Yarrow: beneficial properties and contraindications for women and men, application and photos

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.

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.

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.

Side effects from use

If the rules for taking yarrow-based products are not followed, side effects may develop. In this case it appears :

dizziness;
nausea;
vomit;
rash;
heartburn.

If these signs are present, it is necessary to immediately stop therapy and increase the daily volume of water consumed. If you feel worse, consult a doctor immediately. Uncontrolled use of yarrow-based products leads to side effects.

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.

Contraindications

Restriction of plant intake includes people with increased blood clotting and prone to blood clots. Pregnant women should avoid taking medications; yarrow stimulates uterine contractions.

In children under 6 years of age, eating behavior is not formulated. It is unknown how the body will react to drugs containing this plant. Vomiting, loose stools, and a red rash indicate individual intolerance.

In case of overdose, poisoning, headaches, and allergic rashes are possible.

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

Indications for use of yarrow

The beneficial properties of yarrow are such that they allow us to use its natural chemical composition for the following diseases and symptoms:

bleeding
peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
cholecystitis
hepatitis
pancreatitis
intestinal diseases
in complex therapy of the urinary tract, atherosclerosis
externally in the treatment of wounds, eczema, burns, diathesis, acne, furunculosis, in the treatment of alopecia
inflammation of the throat, gums.

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.

What it looks like and what it consists of

Common yarrow is the most common species, which is found on almost all continents, is unpretentious, grows on the edges and clearings, fields and meadows, in steppes and ravines, along roads and near human habitation.

It blooms throughout the summer with small white or pale pink flowers, collected in umbrella inflorescences on the branched tops of the stems. The leaves are elongated, dissected into many small segments, which is what gave the yarrow its name.

During the flowering period, the plant accumulates the maximum amount of valuable substances, including:

essential and fatty oils;
organic compounds Achillin, caryophyllene, azulene;
coumarins;
inulin;
esters;
camphor;
tannins and bitter substances;
organic acids;
mineral salts of magnesium, potassium, calcium;
vitamins A, C and K.

These components give the plant the opportunity to demonstrate its best abilities to heal various ailments. For the sake of its medicinal properties and rich chemical composition, ancient healers prepared it for future use, knowing exactly when to collect yarrow and how to do it in the most nature-friendly way, and modern herbalists preserve and continue centuries-old traditions.

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.

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 .

How to brew yarrow

In the past, people often simply drank whitehead tea to save themselves from colds. Not so long ago, in the 50s of the last century, in villages and villages they simmered steam in a cauldron in a real oven, and drank it with honey with the whole family. The peasants knew very well how to brew yarrow to treat various ailments. At home, you can easily prepare a decoction, tincture, infusion, ointment and steam for lotions from the plant.

You can also use fresh or steamed dry leaves as an external remedy - simply apply them to wounds and ulcers.

Yarrow for colds, acute respiratory infections and flu.

Often, as a result of hypothermia, unpleasant symptoms such as general malaise, nasal congestion and runny nose, cough and sore throat occur. At the same time, an increase in temperature is possible. These are all signs of a cold. They may not appear all at once, but replace each other at different stages of the disease. The greatest concern is cough and runny nose, since it takes considerable time to eliminate the cause of their occurrence. The first and main cause of colds is weakened immunity. In addition, there are a number of factors not directly related to it. These are hypothermia, stress, chronic diseases, disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Yarrow has a powerful healing effect against acute respiratory diseases, colds and flu. It enhances the effect of medications for lung diseases, and is itself an indispensable medicine for bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and helps with feverish conditions.

How does yarrow help treat colds and acute respiratory diseases? Its chemical composition includes tannins and essential oils with bactericidal, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The most valuable are chamazulene and sequiterpene lactones, trace elements and vitamin C.

Chamazulene refers to aromatic substances such as azulene. In nature, it is found in the essential components of yarrow and chamomile. Its main bioactive properties can solve the following problems:

It has a calming effect on the central nervous system, relieves nervous tension and stress.
It has an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effect on the mucous membrane of the mouth, nasal cavity and upper respiratory tract.
Relieves swelling and participates in the process of tissue regeneration, accelerating this process.
It has an immune-strengthening effect and neutralizes the harmful effects of environmental factors.
Is a powerful antioxidant.

The chemical compounds that are of interest to us within the framework of the topic under consideration are a group of compounds known as sequiterpene lactones and those that are part of ether compounds. They have: antitumor, antimalarial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral activity.

Yarrow contains a number of useful microelements that help the body cope with colds and viral infections, get rid of coughs, runny nose and sore throat, and strengthen the immune system. Here are the most important ones:

Iron – Fe. Found in hemoglobin and a number of enzymes, it is involved in the process of oxygen delivery to all vital organs and is extremely important for the normal breathing process.
Copper – Cu. Necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin, the construction of cells and connective tissues. Makes blood vessels strong and elastic. Increases the body's defenses, suppresses free radicals, and helps eliminate infections.
Selenium – Se. It has antioxidant properties, helps strengthen the immune system, participates in the synthesis of protein molecules, and is considered an anticancer agent.
Zinc – Zn. Plays an important role in blood formation and antibody production.
Cobalt - Co. Necessary for hemoglobin synthesis.
Molybdenum – Mo. An enzyme-forming microelement involved in the catalytic processes of protein metabolism. Activates the antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid.

