Yarrow Benefits For Hair: Botanical Brilliance
Summary of Yarrow Benefits for Hair
- Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant
- Improves Scalp Circulation
- Anti-DHT Properties Lead to Hair Growth by Minimizing Androgen Induced Miniaturization of Hair Follicles.
- Bioactives Smooth and Protect the Hair Cuticle
- Anti-Dandruff Properties
- Reduces Hair Frizz
Name
YARROW // Scientific Name: Achillea Millefolium
Achillea: named after Achilles. Legend has it Achilles used Yarrow to treat wounds of soldiers
Latin: Millefolium =" A Thousand Leaves"
Genus: Achillea Family: Asteraceae
Plant
Perennial herb that is part of the Aster family. Easily recognized by feathery-fern like leaves and clusters of tiny pale pink and white flowers. Grows to heights up to three feet. Thrives in open fields, meadows and along road side. Prevalent in North America, Europe and Asia. Very hardy plant.
Historical Uses
Throughout history, yarrow has been celebrated for its multi-purpose healing properties. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Native Americans, relied on it to treat wounds, reduce inflammation, and purify the blood. Its nickname, "soldier's woundwort," underscores its traditional use in stopping bleeding—long before modern bandages existed.
Yarrow has a long history of use for various skin disorders since the Middle Ages. In the Compendium medicum auctum, a Polish medical book from the 18th century noted the utility of yarrow in various skin disorders. Yarrow leaves were used in traditional European medicine to stop wound bleeding and promote healing of minor wounds and ulcerations. Middle Eastern medicine confirmed its utility in skin and inflammatory disorders. Other historical uses include utility as an astringent, anti-inflammatory and for menstrual pain.
Modern Day Use
- Cosmetic skin brightening
- Sensitive skin lotions
- Hair care and scalp health
- Home remedy for varicose veins
- Wound healing and skin health
- Astringent properties
- Antioxidant
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Antimicrobial activity
- antispasmodic of digestive tract
What Are the Benefits of Yarrow for Hair?
When it comes to hair care, yarrow played a significant role in folk medicine. Its reputation for promoting stronger, healthier hair was built on its ability to stimulate circulation and soothe the scalp. Dried yarrow leaves and flowers were often infused in oil or steeped in hot water to create herbal rinses. These remedies were said to preserve natural shine, minimize dandruff, and support overall scalp health.
Today scientific evidence has showed that bioactive within Yarrow have a wide range of health benefits, including effects on hair.
Anti DHT properties facilitate a promotion of hair growth through reversal of miniaturization of hair follicles.
Improvement of circulation and antimicrobial properties promote improved scalp health. In turn this can improve hair health. Presence of Camphor improves hair shaft strength and vitality.
Here is a deeper dive into the bioactives within Yarrow plant.
Phytonutrient Profile:
Linalool
- Sedative
- Anxiolytic
- Anti-depressant
- Stimulates scalp, improved blood circulation
Stigmasterol
- Anti-Oxidant
- Potential anti proliferation activity
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Skin calming effects
- Promotes hair growth through multiple pathways
Beta Sitosterol
- Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
- Lowers cholesterol
- Promotes hair growth
- Anti-inflammatory
Chlorogenic acid
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diabetes management
- Cardiovascular health
- Potential in anti-aging
Schaftoside
- Potent antioxidant
- Neuroprotective
Apigenin-7-O-glucoside
- Potential implications in colitis
- Anxiolytic
1,8-Cineole
- Potential in COPD
- Potential in hair growth
Borneol
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-dandruff properties
- Implications in hair growth
Camphor
- Smooths follicle shaft and decreases frizz
- Prevents Dandruff and itch scalp
- Improves scalp circulation
This Innovative Hair Growth Foam Contains a Proprietary Botanical Blend + the Benefits of Yarrow for Promotion of Hair and Soothing of Scalp.
Recipes
What Different Forms Can Yarrow Be Consumed?
Yarrow can be consumed in various forms such as yarrow tea, yarrow tincture, yarrow capsules, or even applied topically as yarrow oil. Each form offers unique benefits for hair health, promoting growth and scalp health with its natural properties.
Yarrow, Lemon Balm and Honey Tea
- Bundle lemon balm and yarrow from your garden together.
- Hang dry.
- Once dry place herbs in teapot.
- Boil water and pour into teapot.
- Let steep for 15 minutes.
- Pour in cup and add honey to desired taste.
- Drink your way to better health and happier follicles.
Yarrow Infused Oil
- Gather ingredients:
- Dried Yarrow Flower and Yarrow Root (grow yourself or get at an herbal shop)
- Carrier Oil: Jojoba Oil
- Preparation:
- Place dried plant in a clean jar.
- Fully submerge the plants with Jojoba Oil
- Infusion:
- Seal jar tightly, vacuum seal if possible. Place in a warm, sunny spot for 2-4 weeks. Shake gently every few days.
- Final Steps:
- Strain the oil through cheese cloth into a dark container.
- Store somewhere cool and dry.
Side Effects and Possible Contraindications
While Yarrow, and herbal extracts in general, have a medley of potential benefits supported by both folk medicine and scientific evidence, it is not for everyone. Potential side effects exist for all herbal remedies and Yarrow is no exception. Lets dive in deeper into the pitfalls to avoid. Further, a variety of conditions may be exacerbated with the use of Yarrow. Lets dive deeper into potential adverse effects.
Allergic Reactions
Individuals with sensitivities to the plant family Asteraceae should proceed with caution when considering use of Yarrow extract. Symptoms may include:
- Skin redness or rash.
- Skin irritation or skin inflammation (contact dermatitis).
- Hives or bumps on skin.
Contraindications
Certain groups should approach herbal medicine and herbal extracts with caution, these include:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Yarrow can lead to uterine contractions and influence hormonal levels. Pregnant women should avoid or consult a health care provider.
- Bleeding Disorders: Yarrow can slow blood clotting. Those with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants should avoid Yarrow.
- Pre-Surgery: Its anticoagulant properties make it best to stop using Yarrow 1-2 weeks prior to surgery, given the risk of bleeding.
Check with your healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedies if you fall into these groups.
References
- Strzępek-Gomółka M, Gaweł-Bęben K, Kukula-Koch W. Achillea Species as Sources of Active Phytochemicals for Dermatological and Cosmetic Applications. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Mar 25;2021:6643827. doi: 10.1155/2021/6643827. PMID: 33833853; PMCID: PMC8018854.
- Tadić V, Arsić I, Zvezdanović J, Zugić A, Cvetković D, Pavkov S. The estimation of the traditionally used yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. Asteraceae) oil extracts with anti-inflamatory potential in topical application. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Mar 6;199:138-148. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.02.002. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28163113.
- Farasati Far B, Behzad G, Khalili H. Achillea millefolium: Mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic, clinical drug-drug interactions and tolerability. Heliyon. 2023 Nov 30;9(12):e22841. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22841. PMID: 38076118; PMCID: PMC10703637.
- Saeidnia S, Gohari A, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F. A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea. Daru. 2011;19(3):173-86. PMID: 22615655; PMCID: PMC3232110.
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