Yarrow - health benefits and contraindications

Greens and herbs

Yarrow is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is popularly known as "cut grass" for its ability to quickly heal cuts and wounds. The plant is recognizable by its single, erect stems, which branch extensively at the top. The stems bear numerous small, dark green leaves arranged in a herringbone pattern.

The plant's flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. Despite its many beneficial properties, yarrow has a number of contraindications. Therefore, therapy with this plant should be carried out under the supervision of a physician, with strict adherence to dosage and duration of treatment.

Chemical composition and general beneficial properties of yarrow

There are many varieties of this plant, all of which possess medicinal properties to some extent. The plant's chemical composition includes the following beneficial substances:

Carotene. Has a beneficial effect on tissue growth and regeneration.
Alkaloids that promote blood clotting.
Silicon. Has an antiseptic effect and helps heal wounds and burns.
Tannins. They have a bactericidal effect and fight inflammatory processes in the body.
Vitamin K. Helps strengthen blood vessels and accelerate blood clotting.
Resins with antimicrobial action.
Ascorbic acid, which helps strengthen the immune system.

Interesting!

A particularly high concentration of beneficial substances is found in yarrow.

Medicinal properties of the herb

Yarrow has the following medicinal properties:

hemostatic;
antiviral;
antimicrobial;
anti-inflammatory;
antiseptic;
sedative;
anthelmintic;
diaphoretic.

The herb is used to treat the following diseases:

diseases of the female and male genitourinary system;
pulmonary tuberculosis;
gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, pancreatitis, diarrhea, flatulence, ulcers of the duodenum and stomach);
neuralgia;
haemorrhoids;
hypertension;
gout;
rheumatism;
arthritis;
arrhythmia;
ARVI;
headache, dizziness.

The use of yarrow is included in the list of preventive measures against varicose veins.

What are the benefits of essential oil?

Essential oil is used in the following cases:

To ease breathing for those suffering from hay fever. It is also used to relieve skin allergies. The essential oil is recommended for colds: it soothes coughs and promotes mucus secretion.
The oil helps improve blood circulation.
Therefore, it is used for hemorrhoids, rosacea, and also as a preventative measure against varicose veins.
Yarrow essential oil has analgesic properties, so it is often used for headaches, aching joints and muscles, spasms, and cramps.
The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of essential oils help with eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It is used as a wound-healing agent. The oil is excellent for treating burns and smoothing post-burn scars.
Essential oils are widely used in cosmetology to improve the condition of skin and hair, as well as to combat cellulite. In addition to all these beneficial properties, yarrow oil is a repellent. It is very effective at repelling mosquitoes.

The main contraindications and harm of yarrow for the body

Despite its many beneficial properties, the use of yarrow has a number of contraindications:

Individual intolerance to plant components.
Childhood.
Pregnancy period.
Increased acidity of gastric juice.
Heartburn resulting from an imbalance of acid in gastric juice.
Arterial bleeding.
Increased blood clotting.

Yarrow-based medicines should be taken with caution by the following categories of patients:

people with low blood pressure;
patients whose blood is prone to blood clots.

Important!

The course of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks. The decision to continue therapy should be made only by the attending physician.

The medicinal use of herbs harvested in ecologically unfavorable areas is strictly prohibited. Yarrow growing in close proximity to busy roads or industrial plants absorbs a host of toxic substances during photosynthesis. The human body's reaction to these substances is unpredictable.

Internal medication intake requires strict adherence to the recommended dosage. Otherwise, the medication may cause a number of side effects that vary from person to person. A serious overdose can lead to severe intoxication, as the plant contains poisons and toxic volatile substances.

Recipes and rules for herbal treatment

For medicinal purposes, yarrow decoctions, alcohol tinctures, juice, and baths are used. Other herbal-based medicinal forms also exist: tea, poultices, ointments, etc.

Decoction

To prepare a decoction from the plant, place 2 tablespoons of the herb in a small container and add 200 ml of water. Simmer the contents over low heat for half an hour. Then remove the decoction from the heat and let it cool completely. Strain the cold liquid through cheesecloth folded several times or a fine sieve.

