Originally from Europe, yarrow has spread throughout the world due to both humans and its ability to produce thousands of tiny seeds from a single plant in a small space of time.
Having been used for skincare, a hops substitute in beer and even an appetite stimulant, yarrow has many uses and benefits for which it is becoming renowned for more and more.
Benefits and properties of yarrow
Astringent properties
Yarrows astringent properties encourage muscles and skin to tighten and constrict, causing pores to shrink, varicose veins to reduce in appearance and scars to become less visible. Yarrow is sometimes used as an additive to many different skincare products as it is well suited to the treatment of acne as well as anti-aging and various other skin conditions.
Tobacco substitute
Dried yarrow is sometimes smoked as a substitute for tobacco. Yarrow has a mild stimulant effect when smoked in reasonable amounts and can be used as an aid to quitting smoking.
Hair growth stimulant
Yarrow is sometimes used as a natural way to promote hair growth in both men and women suffering from hair loss, often added to existing shampoos or made into a paste.
Healing of wounds
Yarrow is renowned for reducing inflammation and swelling of injuries and wounds. It encourages the bodies natural healing process and its astringent properties will greatly reduce the amount of scarring left behind. When yarrow is applied to a laceration that is bleeding excessively, it can help to stop the bleeding by encouraging the blood to clot.
Appetite stimulant
Yarrow is commonly ingested to stimulate the appetite. This makes yarrow a natural treatment for disorders such as anorexia, allowing its user to eat more and gain weight.
Digestion aid
The production of saliva is greatly enhanced when yarrow is consumed.
This extra saliva helps break down food faster than usual, neutralises the digestive system and aids in the digestion of food making yarrow an excellent natural remedy for indigestion when taken before or during a meal.
Yarrow can improve your digestive system in many different aspects.
Fever reduction
High temperature and fever can both be reduced using yarrow due to its diuretic properties. When yarrow acts as a diuretic, it enhances the rate at which the body sweats, thus enhancing the body’s natural cooling system. This excessive sweating helps to flush the body of toxins which can also aid in the reduction in the cause of the fever. When used for this reason, large amounts of water should be consumed to aid in the process and stop dehydration.
Menstrual problems
Menstrual related cramps, heavy bleeding or an irregular menstrual cycle that many women are prone to, can be helped by ingesting yarrow on a regular basis. As yarrow encourages muscles to relax, cramps can be drastically reduced and even cease completely. It has even been known to reduce pre-menstrual syndrome by relaxing its user and easing tension.
Menopause
Some of the bodily changes that occur during menopause including hot flushes, stress, anxiety, mood swings, night sweats, fatigue and muscle tension can be alleviated by yarrow’s sedative properties. This means that stress and tension are quickly relived, with the user left calm and relaxed.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure can effectively be lowered using yarrow. When taken with standard blood pressure medications with yarrow, the effects may be much stronger and medical advice should be sought after from your doctor before taking both at once.
Common uses of the yarrow plant
Skincare
Yarrow is an ingredient commonly found in soaps and natural skincare products. Many skincare products that contain yarrow are designed to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Cleansers, toners, masks, soaps and herbal packs are all known to contain yarrow, which is also highly suited to improving acne and oily skin.
A beverage
Yarrow is sometimes drunk as a herbal beverage. A cup of yarrow tea is considered to be a great way to unwind and relax.
Brewing
Yarrow can be used in the place of hops for the brewing of alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine.
Culinary uses
Yarrow can be used as a culinary herb. It is occasionally used in salads and has a subtle lettuce like flavour.
Consuming yarrow as a food is a great way to enjoy it whilst gaining all of its medicinal benefits.
