Yarrow: beneficial properties and contraindications, use of decoction, infusion

Table of contents

When and how to harvest yarrow
Medicinal properties of yarrow
Indications for use of yarrow
Useful recipes with yarrow

Common yarrow is a herb from legends and fairy tales. This shows the most interesting Latin name of the yarrow - Achilles thousand leaves: Achillea millefolium. One of the legends and myths of the ancient Greeks tells that the legendary Achilles was strong in battle and his wounds healed easily thanks to the mysterious herb of Achilles. So one of the versions of deciphering the name of yarrow appeared.

A close examination of the yarrow leaves reveals that they are cut into many small lobes. The stories that the great commander Suvorov ordered his soldiers to have yarrow powder on their campaigns allow us to call this herb soldier’s herb. And for good reason - the beneficial properties of this herb have long been used to stop bleeding and treat wounds, also called cutting herb.

Common yarrow is a herbaceous plant. The stems of yarrow are erect and reach a height of up to 50–80 cm. Bizarrely branched towards the top, yarrow blooms throughout the summer until frost. Grows everywhere. We can collect this herb in meadows, clearings, and forest edges throughout the European part of Russia, in Siberia, and in many regions of the Caucasus. Yarrow is widespread in Europe and is also found in Asia.

Plant characteristics

What beneficial properties does yarrow have ? First, let's figure out what kind of plant this is. The erect stems of yarrow grow up to 80 cm in height. The dark green leaves are petiolate at the bottom and sessile at the top. The roots of the plant are creeping and quite thin. Small flowers are collected in large basket inflorescences. Yarrow blooms all summer until the first frost in the fall. The seeds ripen a month after flowering.

The drought-resistant and hardy plant prefers bright sunny meadows. It grows a lot along roadsides, in gardens and parks. Used as a medicinal, spicy and honey plant. Yarrow is well known to traditional healers. Traditional medicine also uses preparations from this plant.

Yarrow beneficial properties

What is yarrow?

This is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, genus Yarrow, which has unique properties. Yarrow contains:

Alkaloids (hemostatic properties).
Tannins (active antioxidants).
Organic acids (provide optimal acid-base balance in the body).
Essential oils (improves digestion and strengthens the immune system).
Minerals: potassium, calcium, molybdenum.
Vitamins C, K.

What does yarrow look like? This is a solitary erect plant 20–80 cm high. The stem is covered with leaves up to 15 cm long, which consist of many small lanceolate plates. The plant owes its name to this structure. The flowers are small, white or pink, collected in baskets, which in turn form a common inflorescence. The flowers are honey-bearing and produce nectar. The plant has a long flowering period throughout the summer. The seeds ripen in September.

Where does yarrow grow? In the vastness of Europe, Asia, in many areas of Western and Eastern Siberia, the Far East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The plant is also widespread on other continents in forest, forest-steppe and steppe zones. It can be found in meadows and along the banks of reservoirs, in ravines, on the edges and clearings in forests.

Yarrow grows in forest, forest-steppe and steppe zones: Pxhere

The plant is widely used in folk and official medicine. What does yarrow treat? The herb and preparations based on it are used in the following cases:

Wounds, burns, postoperative sutures.
Bleeding internal and external, including uterine.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, ulcers), bladder.
Pancreatitis.
Intestinal disorders and infections.
Acne, pimples, boils.

The famous researcher of medicinal herbs Inomzhon Karomatov and his co-author mention the use of the plant in the treatment of tuberculosis of the lymph nodes and lungs.

Yarrow attracts the attention of modern researchers, who are opening up new prospects for its use in medicine:

A group of scientists led by Guzel Genatullina, candidate of biological sciences, see it as a potential source for creating new antibacterial drugs. This will solve the current problem of bacterial resistance to old antibiotics.
On the medical website Healtline, Cheri Bantilan writes about the effectiveness of yarrow in treating inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, as well as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A team of researchers led by Lamia Muhid write about the role of yarrow in metabolic processes, which may be useful in the treatment of obesity.

As a pharmaceutical product, yarrow is sold in the form of crushed dry herbs, as an oil extract or essential oil, and as an extract in capsules.

Pink Yarrow: Piqsels

Useful properties of yarrow

The flowering tops of plants are used for medicinal purposes. The content of essential oils helps with colds and headaches.

An infusion of the plant is used to increase blood clotting in various wounds and after operations on internal organs. The medicinal plant has an antiseptic effect. It is used externally for rapid healing of cells after burns, as well as to eliminate diathesis and acne.

