The combination of mint and yarrow not only brings a pleasant aroma but also remarkable benefits for the stomach, liver, and tired gallbladder. Preparing it as cold tea (hot infusion, then cooled) is ideal for preserving its active qualities and providing a tonic and refreshing effect.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- Mint (Mentha piperita): antispasmodic, carminative, refreshing, and calming for abdominal cramps. Stimulates bile and reduces nausea.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): regulates gastric secretion, aids in slow digestion, bloating, and discomfort after meals. It also has mild anti-inflammatory effects.
- (optional) Lemon: for flavor and vitamin C.
- (optional) Honey: for a pleasant taste and mild antiseptic effect.
Simple Recipe for Digestive Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of dried mint
- 1 tablespoon of dried yarrow
- 500 ml hot water
- (optional) 2-3 slices of lemon
- (optional) 1 tablespoon of honey (after cooling)
Preparation Method:
- Pour hot water (not boiling) over the dried herbs.
- Cover the pot and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and let it cool.
- Add lemon and honey only after the tea is warm or cold.
- Store in the refrigerator and consume cold within 24 hours.
Benefits: How This Combination Works
1. Stimulates Digestion and Combats Bloating
The menthol in mint relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, while the flavonoids in yarrow regulate the production of gastric and bile juices. This combined action helps in cases of slow digestion, bloating, a feeling of heaviness after meals, or indigestion.
It is recommended to consume a cold cup after main meals or as needed.
2. Calms Abdominal Cramps and Discomfort
Both plants have antispasmodic effects: they reduce painful contractions in the intestines, being useful in colic, irritable bowel syndrome, or functional abdominal pain.
They can also be consumed by sensitive individuals, especially in summer when abdominal discomfort is common.
3. Gentle Hepatic and Biliary Tonic
Yarrow stimulates the secretion and elimination of bile, which helps the liver and the digestion of fats. Mint complements this effect, promoting faster evacuation of bile from the bladder. This combination is useful in biliary dyskinesia or for an overworked liver.
4. Natural Refreshing Effect, Caffeine-Free
In addition to its therapeutic effects, the tea has a pleasant, slightly bitter, and refreshing taste, perfect for warm days. It can be a healthy alternative to carbonated drinks or post-meal coffee.
Contraindications
- Mint: may exacerbate gastric reflux in some individuals with a sensitive esophagus.
- Yarrow: contraindicated in pregnancy (stimulates the uterus), allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family.
- Long-term use without breaks is not recommended.
- Not suitable for young children without medical advice.
Sources:
- Peppermint oil in gastrointestinal disorders, Phytotherapy Research, 2020
- Achillea millefolium in traditional medicine: phytochemical and pharmacological overview, Plants Journal, 2021
- Flavonoid-rich herbs and their role in digestive health, Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2019
