Yarrow beneficial properties and contraindications for women and men described in this article is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. Distributed almost everywhere. Its beneficial properties are highly valued by herbalists and fans of natural methods of treating diseases.
Other names for yarrow are whitehead, cutleaf and others. Military doctors call it a tenacious herb for its invaluable medicinal properties. In case of serious wounds and injuries, yarrow can save life.
The plant has a characteristic smell that is unmistakably recognizable. Once you recognize it, it is impossible to confuse the smell with anything else. Currently, yarrow is widely used by healers; its healing qualities are also recognized by official medicine. The qualities of this herb have been well studied.
By applying this knowledge, you can cure certain diseases without using drugs of synthetic origin. This is especially valuable if intolerance to certain medications occurs.
Description
- Yarrow has a branched root that grows to the sides.
- The stems are erect, can be pubescent, up to 80 cm high.
- The leaves are linear or lanceolate, they are dissected into segments.
- Yarrow blooms with small white or pink flowers, which are basket-like inflorescences.
Most often, this grass is found at the edge of a meadow, along the edges of fields, in settlements. The plant is found throughout almost the entire European territory of the country, in Siberia and the Caucasus.
Contraindications and harm
When practicing treatment, the possible harm of yarrow is taken into account, since there are contraindications to taking products prepared on the basis of this herb:
- pregnancy;
- complicated gastritis;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
- individual intolerance.
Caution is required for thrombophlebitis, low blood pressure, and high acidity.
Comply with the requirements reflected in the prescription, do not exceed the recommended dosage and course duration. Do not give yarrow to children under 6 years of age.
The unique medicinal qualities of yarrow are attractive due to its ease of use and availability of raw materials.
But in any situation, self-medication is unacceptable. It is advisable to obtain prior medical permission to use a specific yarrow-based recipe.
Collection and preparation
Yarrow blooms throughout the summer. With the arrival of autumn, its seeds ripen. Fresh inflorescences, which are used for harvesting, can be collected until frost. The leaves, stem, flowers and inflorescences are used for medicinal purposes.
- The flowers are collected all summer and then dried.
- The leaves and stems are collected when flowering begins. The top 15 cm or stem with several leaves are harvested.
- Yarrow should be dried on a dry surface with good ventilation. In this case, direct sunlight should be avoided. Store raw materials in bags or glass jars.
Yarrow side effects, contraindications
Yarrow tea provides you with a number of benefits and is considered safe when taken in recommended dosages; However, you should be aware of situations where this tea may not be desirable for you.
Possible side effects
There are people who experience contact dermatitis when using fresh leaves. Therefore, if you begin to feel any form of skin irritation, it is best to stop contact with yarrow leaves.
There is also a possibility that you may experience drowsiness and increased urination while taking this tea. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor and find out contraindications. Find out if this herb is safe for you.
Taking too much yarrow tea is contraindicated
Even if you don't experience any skin sensitivity at first, drinking too much tea over long periods can cause side effects. Which will lead to skin allergies or sensitivity to sunlight.
Drinking too much yarrow tea can also cause dizziness and headaches. Stop taking the tea immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, and if they do not subside, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
The herb is not considered toxic, although it does contain small amounts of thujone, a substance known to be harmful to the liver. This is why it is important to stick to the recommended dosages. Consult with a professional to determine the right amount of herbal tea for you.
When to Avoid This Tea
If you are pregnant, then drinking yarrow tea is unsafe due to existing contraindications. This herbal tea is known to stimulate the uterus and menstrual cycle, which can lead to fetal malformations or even dangerous miscarriage.
If you are breastfeeding, drinking this tea may not be a good idea as its chemicals can pass into breast milk and harm your baby. There is not enough research yet to be sure that this herb is safe for breastfeeding.
As your child gets older, you may be tempted to give him yarrow tea. It is not recommended to give it until the child is 5 years old. Even then, talk to your pediatrician. He will find a safe dosage according to your baby's size and needs.