Yarrow contains tannins (tannins). They eliminate intestinal problems, cope with dysbiosis and diarrhea. The plant is an anthelmintic.

Many herbalists recommend taking yarrow preparations for diseases of the nervous system. The plant helps cope with insomnia.

Harmfulness of grass

Despite its many beneficial qualities, yarrow can cause harm. And to avoid this, you should know in what cases it becomes dangerous.

On the street

This plant has a creeping superficial root. As the yarrow grows, it invades surrounding areas. And if this process is not controlled, then over time it suppresses the growth of neighboring crops .

This plant has the ability to reproduce uncontrollably by self-seeding, so it is recommended to cut off the inflorescences in a timely manner so that the seeds do not have time to ripen.

For people

Yarrow contains biologically active components. With long-term use of drugs based on it, they can accumulate in the body and thereby cause side effects . Therefore, therapy can be carried out for a course of no more than 2 weeks. After which there should be a break for the same period of time.

For animals

Yarrow can also cause harm to animals. This is due to the fact that it contains bitterness, namely the alkaloid achillein.

When taken orally, it irritates the animal's taste buds. In small doses, this component can improve appetite, but in high concentrations it causes poisoning .

Yarrow for hair and skin

The plant is used in cosmetology to maintain healthy facial skin and strengthen hair. Yarrow extract restores gastric secretion and metabolism, removes waste and toxins. This helps cleanse the skin and give the face a healthy color. Dermatologists prescribe herbal masks to treat increased oiliness of the epidermis. Cream with yarrow eliminates acne.

Yarrow infusions at home relieve hair:

For dandruff.
Dryness and brittleness of curls.
Inflammatory processes of the scalp.

When and how to harvest yarrow

Yarrow inflorescences and grass have beneficial properties. They are harvested from the beginning of flowering in June to August. To do this, you need to cut off the tops with inflorescences at a distance of 15 cm from the top. When flowers are harvested, they are cut to a length of 4 cm. This way we will obtain beneficial properties and will not harm nature.

Yarrow should be dried in a well-ventilated area. The raw material has a tart, peculiar odor. The shelf life of dried yarrow is 2 years.

Dosage forms

Pharmacies sell preparations from the plant in the form of concentrates, alcohol extracts, and aqueous solutions. All parts of the plant (flowers, leaves, stems) have properties beneficial to the body.

Yarrow is found in preparations to boost immunity:

With sage, bile flows out and liver function improves.
For neuroses and sleep disorders, it goes well with lemon balm and valerian.
With the herb St. John's wort it helps against obesity.
For the treatment of various ailments, infusions with chamomile, immortelle, and calendula help.

What parts and forms of the plant to use, their photos

The healing properties of yarrow are due to the high content of beneficial components in the plant tissues. They are concentrated in its aboveground part, namely :

in the leaves,
shoots;
flowers.

Moreover, their concentration depends on the stage of cultural development.

In the photo is a common yarrow:

The maximum content is observed during the flowering of yarrow. At this time, it is recommended to collect medicinal plant materials by cutting off flower stalks with shoot tips 10-15 cm long.

The chemical composition of the plant includes:

alkaloids that improve blood clotting;
flavonoids that reduce blood pressure and relieve spasms;
carotene is necessary for visual health;
amino acids involved in protein synthesis;
tannins that have a restorative and health-improving effect;
ascorbic acid, which increases the body’s protective function;
antimicrobial resins;
essential oils;
complex of microelements.

Yarrow is used for treatment in the form of :

infusion;
decoction;
tea;
tinctures;
fresh juice.

However, these remedies can not only bring benefits, but also harm if they are prepared incorrectly.

Natural yarrow essential oil also has healing properties. It is obtained by steam distillation, which allows preserving most of the beneficial components of natural raw materials.

However, essential oil is a highly concentrated product, and it has a stronger effect on the human body. Therefore, you need to use essential oil in doses, otherwise it can lead to allergies.

Plant materials should be stored in paper bags at a humidity not exceeding 50%.

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.

Description of contraindications

This medicinal plant has a number of contraindications. And so that its use does not harm the health of humans or animals, they should be studied before its use.

For man

Yarrow should not be used during pregnancy or individual intolerance.
This plant is also contraindicated for :

increased blood clotting and diseases caused by this;
heartburn;
increased stomach acidity;
arterial bleeding;
hypotension.

During lactation, treatment with this herb is possible, but during therapy it is recommended to temporarily stop breastfeeding.

