Yarrow tea may have some health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved digestive health, and wound healing.

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Yarrow tea is brewed from a popular medicinal herb.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been used for thousands of years for its potential health benefits. Its genus name, Achillea, refers to the warrior Achilles in Greek mythology, as he used yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds.

There are 140 different species of Achillea, which are characterized by their clustered flowers and hairy, aromatic leaves.

Some research indicates this plant may have various benefits, including helping with inflammation, wound healing, and digestive health.

Wound healing

Since the times of Ancient Greece, yarrow has been used in poultices and ointments to treat wounds.

This 2019 research noted that yarrow leaf extracts showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which might help with wound healing.

Meanwhile, this small 2017 study also found 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.

More research in human resources in larger clinical studies would be needed to confirm these findings.

You can consult a healthcare professional about any wound healing concerns you may have, to find an appropriate treatment that might work best for you.

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.

This research found that the aerial parts of these plants (the parts above the soil) may contain a bitter digestive tonic, which might help support bile flow and work as a diuretic. The alkaloids in the plant’s levels may also have antioxidant and gastroprotective properties, to help with your overall digestive health.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety

The flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow tea may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In this 2016 literature review, researchers noted that their analysis of studies in the past decade suggested that alkaloids in yarrow tea could play a big role as a natural antidepressant. However, they also pointed out that most of the research involved animal studies and that any conclusive human research was limited.

“In conclusion, enough scientific evidence gathered in our review supported that the plant-based alkaloids can serve as leads for antidepressant drug discovery,” they concluded. “It is key to subject these alkaloids to further clinical studies for efficacy, potency, and safety to ensure their clinical status.”

Brain health

2017 research suggests that yarrow may help with certain brain disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection.

A 2018 research review also made similar findings, noting that the alkaloids present in yarrow may offer possible help for several neurodegenerative diseases, as well as possibly for stroke.

Importantly, that research is based on many earlier studies that are listed and not focused on humans. More clinical trials in people would be needed to validate any findings in order to confirm any possible health benefits that yarrow may have.

You can consult your doctor and healthcare team about any depressive symptoms or anxiety you may experience, and if you have any concerns about brain-related conditions that you might be at risk for.

Inflammation

While inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to cell, tissue, and organ damage.

Research indicates that yarrow has anti-inflammatory effects. Some have used yarrow and yarrow tea to help with symptoms related to inflammation. This may also include possibly reducing skin and liver inflammation and treating skin infections, aging skin, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, this 2023 research also noted that the anti-inflammatory effects of yarrow could also help with the virus causing COVID-19.

Although these results show promise, human research is needed.

Insulin resistance

2020 research notes that yarrow may impact how well the body uses insulin, including for those who live with obesity and insulin resistance.

While only a mouse study, this one examined 3 months of mice fed yarrow extract and found improved insulin responses.

It’s important to note that this animal study is preliminary and isn’t conclusive of how yarrow or yarrow tea extracts would help in human health.

The bottom line

Yarrow has been used medicinally since ancient times, including as an herbal tea.

Research shows that its plant compounds may benefit wound healing, digestive issues, brain conditions, and other possible medical concerns. But it’s important to note that human research on the health implications of yarrow is limited and conclusions are largely based on small or animal-focused studies.

You should always consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplements or natural, alternative treatments to your life for any medical concerns or overall health benefits.