Contraindications for the face if you have serious gastrointestinal ulcers. It is best to avoid this tea, as yarrow's stimulating effect on digestive juices can cause unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Yarrow belongs to the same family as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. So if you are allergic to one of these herbs, there is a good chance that you may be allergic to yarrow. Be aware of contraindications and avoid herbal tea as it can cause a serious allergic reaction.
Yarrow contraindications for joint use
Yarrow is known to interact with blood thinners, lithium, stomach acid reducers, sedatives, blood pressure and epilepsy medications. Contraindications do exist as this tea may seriously increase or decrease the effectiveness of your medication. You should consult your doctor before drinking this herbal tea for medicinal purposes.
The use of decoctions and tinctures may increase the risk of bleeding. It is best to avoid it if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners. You should also stop taking this tea if you are 2 weeks away from surgery.
Compound
The herb contains:
- essential oil containing a large amount of chamazulene,
- esters,
- camphor,
- glycosides (luteolin and apigenin),
- tannins,
- alkaloid achillein,
- borneol,
- thujone,
- organic acids,
- cineole,
- carotene,
- resins,
- vitamins K, C,
- bitterness.
Rich in mineral content:
- magnesium,
- potassium,
- boron,
- zinc,
- calcium,
- selenium,
- copper,
- molybdenum.
The flavonoids present in it may have beneficial effects on the intestines. They will relieve spasms and reduce the formation of gases.
Achillesin, which the herb contains, will increase appetite. It irritates the taste buds. For this reason, yarrow is recommended for children with poor appetite. It is prepared as a decoction and a little honey is added to it to mask the slight bitterness.
The plant is used as a hemostatic agent because it contains choline. In this case, blood clots do not form. This is especially highly valued, since it allows the plant to be used even during heart attacks and strokes. Thrombophlebitis will also not be an obstacle to taking yarrow.
The anti-inflammatory effect of the herb is due to the presence of tanning components and essential oils. In this regard, yarrow is indispensable for the treatment of atopic and allergic dermatitis, helps with burns and suppuration of wounds.
Doctors recommend it as a sedative and sedative.
How to make yarrow tea for weight loss
Yarrow helps improve metabolic processes, in particular enhances fat metabolism. This feature explains its use for weight loss. It also has a diuretic and choleretic effect, as a result of which excess fluid is removed from the body and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves.
There is a special type of diet based on yarrow decoction. Its essence lies in healthy eating and taking infusion. The diet should be based on vegetables. It is allowed to eat lean meat and fish (not fried), whole grain or bran bread. Smoked, salty and spicy foods, sweets and fast food should be excluded. Meals during the diet should be 5 times a day.
The decoction for weight loss is prepared according to the classic recipe. 1 glass of the product should be divided into a daily diet, that is, 1/5 glass before each meal. The duration of this diet is 2 weeks, after which you need to take a break of 2 to 3 weeks.
In addition, an effective remedy for weight loss is tea with the addition of wormwood, tansy and buckthorn.
Recipe for tea with the addition of wormwood, tansy and buckthorn for weight loss
- Yarrow
- Oak bark
- Sagebrush
- Buckthorn
- Tansy
Mix the ingredients in equal parts. 1 tbsp. l. pour 200 ml of boiling water over the mixture. Leave for 10 minutes. Drink a glass of infusion on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast.
Beneficial features
The healing properties of yarrow are diverse and its use is very wide. This is due to the composition of biologically active substances.
Gelon forms, which are obtained by extraction, have a pronounced antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscle tissue of the biliary and urinary tract. They have a beneficial effect on intestinal function. In addition, the use of yarrow increases diuresis and relieves pain associated with spasms of the esophagus. These qualities directly depend on the presence of essential compounds and flavonoids in the herb.
Achillein has a bitter taste. It irritates the taste nerve receptors, which causes abundant secretion of gastric juice. The use of the herb will reduce intestinal bloating and eliminate flatulence.
Yarrow has the best hemostatic properties. Its local or systemic use effectively stops bleeding, without causing blood clots. It will perfectly help with any bleeding, except arterial bleeding. For these purposes, it is used at any age.
