Achillea Millefolium, more commonly known as Yarrow, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Yarrow is also known as Bloodwort, Carpenter’s Weed, Devil’s Nettle, Nosebleed, Staunchweed, and Wound Wort (among other names) and is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, Europe, and North America.
The flowering part of the yarrow plant is typically used for medical purposes, although yarrow isn’t just one single plant, the name is applied to around 140 different but closely related varieties that fall into the species category Achillea.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF YARROW
Yarrow plants have been researched for a wide range of health benefits and have been found to have varying degrees of efficacy in treating the following ailments:
A 2017 review of the medical literature on the yarrow plant achillea millefoilum listed several medicinal uses of the plant that have shown promise in studies. One of those uses is as a topical anti-inflammatory.
Multiple studies support yarrow’s anti-inflammatory property. A 2017 paper in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported it had an “evident anti-inflammatory property” with a positive impact on the pH balance of the skin and its moisture content.
A study out of Africa demonstrated an anti-spasmodic effect of yarrow extract in part of the digestive system, which means it may be beneficial in conditions that involve spasms in the digestive tract, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
A 2015 review of the anti-anxiety properties of essential oils found that two varieties of yarrow did appear to help lessen anxiety. Researchers found that it appeared to have this effect with a different mechanism of action than the popular anti-anxiety drug class benzodiazepines.
Neurological Conditions
A 2017 study out of Iran supports the use of yarrow in neurodegenerative disease, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and epilepsy. In MS, researchers say the supplement lessened disease severity, lowered neuroinflammation, and reduced the number of demyelinating lesions.
In Parkinson’s, they say it improved motility and muscle tone. In strokes, it appeared to reduce the infarct volume, and in epilepsy, it reduced the seizure severity.
Other studies support yarrow’s effectiveness for:
- Immune-system support
- Regulating blood sugar in diabetes
- Protecting the liver and gallbladder
- Helping with sleep
- Alleviating hay fever
YARROW EXTRACT FOR HAIR AND HAIR LOSS
Yarrow essential oil has natural astringent properties that help to tighten the pores on the scalp, meaning that the hair follicles are gripped more tightly, helping to slow or ultimately prevent hair loss.
On top of that, the rich linalool and 1,8-cineole content in the yarrow oil penetrates the scalp deeply, nourishing the hair from the follicle and keeping it healthier for longer.
Yarrow can also help to rid the hair of any excess oil or build up that can cling to the hair follicles and cause hair to become matted and clumpy. Repeated use of yarrow in your hair care routine will also help to add volume and protect the hair against damage and split ends.
YARROW EXTRACT IN EVERESCENTS ORGANIC HAIR CARE PRODUCTS
Certified organic Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract is a key ingredient in EverEscents Organic Hair Care’s signature blend of Certified Organic Essential Oils and Extracts and can be found across the range of EverEscents Organic Shampoos and Conditioners. Yarrow is a beneficial ingredient for all hair types and regular use of yarrow in hair care has been shown to promote healthy hair growth, sooth scalp inflammation, remove build-up and reduce hair-loss. These are just some of the reasons why we love yarrow so much and are proud to include it in the EverEscents range of organic hair care products.
Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/yarrow-health-benefits-4586386https://www.mapleholistics.com/blog/yarrow-essential-oil-health-benefits-explained/