The decoction is used to treat gastrointestinal ailments. It is also used for high blood pressure and post-cold complications. External application of the decoction strengthens hair and relieves allergic rashes. It is also used to prevent liver and genitourinary disorders.

Alcohol tincture

To prepare an alcohol tincture of yarrow, grind the dried herb into a powder. Place 5 tablespoons of the powder in a glass container. Add 100 ml of vodka. Close the container tightly and store it in a dark place (pantry, cupboard). Shake the container thoroughly daily. After 10 days of preparation, the tincture is ready for use. Take the medicine orally before meals. The dosage is determined by a doctor. It is usually 30 drops. The course of treatment lasts about a month.

Note!

An alcohol tincture of the plant relieves intestinal spasms. It is also used to relieve the burning sensation and chest pain associated with angina.

Juice

Yarrow juice is extracted from the herb. Freshly harvested yarrow is then processed through a juicer. Only freshly harvested yarrow is used for medicinal purposes.

The juice is used to treat a runny nose. Two to three drops are instilled into the nose four times a day. Juice therapy should not exceed five days.

Yarrow juice is used externally as a wound-healing agent. It is applied to cuts and abrasions to speed up the healing process. The juice is also used to relieve inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes.

Drinking freshly squeezed juice with honey is recommended for patients with chronic fatigue and loss of appetite. Take 1 teaspoon of the juice every 8 hours while awake. This same recipe is used to increase lactation in nursing mothers.

Bath

Yarrow infusion is used for baths. To prepare the infusion, the dried herb is ground in a blender. It is then poured with boiling water at a ratio of 100 g of yarrow to 100 ml of water. The infusion is left to cool completely, strained, and added to a warm bath.

The optimal bath duration is 20 minutes. Staying in the water longer may cause a rash or redness. The treatment course is 14 days. If necessary, it can be repeated after an equal amount of time.

A bath with the plant's infusion improves the skin's condition. It becomes smooth and velvety, pimples, rashes, and inflammation disappear, and cuts and other injuries heal. A bath with the herb is also beneficial for menstrual irregularities. However, the treatment is strictly prohibited during menstruation.

The benefits of yarrow for women and men

For women, the herb is actively used in cosmetology:

It has a positive effect on nails. Regular application of the plant's oil makes them strong while retaining their flexibility.
Yarrow is used by women with hair loss problems; it improves the overall condition of the hair, making it silky and shiny.
Plant-based products relieve skin inflammation. They are also used to combat blackheads, as the herb has the ability to tighten pores.
Interesting!
The herb reduces puffiness and dilates blood vessels, resulting in an improved complexion. Combined with honey, it smoothes fine lines and wrinkles.
In gynecology, the herb is used to relieve uterine bleeding. Nettle and yarrow remedies are used for uterine fibroids. The plant's essential oil normalizes the menstrual cycle, helping with heavy or, conversely, scanty periods. During menopause, herbal remedies are used to reduce the symptoms of hot flashes.

Yarrow has a beneficial effect on the male genitourinary system. Medications containing it can be used both for prophylaxis and as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen for prostatitis. It is believed that the herb enhances potency. Yarrow boosts immunity and tones the body, which improves a man's overall well-being, performance, and endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the plant collected?

The grass grows everywhere, but prefers sunny spots. It's most often found in forest clearings and roadsides.

How long can you take baths with the decoction?

The time spent in a bath with the plant should not exceed 20 minutes. Prolonged contact with yarrow may cause skin reactions.

Can I add sugar to the bitter decoction?

Adding sugar is not recommended. To remove the bitterness, you can dissolve a teaspoon of honey in a glass.

Is it possible to grow the plant at home?

The herb is easily grown from seed in open areas. Planting material can be purchased from specialist stores. Indoors, the plant will experience insufficient light.

Yarrow is a very useful plant with medicinal properties. The use of yarrow-based medications is limited by certain contraindications, so it is recommended to discuss yarrow therapy with a doctor.