Yarrow contains more than 120 compounds. One of these, azulene, is an effective anti-inflammatory and fever reducer. Yarrow is also used to stimulate the liver so it does a better job of flushing out body wastes, and this is the function that s helpful if you have endometriosis and need to flush excess estrogen, says Jennifer Brett, N.D., a naturopathic doctor at the Wilton Naturopathic Center in Stratford, Connecticut. Because yarrow also helps to balance hormones, it s often prescribed by herbalists to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroid tumors, and menopausal hot flashes. Yarrow has antispasmodic properties that help relax muscles that cramp or contract, so it can ease your uterine and abdominal muscles.
Yarrow capsules are available in drugstores and health food stores.
It s not recommended if you re pregnant, however. Other Factors Lipotropic factors are another supplement that will help your liver excrete toxins, says Dr. Silbert. In general, they work to unclog the liver so it can do its job better, she says. Look in health food stores for a product labeled lipotropic factors and select the one that contains the closest ratio of the three factors. Check the label for directions.