For animals

A contraindication to the use of yarrow is the individual intolerance of the animal. If after the first dose your pet experiences a rash, itching, or redness on the skin, then further therapy should be discontinued.

How to brew a plant?

Yarrow has a spicy taste. For adults, fresh herbs are used as a seasoning after various illnesses. The plant increases appetite.

correct brewing of yarrow

Decoctions are prepared in enamel containers. The crushed grass is poured with clean water and put on fire. Bring to a boil and keep on low heat for half an hour. The resulting broth is filtered through a fine sieve. It helps with kidney, heart and stomach diseases. Recommended dose: one tablespoon of dry herb per glass of boiling water.

Alcohol tincture of yarrow is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The recommended dosage is 80 drops per day in two doses.

Infusions are prepared in a boiling water bath. 20 g of raw material is poured into one glass and kept on fire for 15 minutes. Leave covered for half an hour and strain. Use 3 tablespoons per day to treat colds. Gargle with infusions for a sore throat.

Yarrow is a good honey plant. Breeders have developed varieties with pink and blue inflorescences. Only common yarrow is used in medicine.

Use of yarrow and contraindications

The rich composition and varied properties of the plant have found application in different areas of people's lives.

In folk medicine

What are the benefits of yarrow? Traditional healers recommend using the plant for insomnia, liver problems, and in the treatment of malaria. Yarrow is used in herbal preparations to improve appetite and digestion.

The plant has a beneficial effect on the female body. It normalizes monthly cycles and reduces painful cramps. For mature men, the herb is recommended to strengthen the cardiovascular system and as a means to stop baldness.

For home use, decoctions of herbs or herbal mixtures containing yarrow are prepared. How to brew yarrow? Usually 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials are poured with a glass of cold boiled water for 3 hours. Then the infusion is heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, cooled and filtered.

Yarrow is used independently in the following forms:

Infusions. The dry mixture is boiled, then left for several minutes and filtered. Drink for nosebleeds, tuberculous hemoptysis and to improve digestion.
Baths with yarrow help with eczema, scabies, and scaly lichen.
Lotions. To do this, fabric or gauze is soaked in several layers with a steep, warm decoction. Lotions relieve pain from hemorrhoids.
Ointments with yarrow are prepared as follows: grind fresh leaves and flowers of the plant, mix them with petroleum jelly or melted fat. Ointments are effective in treating wounds, bruises, and burns.

Yarrow on the site: Pixnio

Popular recipes

In the assortment of traditional medicine recipes that recommend how to take yarrow, you can select options for specific types of disease.

Gastritis

Yarrow is beneficial for gastritis in the form of an infusion. Grind 2 tbsp. l. herbs, pour into boiling water - 200 ml. Drink 2 hours after straining, take a tablespoon every eight hours.

Stomach cramps

Using yarrow for the stomach for severe cramps and pain, mix the plant in equal volumes with chamomile. In the morning, two tablespoons of raw material are infused in a glass of boiling water for 20 minutes and drunk, divided into three parts.

Pancreatitis

To treat pancreatitis, make a collection of chamomile, yarrow, and St. John's wort in equal parts. Leave 3 tbsp for half an hour. l. in boiling water – 250 ml. Drink 100 ml. before meals. The course is 14 days.

Liver diseases

When using yarrow for the liver, mix the herb with crushed rose hips and corn silk. Leaves of immortelle, knotweed, and plantain are added.

Measure out 1/2 tsp of each component.
Fall asleep in a thermos in the evening.
Pour in 400 ml. boiling water
Strain in the morning.
Divide into three portions.

Drink before meals. Course duration: no more than three months. The product helps with disorders of the kidneys and gall bladder.

Use for weight loss

Yarrow for weight loss will be beneficial if infusions based on the plant are included in the menu when following a diet.

A collection of dill, yarrow, parsley with the addition of anise and fennel activates digestion. All components are taken in equal quantities. In the morning, a tablespoon of the prepared mixture is kept in a glass of boiling water for about an hour and drunk until the evening in two doses.
Yarrow in combination with buckthorn, cumin, anise (a tablespoon each) with the addition of two tablespoons of chamomile cleanses the intestines and eliminates constipation. In the evening des. l. The collection is kept for 2 hours under an insulated cap in 150 ml. boiling water. Drink after cooling and straining.
Yarrow mixed with coltsfoot, rosemary and the addition of ginger (half a teaspoon each) normalizes metabolic processes. Brew with boiling water – 200 ml. and keep under a towel for 30 minutes. Use 50 ml.

Read about the medicinal properties and contraindications of immortelle here.

Be healthy!

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.