Mo, Cu, Zn, Se are able to accumulate in the green above-ground part of the plant and in inflorescences.

Vitamin C – strengthens the immune system, ensures the normal functioning of internal organs and the circulatory system. Is an antioxidant.

These substances are also important for medicinal purposes:

Isovaleric acid . Has a calming effect.
Phytoncides are natural antibiotics.
Essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial properties.
Tonins and tannins have a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect.

For colds and acute respiratory viral infections, yarrow is used as an auxiliary remedy in the form of the following preparations:

Decoction and water infusion - for oral administration, gargling, nasal rinsing and inhalation, wraps.
Alcohol infusion - for oral administration.
Oil extract and essential oil - for inhalation.
Juice - for nasal drops and oral administration.
Complex herbal mixtures with yarrow - for oral administration, rinsing and inhalation.

Now let's look at how to use yarrow in the treatment of colds.

Temperature with a cold

The benefits of yarrow for the body

This plant is very useful, but not easy, and with a tricky one that Mother Nature has provided it with. For example, to describe its leaf, botanists have to resort to many terms and it is very difficult to teach this science. Chemists have always been interested in the glands located on the surface of leaves and inflorescences. They are covered with a cuticle, under which essential oil accumulates. The most essential oil is in the inflorescences, while the leaves contain 10 times less. But the stems of the plant are a real storehouse of useful substances. The juice obtained from the stems and leaves accelerates blood clotting by 60% and is more active than synthetic drugs. Modern pharmaceutical science defines yarrow as a source of vitamin K and essential oil, containing chamazulene (up to 40%), proazulene and glycosides.

Treatment with yarrow - can children take it?

The plant has contraindications and can be taken orally from 6 years of age only with the permission of a pediatrician. Infusions and decoctions help children well with colds, reduce fever, relieve chills, are used to treat ARVI, influenza, sore throat, tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, and improve the child’s immunity. To prepare the decoction, steam a tablespoon of herb with a glass of boiling water, keep it in a warm place for 15 minutes and give it to the child to drink throughout the day. To improve the taste and effectiveness of the decoction, you can add honey to the drink. For allergies, it is good to give your child tea with yarrow (you can add chamomile).

Yarrow in the treatment of children

For skin diseases and rubella, baths are made with herbs - brew 100 grams. dry yarrow with two liters of water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Strain and add to the bath when bathing. You can add chamomile and celandine to the decoction - this will increase its therapeutic effectiveness.

In pharmacies you can purchase ready-made preparations containing yarrow for bathing babies from birth:

Aqualife is a drug in the form of effervescent, quickly dissolving tablets. Tap water is of very poor quality and contains many impurities, bacteria and microbes. Disinfecting and softening water before bathing is necessary for the health of the child. Aqualife tablets contain yarrow, string and chamomile. This collection relieves inflammation and irritation, has an antibacterial and soothing effect. Such baths help in the fight and prevention of skin diseases and allergies, as well as in caring for the skin of a newborn.
Our Mama is a ready-made herbal extract of chamomile, string and yarrow. Used for bathing babies from the moment they are born, it is hypoallergenic and anti-inflammatory.
Yarrow extract + oregano and mint – used for bathing, has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and bactericidal effects. Calms the child and helps him fall asleep quickly.

Shampoo with yarrow

Help with sore throat

A common disease caused by staphylococcal, streptococcal and pneumococcal infections. It appears in the off-season during damp, cold weather. People with weakened immune systems and those suffering from chronic diseases of the nasopharynx are most susceptible to it. During a sore throat, the palatine tonsils become inflamed and purulent discharge often appears on them. You feel weakness and general malaise, pain when swallowing, cough, headache. Often the disease is accompanied by fever.

Traditional treatment comes down to disinfection therapy with various solutions that remove toxins from the body. Yarrow preparations, due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can significantly complement traditional treatment methods. For sore throat, gargling and ingesting a decoction or infusion prepared according to a traditional recipe, or supplemented with chamomile, sage, and honey, have a good effect.

It is necessary to gargle with warm broth immediately after sleep and then 3-4 times a day. The recipe is described above.

Yarrow in cosmetology

Decoction, infusion and tincture of yarrow are indispensable in cosmetology. The tincture can be used as a disinfectant. You can wash your face with the infusion; it will make your skin matte and smooth. The rash goes away, small wounds heal. Masks made from this herb are very effective: they relieve inflammation, tighten pores, and remove acne. Fresh inflorescences are used for masks. The flowers are ground with honey, yolk and cream. The mask is kept on the face for a quarter of an hour.

Yarrow hydrosol for unfading beauty

Yarrow hydrosol or flower water is an undeservedly forgotten cosmetic product. Unlike essential oils, which are measured in drops, hydrosol can be used undiluted and applied to the most delicate skin without any fear. Flower water is obtained by distillation: water passes through plant materials many times, taking away all the useful things it contains.