Yarrow as a dietary supplement
Yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, is an herbal dietary supplement traditionally used for its various health benefits. This plant has a historical reputation for treating wounds, inspired by the legend of Achilles using it to stop bleeding during the Trojan War. Yarrow is commonly brewed as tea to promote sweating and potentially fend off colds and flu. Additionally, it has been traditionally applied to control nosebleeds and minor wounds. Although there is some anecdotal evidence supporting its use for anxiety, digestive health, and women's health issues, such as menstrual pain and menopause symptoms, formal scientific studies are limited and more research is necessary to validate these claims.
Yarrow is also noted for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit both skin and liver health, and it may support brain health in conditions like seizures and Parkinson's disease. Generally considered safe, yarrow must be approached with caution in specific populations, including children and pregnant or nursing women, where its safety has not been thoroughly established. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises using thujone-free yarrow extracts, as the substance thujone can be toxic in higher concentrations. Overall, while yarrow's potential benefits are intriguing, they warrant careful consideration and further investigation.
Yarrow as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Herbal product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Colds and flu, stopping bleeding from nosebleeds and minor wounds, digestive health, women's health, ease anxiety, promote circulation, help body detoxify
Overview
According to legend, the Greek general Achilles used yarrow to stop the bleeding of his soldiers’ wounds during the Trojan War; hence, yarrow’s scientific name is Achillea, and the common names are soldier’s wound-wort, bloodwort, and nose bleed. Yarrow has also been used traditionally as a treatment for respiratory infections, menstrual pain, and digestive upsets.
Uses and Applications
Yarrow tea is commonly taken at the first sign of a cold or flu to induce sweating and, according to tradition, ward off infection. Crushed yarrow leaves and flower tops are also applied directly as first aid to stop nosebleeds and bleeding from minor wounds. However, there are no formal scientific studies to confirm yarrow's efficacy for these purposes. Yarrow may also help reduce anxiety and depression by lowering corticosterone levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties may benefit skin and liver health. Additionally, yarrow may have applications for brain health, potentially aiding in conditions from seizures to Parkinson's disease. It may also help relieve digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and appetite loss. Traditionally, yarrow has been used to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual cramps. It may also alleviate some menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and menopause-related anxiety. Finally, yarrow may promote circulation, enhancing cardiovascular health. There have been several double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies that have supported these possible benefits, but more study is needed.
Dosage
Yarrow tea is made by steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of water. Combination products should be taken according to label instructions.
Safety Issues
No clear toxicity has been associated with yarrow. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed concern about a toxic constituent of yarrow known as thujone and permits only thujone-free yarrow extracts for use in beverages. Nonetheless, the common spice sage contains more thujone than yarrow, and the FDA lists sage as generally recognized as safe. The safety of yarrow use by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease, however, has not been established.
Bibliography
Ayoobi, Fatemeh, et al. "Achillea millefolium Is Beneficial as an Add-On Therapy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A RandomizedPlacebo-Controlled Clinical Trial." Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, vol. 52, 2019, pp. 89-97. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.06.017. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
Ayoobi, Fatemeh, et al. "Bio-effectiveness of the Main Flavonoids of Achillea millefolium in the Pathophysiology of Neurodegenerative Disorders- A Review." Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, vol. 20, no. 6, 2017, pp. 604-612, doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2017.8827.
Benedek, B., et al. "Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. s.l.): Pharmaceutical Quality of Commercial Samples." Pharmazie, vol. 63, no. 1, 2008, pp. 23-26, doi:10.1691/ph.2008.7646.
Potrich, F. B., et al. "Antiulcerogenic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Achillea millefolium L.: Involvement of the Antioxidant System." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 130, 2010, pp. 85-92.
"Yarrow Information." Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/yarrow. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.