Thrombophlebitis, stroke, and heart attack do not impose strict restrictions on the use of drugs. But other remedies are not recommended in these situations, since they are dangerous for such diagnoses.
The herb contains a lot of esters, chamazulene and tanning components. Thanks to this, it is able to kill pathogenic microbes, treat inflammation, and is a good remedy against allergies.
Help with burns is also very effective. In average dosage, the herb exhibits hypotensive and sedative effects.
Watch the video! Yarrow
Useful and healing qualities
Yarrow has a wide spectrum of action. And with regular use, it can bring benefits not only to human health, but also at home , as well as on the street. However, the healing properties of the plant are preserved only if the plant materials are collected and stored correctly.
At home
The use of yarrow in everyday life helps not only to fill the home with a pleasant aroma, but also to disinfect it. To do this, it is recommended to add a decoction, infusion or a few drops of an essential plant to the water when cleaning wet.
The plant can also
purify the air from :
- bacteria;
- viruses;
- infections.
To do this, you need to drop essential oil onto the vacuum cleaner filter.
In the garden, vegetable garden
Yarrow also benefits outdoors. Experienced gardeners and gardeners use it as a natural insecticide against pests. To do this, you can simply plant a plant around the perimeter of the beds. also recommended to spray garden and vegetable crops with yarrow infusion when signs of damage appear.
To prepare an effective remedy, it is recommended to pour 200 g of the plant collection into 1 liter of water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. After this, leave the mixture for 2 hours and strain. Before processing, add liquid to make 10 liters. Spray the affected plants with aphids and spider mites with the resulting product.
The repellent effect of yarrow also applies to ants.
Some birds use shoots of the plant when building nests , which helps protect the young from parasitic insects.
How does it help a person?
Yarrow treats many diseases and is a universal healing agent. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant, antimicrobial, hemostatic and wound-healing effects.
Moreover, its beneficial effects extend not only to individual organs and systems, but to the entire body as a whole.
The use of this medicinal herb is justified for:
digestive disorders;- urolithiasis;
- flatulence;
- hypertension;
- arthritis;
- rheumatism;
- bleeding;
- skin diseases;
- fever;
- cold;
- migraine;
- vitamin deficiency;
- angina pectoris;
- anemia;
- insomnia;
- arrhythmias;
- neuralgia.
Yarrow is also drunk for men's health. The plant is recommended for the treatment of prostatitis. It can also improve sexual function and prevent the development of impotence.
For women, the herb is recommended for:
- uterine fibroids;
- whites;
- painful menstruation.
It is possible to use yarrow for enuresis in a child, but only in consultation with the pediatrician.
Products based on this plant can be used to treat children over 12 years of age.
Why do animals need it?
Yarrow has long been used in veterinary medicine. This plant has been used for eating disorders in animals. And also products based on it help treat helminthiasis .
Pharmacological forms of application
- yarrow tea Just like normal. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dry herb is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, left for 20 minutes.
To brew tea, use all parts - simultaneously or separately. Tea should be consumed warm or cooled. It is preferable to make a fresh brew each time.
- the infusion in a thermos. For 300 ml of boiling water take 2 tablespoons of herbs. Then all this is infused for 2 hours, it is advisable to strain. Drink during the day.
- Decoction . Brew 2 tablespoons of dry extract in 0.5 liters of water and cook for 10 minutes over low heat. When the broth has cooled, it is filtered.
- The tincture is prepared from 5 tbsp. spoons of dry grass, they are filled with 100 ml of vodka. Then put in a dark place for 7 days. You should take 20 drops at a time.
- Yarrow ointment is made from Vaseline or any animal fat. Grass is added to the base. It is better to take a fresh plant that has been crushed beforehand. In winter, you can use the dried extract. If you add streptocide, the effect will be significantly enhanced.
- Yarrow juice also brings many benefits; it should be squeezed through cheesecloth from the grass crushed into a pulp.
