Yew – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, August 18, 2017 by Earl Garcia

While often dismissed as a highly poisonous plant, yew is occasionally used as a remedy to various conditions. According to an article posted on the Bitterroot Restoration website, the plant shows potential in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers. However, the article stressed that the plant should still be kept out of children’s reach.

List of known nutrients

Yew is touted to contain powerful components that fend off a variety of health woes. Separate entries from Fruits Info and Herbpathy websites show that the plant contains:

Alkaloids
Diterpenes
Lignans
Protein
Resins
Sodium
Tannins
Taxine

Medicinal uses for yew

Yew is best known for its potential in treating various types of cancer. According to an article on the Health Gharelu Nuskhe website, yew may mitigate the development of breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. The article notes that compounds found in yew may help neutralize the cancer cells that proliferate on the affected organs.

The plant is also a highly regarded remedy to animal bites. In fact, yew has been long used as a cure to snake bites by reducing and subsequently eliminating snake venom that is injected within the body. Likewise, the plant is touted to alleviate symptoms of rabies.

Aside from this, certain parts of the plant is shown to be effective in relieving arthritis. The leaves have also been used for centuries as an addition to steam bath to relieve rheumatism. Likewise, young shoots and berries can be processed into a homeopathic agent.

In addition, yew contains antispasmodic and expectorant properties that help alleviate certain respiratory conditions such as cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Likewise, the plant is touted to possess powerful compounds that fortify the body’s overall immunity. The superfood is also known to address other immune system-related conditions such as fever. Besides this, yew is shown to provide an extra burst of energy to help the body carry out many important functions.

Moreover, the superfood contains emmenagogue properties that promote healthy menstrual cycle in women. Among men, the plant is shown to effectively address a plethora of prostate-related diseases. Likewise, yew is known to maintain the body’s hormonal balance.

Yew is also beneficial in keeping the pancreas healthy.

Furthermore, yew is known to alleviate the following:

Hiccup
Indigestion
Epilepsy
Cystitis
Eruptions
Headaches
Heart Problems
Kidney Disease

Body systems supported by yew

Yew is particularly beneficial to the body’s immune system. Likewise, the plant supports the bones and joints. The superfood also fortifies the respiratory system. In addition, yew is especially helpful in maintaining a healthy digestive profile. Furthermore, the superfood promotes brain, heart, and kidney health.

Ways to use yew

Yew berries are the only edible part of the plant. The berries can be processed into jams or preserves with a gooey consistency. In fact, an article posted on the Medium website described the berries’ consistency as something worse than raw egg white. However, the fruit’s sweet taste is akin to the mild sweetness of bananas. The article features a step-by-step guide in making yew berry jam.