2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Yarrow / achilea millefolium / is one of the most famous and widespread herbs in the world, which belongs to the family Compositae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches a height of 1 meter. The whole is covered with gray hairs, which determine its gray-whitish color.
Its name Millefolium suggests that the main characteristic of the plant are its thousands of petals, which are located on elongated stems. Its inflorescences are flat, composed of a large number of small flowers, resembling baskets. The whole terrestrial part of the plant is used, with or without the flowers.
History of yarrow
Archaeological excavations in Iraq show that yarrow has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times. In the first century, the ancient Roman military physician Pedanius Dioscorides was the first to mention yarrow as a means of healing wounds. In the 4th century, the doctor Marcellus Empiricus recommended it against nosebleeds.
In the Middle Ages yarrow is one of the most cultivated medicinal plants in the monasteries of the Dominicans and Benedictines. In the 18th century in European pharmacies began to sell water, essence, extract and oil from yarrow. The fresh juice of the herb was used against stomach problems and kidney stones.
For two millennia, millions of Chinese have been using yarrow for divination - the so-called Achilles mania. For this purpose, 50 stalks of the herb are used, made on sticks of equal length, which when spread form different shapes.
Although so widespread and long known, the herb has not yet been the subject of serious medical research. For this reason, its use is limited to the field of cosmetics and folk medicine.
Composition of yarrow
Yarrow has a specific chemical composition. It contains a large amount of essential oils / camphor, chamazulene, sabine /, beta-carotene, tannins, resins, flavonoids, alkaloids, choline, formic, acetic and salicylic acid, vitamins K and C, mineral salts / salts of zinc, magnesium, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt and iron. Yarrow seeds contain up to 21% of essential oils. The herb also contains Achilles / bitter substance /, tannins, asparagine and nitrates.
Collection and storage of yarrow
All above-ground parts of the herb are used in herbal medicine - leaves, flowers and stem. They are picked shortly before the full bloom of flowers, cut near their upper branch, without taking the stem part. Stems are harvested from July to September. They are dried for about 5 hours in the sun, after which they are dried in the shade.
Yarrow is a very common herb that can be purchased from almost any pharmacy, herbalist or specialty store. It is most common in the dried state. Store yarrow in a dry and cool place, packed in a plastic or other bag.
Benefits of yarrow
The composition of the herb predetermines its valuable qualities as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial and sedative agent for external use. Thanks to the ingredient chamazulene, yarrow is believed to have an anti-allergic effect. Its good anti-inflammatory effect makes it a very valuable remedy for colds and various flu conditions.
Yarrow enhances appetite and gastric secretion. It is used as a prophylactic against the formation of kidney stones. It has antispasmodic and tonic effects.
Folk medicine with yarrow
The most widely used yarrow is in the form of tea. The tea from the medicinal plant is used for menstrual problems as an effective hemostatic agent. It has a sedative effect on women in menopause, a valuable aid in white discharge, fibroids or ovarian inflammation. Yarrow tea normalizes the motor and secretory function of the stomach.
The healing drink is a great painkiller. This tea has been declared one of the most useful and healing. To prepare it, pour 15 mg of the herb with 200 ml of boiling water. Once cool, take one tablespoon 3 times daily before meals. With a decoction of yarrow gargling can be done for inflammation of the oral mucosa and bleeding gums.
Yarrow infusion is recommended for people suffering from heartburn, chest pain, intestinal infections and bleeding in the stomach. For this purpose, you should drink 2-3 glasses a day. Yarrow tea is also useful in biliary and liver infections because the herb soothes spasms and increases the secretion of bile.
The ointment from yarrow is very effective in hemorrhoids. To do this, heat 90 g of lard (premixed) or skimmed butter and add 15 g of finely chopped fresh flowers of the herb and 15 g of chopped raspberry leaves. Fry the resulting mixture lightly and remove from the heat. The next day, lightly warm the ointment, strain it with a linen cloth and pour it into small jars. Store in the refrigerator.
Yarrow infusion baths are useful for both hemorrhoids and white flow, urinary incontinence, ovarian inflammation, vaginitis and other gynecological infections. To prepare the bath, soak 100 g of the herb in cold water and leave overnight. The next day, boil the mixture and strain it.
Yarrow compresses help with bruises, sprains, cuts and various burns. Yarrow tincture is very effective for colds and rheumatic pains. Soak a handful of yarrow in 300 ml of brandy or medical alcohol and leave for two weeks.
Harm from yarrow
Yarrow enhances uterine contractions, so it should not be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Taking high doses of the herb can cause dizziness and headaches.
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From yarrow , sage, rosemary, eucalyptus we can prepare universal teas and ointments. These plants can also be used as protection against a number of diseases, as they have healing properties. How to make yarrow tea? One teaspoon of finely chopped yarrow is added to a glass of water.
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