Evidence supporting the use of: Yarrow
For the body system: Gums

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has a long history of traditional use for oral health, particularly in supporting gum health. Historically, yarrow has been employed in folk medicine for its purported ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing, which included its use as a poultice or mouth rinse to address bleeding gums and oral sores. Its name is even derived from the Greek hero Achilles, who, according to legend, used it to treat wounds.

Yarrow contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which are believed to have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties could theoretically help reduce gum inflammation and bleeding. However, while there are some laboratory studies showing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of yarrow extracts, direct clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for gum health in humans is extremely limited. Most of the support for yarrow in this context comes from ethnobotanical and historical sources rather than controlled scientific studies.

In summary, yarrow's use for supporting gum health is primarily justified by traditional practices, with some plausibility based on its phytochemical composition, but robust scientific validation is lacking.

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