Yarrow Tea: What You Should Know
Table of Contents
In my anticipation for Spring, I find myself checking my perennials daily. Now that the coldest frosts have passed and the cocoons and chrysalides have hatched out of last year’s plant growth, I’ve cut back the withered and dried detritus to reveal soft leaves sprouting anew. I am especially delighted to find fresh and feathery silver leaves of yarrow, for I know this is the best time of year to harvest, when leaves are tender and the least bitter.
Not only is yarrow drought-tolerant and beneficial to pollinators in the garden, this tender and hardy herb succors common human ailments.
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Uses of Yarrow Tea
Yarrow, Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae), is said to support cold and flu recovery, as well as hay fever and digestive infections. The volatile oils in the aerial parts of the plant (all of the plant that grows above ground) are anti-inflammatory, and a component in the oils that are released when introduced to steam (known as azulene) are antiallergenic and anti-inflammatory.[1]Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 56.[2]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 211.
As such, yarrow heals against viral infections, promotes a healthy menstrual cycle and overall blood circulation against varicose veins and hypertension. It is also found in studies that yarrow dilates blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure, similarly to how ACE inhibitors act.[3]Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 56.
Biochemical components found in yarrow include:[4]Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 56.[5]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 211.
- Volatile oil with linalool, camphor, sabinene, and proazulene (anti-allergenic)
- Sesquiterpene lactones (bitter and anti-tumor)
- Flavonoids (stop bleeding, possibly contributes to antispasmodic properties)
- Alkaloid achilleine (stop internal and external bleeding)
- Cineol (mucolytic and spasmolytic action on the respiratory tract)
- Triterpenes (antioxidant, wound healing)
- Phytosterols (reducing cholesterol absorption)
- Tannins (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects)
Effects of yarrow include:[6]Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 56.[7]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 211.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antipyretic
- Antispasmodic
- Antiviral
- Astringent
- Bitter tonic
- Carminative
- Febrifuge
- Hemostatic
- Increased blood flow and circulation (stimulant)
- Increased pelvic circulation and strength against amenorrhea, menorrhagia, and vaginal leucorrhea
- Induced sweating (stimulating diaphoretic)
- Lower blood pressure
- Mild diuretic
- Reduced or breaking fever
- Regulated menstruation, reduced flow, and eased pain
- Stomachic
- Stopped internal bleeding
- Urinary antiseptic
- Vulnerary
Cautions
While yarrow is generally safe for use, it should be reserved for medicinal purposes. Several components of yarrow are less-safe in large quantities, such as tannins, and individuals with blood disorders or who are pregnant or undergoing surgery should avoid the tea before discussing with their physician.
Taste
Yarrow leaves and flower have a soft herbal taste that matches their smell perfectly. It’s hard to describe, but absolutely unforgettable. The earthy herb itself has a gentle sweetness with a slightly bitter astringent yet warming fresh aftertaste, but is overall pleasant and aromatic. The flavor can be likened to the taste or tarragon or oregano, but the cineol in the volatile oil provides a sharp kick of the medicinal flavor of juniper, pine, or eucalyptus.
The taste is reminiscent of the fresh air one intakes when hiking through a forest in the early morning. Plants growing alongside the trail are gently crushed underfoot, releasing an aroma of herb and earth. This description is abstract, but I think those who are also fond of yarrow might agree with the sentiment.
I have found that yarrow is greatly complimented by lemon balm and/or peppermint, and younger and softer leaves are less bitter than their fully-grown counterparts.
Preparation
Yarrow flowers are strongest in volatile oil during dry weather, which improves their medicinal properties. Collecting flowers after a 3-week drought is recommended. [8]Thomas Easley and Steven Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, pg. 325.
Crush fresh leaves for tea to release the oils. If yarrow has been dried and preserved, keep leaves intact until they are ready to be steeped into the tea. This will maintain as much volatile oil as possible.
Recipes
Yarrow Tea Cold Remedy
Combine equal parts yarrow, mint, lemon balm, and elder flower dried components. 1 tsp of the mixture is needed per 3/4 cups of water three times per day.[9]Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 56.
Alternatively, use 1 ounce of the tea mix per 1 pint of water. Let the tea steep in water between 180 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes before drinking. After drinking, lay in bed under covers and expect sweating to occur. When sufficiently warmed and sweated, refresh with water and a cool sponge bath, then return to bed to rest and heal. [10]Thomas Easley and Steven Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, pg. 151.
Yarrow and elder flower are the key herbs in this mixture, and peppermint acts as a balancing herb and catalyst. Lemon balm supports the tea’s antiviral effect and balances the flavor.
Additional herbs that can be added are: chamomile for digestion, nerves, and reduced inflammation (half part); elder berries for antiviral effect (half part) and catnip for digestion and fever reduction (half part).
References