Application in cosmetology
Yarrow oil properties and uses
Yarrow is one of the best helpers in hair and skin care. In cosmetology, the plant is actively used due to the action of its components:
- alkaloids help get rid of dandruff;
- carotene takes care of the hair structure, preventing its fragility;
- inulin helps moisturize the skin;
- tannins strengthen hair and promote its growth;
- Glucose increases skin elasticity and reduces the secretion of subcutaneous fat.
In addition, vitamins and minerals saturate the skin with essential substances and nourish the hair follicles.
Anti-dandruff mask
- Yarrow herb - 1 tbsp. l.
- Water – 250 ml
- Vinegar (3%) – 4 tbsp. l.
Boil the herb over low heat. After cooling, add vinegar. Using cotton pads, rub into hair roots and cover with cling film. Then wrap with a towel and leave for 30 minutes.
Firming mask
- Decoction – 50 ml
- Gelatin – 15 g
- Grape oil – 10 ml.
Prepare the decoction according to the traditional recipe (1 tablespoon of herb per 200 ml of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes). When it cools down a little, dissolve gelatin in it and add butter. Apply the composition to clean, damp hair along the entire length. Cover with film and wrap in a towel. Keep the mask on for an hour.
Face tonic
- Decoction – 100 ml
- Flax oil – 5 ml
- Bergamot oil – 3 drops
Add oil to the prepared broth. Place the liquid in the bottle. Wipe your face with a cotton pad after washing.
Rejuvenating face mask
- Yarrow decoction – 40 ml;
- Sunflower oil – 10 ml;
- Gelatin – 10 g.
Add gelatin to the hot broth. After it swells, add vegetable oil. Clean your face of makeup, steam your skin under a hot shower. Apply the prepared product using a brush. Remove the film from your face after 30 minutes.
Baths with yarrow
This type of application is prescribed for skin problems: eczema, scabies and scaly lichen. But besides this, baths activate the activity of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system.
Using yarrow in this way helps women restore the regularity of their menstrual cycle.
- Grass – 100 g
- Water – 2 l
Boil the herb for 20 minutes over low heat. After cooling, strain the broth and add to a bath of water. Session duration: 15-20 minutes at a water temperature of 37 degrees.
Traditional medicine recipes for men, women and children
Cervical erosion
Yarrow is considered very effective for this disease. Women have used it for a long time in the form of an infusion.
- You need to take the plant's umbrella and brew it in 1 liter of boiling water.
- Drink the infusion like tea.
- The entire brewed infusion should be consumed within 24 hours.
- Then in the morning you should prepare another infusion. Course - 15 days.
Internal bleeding
The essential oil and azulene make the herb very beneficial. It also contains vitamin K, achillein, and bitterness. All this is extremely effective for treating internal bleeding.
- Take no more than 1 teaspoon of dry collection.
- Pour a glass of boiling water over it and cover, let stand for an hour, strain.
- Drink the product in a quarter of a glass. It is highly recommended to do this before meals.
Spleen problems, intestinal diseases
The herb has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract, improving digestion processes and accelerating the absorption of substances. An infusion is used for this.
- 2 teaspoons dry herb.
- Brew in a glass of boiling water.
- Then you need to let it stand for 30 minutes.
- Drink half an hour before meals several times a day.
High acidity is an unpleasant disease. In this case, an infusion of dill, yarrow and St. John's wort seeds is recommended. It is required to adhere to the component ratio of 1:8:8.
- Take a tablespoon of mixed ingredients.
- Pour a glass of boiling water and let stand for 30-40 minutes.
- We filter using any available method.
- You should drink the resulting liquid several times throughout the day.
The condition of the intestinal mucosa will improve significantly if you take the inflorescences of the plant.
- 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried flowers;
- Brew in a glass of boiling water and leave to brew for 1 hour.
- The infusion should be taken 1 tablespoon and only before eating.
Stomach ulcer, chronic gastritis
An infusion for the treatment of stomach ulcers is prepared:
- from 2 tablespoons of dry herbs and a glass of boiling water.
