Stress and anxiety are all a part of our everyday lives. So what do you do when you want to relax and get away from it all but your schedule won’t allow it? Try a cup of tea! Tea might not solve all your problems, but it can take your mind off of them and provide some real health benefits too.
Let’s take a look at some of the soothing health benefits of yarrow herbal tea.
What is Yarrow?
Yarrow is perennial herb native to the roadsides and meadows of Europe and America. It is characterized by its white or lavender clusters of flowers and highly segmented leaves. The flower has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health conditions ranging from toothache to menstrual cramps.
The All-Around Health Tonic
Yarrow is used in the therapeutic treatment of inflammation, anxiety, digestive and blood disorders, muscle spasms, wounds, colds, flu, whopping cough and asthma, just to name a few. It is also a potent detoxifier that helps improve immune-system health.
Anxiety Relief
Yarrow contains a mild hypnotic ingredient called thujone, which has a similar effect to that of marijuana. Yarrow tea is best sipped before bedtime to induce relaxation and deeper, more peaceful sleep.
Digestive Aid and Appetite Stimulant
Yarrow tea can be used as an effective digestive aid, especially for those who experience frequent stomach cramping. It acts as an anti-spasmodic by relaxing the smooth muscles in the stomach and intestines.
It also helps the digestive system absorb more nutrients from food and is said to improve quality of appetite. Another bonus? Yarrow tea is a carminative, meaning it helps prevent flatulence. Ideal for those with chronic (and sometimes embarrassing) stomach problems!
Blood Clotting and Wound Treatment
Yarrow has a unique ability to assist in blood clotting and wound treatment because it gently constricts blood vessels. Its antibacterial properties make it useful in minor wound treatment. High blood pressure can also be regulated naturally with yarrow.
Detoxification/Cleansing
Another health benefit of yarrow tea is its potent detoxification and blood cleansing abilities. It acts as a diuretic, encouraging sweating and urination. This helps ease water retention. Pairing this tea with oolong tea for weight loss may help you reach your weight loss goals a little faster.
Allergy Relief
Yarrow tea provides some soothing health benefits for allergy sufferers as well. It has a natural drying effect, which can help ease chronic sinusitis and post nasal drip.
Anti-Inflammatory
For those suffering from chronic pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, yarrow tea may help provide relief. Its natural anti-spasmodic qualities coupled with its ability to improve circulation can help ease arthritis pain. Yarrow helps remove uric acid from the joints and muscles and helps oxygenate and detoxify the blood. Gout sufferers may benefit from yarrow tea as well.
Ease Menstrual Cramps
Severe PMS sufferers may find relief in a soothing cup of yarrow tea. This herb helps increase circulation and encourages menstrual flow without heavy cramping.
Improves Gallbladder Health
The bitter parts and fatty acids in yarrow tea promote bile flow from the gallbladder. This helps improve digestion and prevents the formation of gallstones.
How to Drink Yarrow Tea
Yarrow tea isn’t used the way an ordinary cup of tea is used. You can’t drink it day after day as you would a cup of green or peppermint tea. This medicinal tea has strong cleansing properties and should be limited to one week of continued use, followed by occasional use afterward. Yarrow tea induces sweating and urination, which helps to rapidly detoxify the body and cleanse the blood.
The Best Type of Yarrow Tea
When drinking any type of tea, organic is best. Some teas contain unnecessary preservatives and additives that are not good for your health. For a more eco-friendly option, choose teas without staples or bleached bags. Since few tea companies sell yarrow as their only ingredient, this is only a small list to help you get started.
Celebration Herbals Yarrow Tea
Celebrations Herbals Yarrow tea is 100% organic tea packaged in unbleached teabags. It can be served as a hot infusion or prepared as iced tea.
Terra Vita – Yarrow Flower Tea
Terra Vita also makes a 100% natural pesticide/herbicide free tea containing only crushed yarrow flowers.
Yogi Cold Season Tea
Yogi offers a wide variety of medicinal teas. Yogi Cold Season tea contains a proprietary blend of 100% natural herbs to help you get through an upper respiratory infection. Ingredients include ginger root, licorice root, peppermint leaves, valerian leaf and yarrow flower. This tea helps lessen mucus, opens breathing passages and induces mild relaxation so you can feel better fast.
Yarrow Tea Contraindications
Since yarrow is such strong medicine, it has a few contraindications to consider. Yarrow tea should only be consumed for up to 7-10 days in succession, and then skipped for 5-7 days afterward. Yarrow tea should not be consumed by pregnant women as it relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and may induce miscarriage. Yarrow may cause photosensitivity.
Those with sensitivity to plants in the chrysanthemum family may develop an allergic reaction from yarrow.
Do not drink yarrow if you intend to drive a car or operate machinery within a few hours after. Wait to see how this mild sedative affects you first. Those with serious health conditions or those on medication for mental health reasons should not use yarrow without first consulting their doctor.
Yarrow is a potent herb that can relax your body and mind, ease menstrual pain and cleanse the blood. It can also be used to aid in weight loss and may improve gallbladder health. Overall, this potent health tonic goes a long way in treating what ails you.
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