body, and brightens the eyes.
• Yarrow held against the eyes is believed to give a second opinion. .
• Some bird species, such as the starling, use yarrow leaves to line their nests.