Yarrow tea
Yarrow Tea / YÁR WĂN TǎI is a traditional Chinese medicine.
It has been used for over 2000 years as an herb to promote blood circulation, remove toxins and relieve menstrual cramps in women. The name of the plant comes from its use by ancient Greeks who called it “milk thistle”. The root was also referred to as chai huang or ‘cinnamon’ due to its pungent smell, which resembles cinnamon’s aroma.
History of Yarrow Tea
Chinese people have long known about yarrows medicinal properties and how to prepare them into a delicious drink. In China, yarrow was cultivated together with other medicinal herbs like safflower, burdock and ginseng. These were mixed together and boiled down until the liquid turned dark brownish-red. This tea had a very strong taste so that even children could enjoy drinking it. People would add honey to sweeten up the bitter flavor. Today we know it as yár wán tài or literally translated as chicken soup/tea.
In Europe, especially Germany, Austria and Switzerland, yarrow was used medicinally much earlier than in China. They started using yarrow to treat stomach ulcers and diarrhea almost 1000 years ago. Later during World War II German soldiers drank yarrow tea to help fight off fatigue and improve their general state of well being. After the war ended, Germans began exporting yarrow back home.
As time went by, the medicinal benefits of yarrow increased and people began discovering new uses for it. By the 1970s scientists discovered that yarrow contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents and is effective against cancer cells. Nowadays, medical professionals recommend yarrow tea because it is considered safe for consumption.
5 Emerging Benefits and Uses of Yarrow Tea
Achillea has 140 distinct species, which are distinguished by their clustered blooms and hairy, fragrant leaves. According to research, this plant may offer a variety of advantages when used as a herbal tea, extract, or essential oil. Here are 5 new advantages of this tea.
Wound Healing May Be Accelerated
Yarrow has been used to heal wounds in poultices and ointments since the time of Ancient Greece. In one animal research, yarrow leaf extracts were found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, both of which help in wound healing. Furthermore, this study discovered that yarrow leaf extract may boost fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for rebuilding connective tissue and assisting your body in recovering from damage. According to preliminary research, yarrow leaf extract and ointment may aid in wound healing. However, more research on yarrow tea is required.
Digestive issues may be alleviated.
Yarrow has traditionally been used to treat digestive problems such as ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes stomach discomfort, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. In reality, this herb includes a number of flavonoids and alkaloids, which are plant components that have been shown to alleviate digestive issues. Animal studies suggest that yarrow tea may have digestive advantages, such as reducing ulcers and IBS symptoms.
May Aid in the Reduction of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
The flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow tea may help with depression and anxiety symptoms. Plant-based alkaloids, such as those found in yarrow tea, have been shown in studies to lower the release of corticosterone, a hormone that is elevated during chronic stress. In one study, mice were given yarrow essential oils orally, which decreased anxiety and stimulated daily mental and physical activity.
However, these findings are preliminary and do not necessarily relate to human anxiety. Furthermore, essential oils should not be consumed. As a result, human study on yarrow tea is required.
Could Benefit Brain Health
Yarrow has been proven to help with a variety of brain illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and encephalomyelitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection. According to a recent animal research, yarrow extract decreased the severity of encephalomyelitis, as well as the brain inflammation, spinal cord and brain damage it produced.
Furthermore, a mouse research discovered that the antioxidants in yarrow had anti-seizure properties, making this plant a viable therapy for patients with epilepsy. Additional rodent studies suggest that this plant may help to prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as memory loss and deficits in motor mobility and muscle tone. These investigations, however, are preliminary and restricted to animals.
Could Help Fight Inflammation
While inflammation is a normal biological reaction, it can cause cell, tissue, and organ damage if it is not treated. Yarrow has the potential to decrease skin and liver inflammation, which might aid in the treatment of skin infections, symptoms of skin aging, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In a test-tube research, yarrow extract not only reduced inflammation but also improved skin hydration.
Other research suggests that this extract may help to decrease liver inflammation as well as combat fevers. Although these findings are encouraging, further human study is required. Summary Although studies on yarrow tea is limited, it has been shown to decrease both liver and skin inflammation.
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