Yarrow or Aquilea is an herb native to Eurasia that has been used since millennia in many ways by folk medicine. Besides growing easily in almost any cool environment, it is very pretty and has a pleasant aroma. However, its great prestige lies in the amount of medicinal benefits it provides, since it is used for the treatment of various conditions, either through topical or oral treatments.
This makes it extremely useful for the preparation of home remedies with the use of flowering tops, which have active principles such as essential oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, curmarins and vitamin C.
We present you the benefits of yarrow tea consumption .
4 benefits of yarrow tea
1. Relieves digestive problems
Yarrow tea contains flavonoids, which represent an important source of protection for the human body, and that it cannot produce by itself.
These plant pigments protect the body from damage caused by oxidizing agents, thanks to their chelation and elimination properties of minerals, chemical substances and free radicals present in food, having therapeutic effects in a high number of pathologies, such as the following:
- Helps to reverse digestive disorders and promotes the expulsion of gases
- Relieves gastrointestinal spasms, nausea and vomiting
- Combat episodes of diarrhea
- Stimulates the secretion of gastric juices that increase appetite and helps fight anorexia
- Reduces inflammation in liver and gallbladder
- Promotes the dissolution and elimination of gallstones and kidney stones
2. Helps reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and nervousness
Yarrow tea also contains alkaloids of plant origin , which reduce the secretion of corticosterone, which is a hormone with high presence during periods of prolonged or chronic stress. Likewise, yarrow contains a compound in small amounts that has hypnotic properties that promotes relaxation, and helps fight nervous disorders and nervousness.
At the same time, it provides benefits on the respiratory system, helping us breathe better, which helps us relax more easily and find the tranquility we need in the face of stress. It is even indicated by doctors to combat ailments related to the respiratory system such as asthma or bronchitis.
In addition, it is also used to deal with insomnia and provide us with a more restful sleep, as well as to reduce anxiety and improve mood considerably, which is why it is highly recommended to drink yarrow tea every night before going to bed.
3. Helps brain health
Yarrow is also rich in choline, which facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses and helps maintain good memory. Likewise, it has been shown to help prevent certain brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and encephalomyelitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection.
Additionally, the plant antioxidants in yarrow have anticonvulsant effects , making this herb a promising treatment for people with epilepsy.
4. Combat inflammation, infections and other pathologies
In addition to all of the above, this herb can also reduce inflammation of the skin and liver, having an effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. In this way, it helps treat skin infections, signs of aging or dry skin and accelerates wound healing , thanks to the fact that it also increases skin moisture.
As if that were not enough, it has been proven that this plant reduces blood pressure, due to its anxiolytic properties, helping to control cases of hypertension.
As a precaution, it is suggested that pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders or people who have planned any surgical intervention or surgery in the next 15 days, do not consume yarrow tea since it produces a greater risk of bleeding due to its effects such as blood stimulant in the body.
References
- Bantilan, C. (2019) 5 Emerging Benefits and Uses of Yarrow Tea. For Healthline. [Revised March 2020]
