Medical & Health Benefits of Yarrow – A blooming plant called yarrow has been used for generations in traditional medicine to treat skin wounds and reduce inflammation. Yarrow may also be used medicinally to treat neurological diseases, anxiety, and digestive issues.
There is some preliminary research that appears to support the vast variety of medicinal benefits for yarrow.
The advantages, dangers, and potential negative consequences of yarrow are covered in this article.
Benefits of Yarrow – Uses of Yarrow in Medicine
Numerous health issues and disorders that yarrow plants have historically been used to treat have been studied. The uses listed below have all been studied in some way. However, the majority of them have been carried out on lab-isolated cells or animals.
So yes, there haven’t been many human trials. That implies that research is still in its early phases, and before the whole safety and value potential of the yarrow is validated, the findings must be duplicated in bigger, more comprehensive trials.
Inflammation – Benefits of Yarrow
The yarrow plant, Achillea millefolium L., has a number of potential therapeutic benefits, according to a 2021 assessment of the medical research on the topic. Use as a dermal anti-inflammatory is one of such purposes.
Numerous research back up its anti-inflammatory effects. According to a 2021 study that appeared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it exhibited an “evident anti-inflammatory effect” that improved the pH balance and moisture content of the skin.
Healing of Wound – Benefits of Yarrow
Both Achillea millefolium and Achillea Asiatica have shown promising early outcomes when used topically to treat wounds. Researchers found that the herb was successful in treating rat skin lesions in a 2021 survey on Achillea Asiatica essence through a variety of cellular actions.
A 2020 research published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine showed that Achillea millefolium ointments helped episiotomies heal more quickly. (An episiotomy is a brief incision made in the perineum by medical professionals occasionally during delivery.)
Digestive Disorders – Benefits of Yarrow
Research from Africa found that Achillea millefolium L. had an anti-spasmodic action in a portion of the digestive system, suggesting that it may be helpful for disorders like irritable bowel syndrome that cause convulsions in the digestive tract.
Anxiety – Benefits of Yarrow
Two types of yarrow, Achillea umbellate and Achillea wilhemsii, did appear to help lower anxiety, according to a 2018 evaluation of the anti-anxiety characteristics of essential oils. According to researchers, it seems to work differently than the prevalent benzodiazepine medication family to have this effect.
Neurological Conditions – Benefits of Yarrow
According to a 2019 Iranian research, Achillea millefolium is effective in treating neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and epilepsy. Findings from animal research are the foundation for this conclusion.
According to studies, the supplement diminished the severity of multiple sclerosis, decreased neuroinflammation, and decreased the frequency of demyelinating lesions.
They claim that it enhanced muscle tone and motility in Parkinson’s patients. Also appeared to lessen the infarct amount in cases of stroke, and it lessened the intensity of seizures in cases of epilepsy.
Potential Side Effects
Even when a product is labeled as “natural,” you should still take it the same way you would a prescription medicine since even natural chemicals can have adverse effects and drug interactions. Although yarrow is often thought to be safe for therapeutic usage, certain adverse effects might include: • Drowsiness • Increased urination
• Skin irritation from topical usage.
However, using yarrow supplements may pose significant dangers to specific groups of people.
Blood Clotting Slower
Yarrow has the potential to reduce blood clotting. You have to cease consuming yarrow at minimum two weeks before your procedure. Make absolutely sure the medical personnel is aware of this potential danger if you require urgent surgery.
Similar to how it should be avoided by those with known bleeding issues, yarrow usage should be avoided without first seeing a healthcare professional.
Allergies
You could potentially be allergic to yarrow if you have a plant allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae species. Other members of the family of plants are:
• Daisies
• Marigolds
• Ragweed
Before using yarrow, see your doctor if you suffer from plant allergies but aren’t sure whether they extend to this specific genus of plants.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It is not advised to use yarrow when nursing or pregnant. Yarrow is said to be able to promote a woman’s menstruation cycle when consumed orally. If you ingest it when you’re pregnant, it might put you in danger of miscarriage.
It is best to wait until your infant has been weaned before using yarrow because we currently don’t know enough about its potential risks when breastfed.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines are thought to interact poorly with yarrow.
• Lithium: Yarrow may prolong the half-life of this medication in your body.
. Blood clotting can also be slowed down by anti-inflammatories and anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications.
• Sedatives: Yarrow also has sedative properties.
• Antacids and other drugs like H2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors that lower stomach acid: Yarrow may raise stomach acid and lessen the impact of antacids.
Avoid using yarrow if you’re receiving any of these, and consult your doctor before including it in your treatment plan.
Selection, Preparation, and Storage
Supplements containing yarrow are offered as pills, capsules, tinctures, and essential oils. The yarrow plant’s floral part is usually utilized for medicinal reasons.
Although there isn’t a set dosage for yarrow, daily doses of 250 mg to 500 mg have been used in certain trials without side effects for up to a year. The quantity required to be beneficial may vary from individual to individual based on a number of variables as well as the intended use of the yarrow.
Always heed the warnings on product labels, and consult your doctor and pharmacist before making any decisions. If you’re buying yarrow supplements at a shop, look for ones that have been approved by a third party.
A Word from MediUpdates – Benefits of Yarrow
Regarding the treatment of particular medical disorders, Yarrow appears promising. But keep in mind that just because something is natural doesn’t imply it’s without potential adverse effects.
Your medical treatment team may advise you on whether to incorporate yarrow into your daily routine and, if so, how to do so safely. In the event that you do use it, be on the lookout for adverse effects, allergies, and drug combinations just like you would with prescribed medicine.
Is yarrow poisonous?
Animals can be poisoned by the yarrow plant. It has alkaloids and achilleine, which are poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses. Yarrow may also be poisonous to humans in high concentrations. However, the quantity of yarrow in typical yarrow supplement dosages ought to be secure.
Does Yarrow help Skin and Hair?
Popular ingredients in hair and skin care products include yarrow essential oil. Yarrow has astringent qualities that make it beneficial for persons with oily skin when used topically. Yarrow is said to promote hair development and relieve scalp irritations when used in hair care.
Is Yarrow harmful to Fertility?
Yarrow phytochemicals are thought to aid female fertility, however, the information is sparse. Although the herb may trigger uterine contractions and cause miscarriage, pregnant or attempting to get pregnant women should not consume it.