- half an hour before meals take 30 ml of the product.
Gastritis is treated with a decoction. Method of its preparation:
- Brew 1 tablespoon of herb in 250 g of boiling water.
- In the morning on an empty stomach before breakfast, drink one half of the prepared drug, which should be warm, and in the evening the dose is repeated before bed.
Watch the video! Yarrow. Useful properties and applications
Cystitis, genitourinary tract infections
The qualities of yarrow, as an effective antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, are indispensable for cystitis and other infections that affect the genitourinary system of the body.
- You need to steam 2 teaspoons of herbs in 250 g of boiling water.
- Should be taken half an hour before meals, 50 ml 4 times a day.
We treat kidneys with infusion
- In a glass of boiling water;
- Add 15 g (1 tbsp) of the dried collection and leave for an hour.
- You need to take 20 ml before meals.
Diseases of joints and bones
These diseases require an integrated approach when treated with herbs. The infusion is not particularly strong; it is taken three times a day, 50 ml.
Baths with herbal infusion are recommended; ointments and alcohol extracts, which allow you to make warm compresses, work very well.
Yarrow is indicated for radiculitis, rheumatism, arthritis, osteochondrosis. But it is used only as an auxiliary treatment, complementing the measures prescribed by the doctor.
For problems with the circulatory system, the herb is very useful as a hemostatic and cleansing agent.
In addition, the infusion allows for effective disease prevention. It is used in medium strength, taken every 6-7 hours, 1 tablespoon.
Fresh juice is an excellent blood cleanser. It should be mixed with honey and taken 1 teaspoon each time before meals.
Diseases of the bronchi, lungs, throat
In this case, an alcohol tincture is used. It is prepared from:
- 1 glass of vodka and 4 tbsp. spoons of dried collection.
- The infusion should stand for two weeks.
- Should be taken in the cold season, 10 drops before meals.
- The tincture will relieve cough and cleanse the lungs.
Numbness of the fingers and cramps are very unpleasant manifestations; an infusion will be an effective remedy; it makes sense to add honey to it. For treatment, you need to drink 3 glasses of the product per day, and for prevention, take 100 ml in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Diarrhea
Yarrow will help with severe diarrhea, as it contains tannins and has astringent properties. Brew tea:
- 4 teaspoons yarrow;
- per liter of boiling water.
Tea will quickly solve the problem.
Haemorrhoids
for both men and women to treat hemorrhoids on time. The herb will help treat internal and external hemorrhoids. Use decoctions and lotions.
Yarrow historical facts
The plant has a long history, dating back to the Neanderthals who inhabited the planet more than 60,000 years ago. Our ancestors used yarrow as a medicinal herb to treat cuts and minor wounds. Yarrow, its beneficial properties and contraindications were known to healers. It was mainly used to stop bleeding and avoid inflammation. Yarrow has beneficial properties and contraindications.
Over 3,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks used the herb yarrow to treat wounds and fight fevers while improving circulation. As stated above, this herb is associated with the Greek mythical hero Achilles, who treated the wounds of soldiers using yarrow leaves and flowers. Yarrow leaves were brewed and the tea was used to stop a fever or solve digestive problems.
For centuries, the Chinese have used yarrow in their rituals, recognizing its healing potential for the body's major organs. They claimed that the herbal tea had powerful potential to strengthen the mind, energize the body and brighten the eyes.
In the Middle Ages, yarrow was part of European medicinal culture, being an integral attribute of folk customs of protection and spells. Brewers skillfully exploited the beneficial properties of yarrow in flavoring beer before using hops.
Early European colonists took yarrow to the Americas, where it was soon naturalized and became an important part of traditional Native American medicine, treating wounds, infections, and stopping bleeding. Various tribes used it to treat earaches, as a sedative, or to relieve colds or fevers.
By the 17th century, the herb had become popular as an edible vegetable, used in soups or stews, or as an herbal tea for health benefits.
However, yarrow has never ceased to be used to treat wounds. It is known to have been used during the American Civil War to treat wounded soldiers.
