Yarrow is a well-known medicinal plant with antibacterial, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic, bacteriostatic and carminative properties. The herbal raw material is dried yarrow inflorescences and yarrow herb collected during the flowering period.

Yarrow(LatinAchillea millefolium ) is common in almost all of Europe, northern Asia and North America. Most often it grows in meadows, wastelands and forests, but it is also found in gardens. It is a perennial.

Yarrow produces numerous roots that grow shallowly beneath the earth's surface, from which a rosette of feathery leaves grows in spring, followed by a stiff, sparsely leafy stem that grows up to 80-100 cm in height.

The stem ends withflat corymbosesingle basketswhiteorpinkcolor.

Yarrow bloomsfrom July to October . The whole plant has a strong, distinctive smell.

Yarrow as a medicinal plant

Yarrow is a famous medicinal plant. The herbal raw material isdried yarrow inflorescencesandyarrow herbcollected during the flowering period and dried in a shaded and ventilated place (spread out with a thin layer or tied into thin bunches and suspended).

Yarrow - properties and application

Yarrow contains a lotvaluable substances :

  • essential oil,
  • tannins,
  • flavonoids,
  • organic acids,
  • mineral s alts,
  • triterpenes,
  • choline,
  • vitamins A, C and K,
  • copper,
  • zinc,
  • iron,
  • sulfur.

Due to the richness of valuable ingredients, yarrow is valued for itseffect :

  • antibacterial,
  • cholagogue,
  • anti-inflammatory,
  • antiseptic,
  • antihaemorrhagic ,,
  • carminative,
  • spasmolytic.

All this means that this common herb iswidely used in natural medicine . Yarrow canuse internally (in the form ofinfusions ) or externally - in the form ofointments and creams .

Yarrow for digestion

Yarrow infusion has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,stimulates digestion , improves the absorption of many nutrients and regulates intestinal peristalsis, which is why it is most often used in natural medicine for diseases related to with the digestive system, such as:

  • gastritis,
  • any inflammation,
  • stomach ulcers,
  • indigestion,
  • chronic constipation,
  • hemorrhoids (in the form of sockets),
  • flatulence,
  • nausea.

Yarrow herb also has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines, bile and urinary tract, increases bile secretion, inhibits minor gastrointestinal bleeding and accelerates wound healing.

Bloodstone for wounds

Yarrow has the remarkableproperties to reduce internal and external bleeding(hence its name), therefore it has long been used on wounds and burns. Yarrow oil is added to many ointments and creams to help heal minor wounds, scrapes and ulcers. Yarrow heals inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, has an antiseptic and astringent effect, also lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the weakened organism and increases its immunity.

Yarrow for inflammation

The infusion of yarrow flowers has a strong antibacterial effect, thanks to which it is useful intreatment of inflammations of the throat and mouth,e.g. gum disease. It is worth using it to get rid of a sore throat and troublesome cough. The infusion is also useful in the treatment of eye diseases, such as conjunctivitis and excessive tearing.

In the case of a cold or flu, it is also recommended to rub the chestwith yarrow oil .

Yarrow infusion

To prepare an infusion of yarrow, pour a glass of boiling water1 tablespoon dried herb . Brewing should not take more than a few minutes. We drink yarrow infusion twice a day for half a glass.

Yarrow for female problems

Yarrow also helps in women's ailments:regulates the menstrual cycle , soothes ailments related to menstruation, also reduces the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. It helps heal inflammation of the vagina, uterus and ovaries, as well as vaginal discharge.

This herb also helps in the fight against migraines - drinking hot yarrow tea regularly helpsfight migrainescaused by weather changes.

Yarrow in cosmetics

Zedue to itsrejuvenating and whitening propertiesyarrow has also found a wide application in cosmetics. It is a popular ingredient in cosmetics intended for the care of mature skin, asreduces pores and wrinkles . Thanks to its antibacterial properties and zinc content, it is also recommended foracne skin .

Yarrow herb is also an ingredient ofintimate cleansers . It has a fungicidal, antibacterial and protective effect, therefore it effectively protects against infections and prevents changes in the mucosa.

Homemade yarrow cleansing mask

To prepare it, just pour a small amount of boiling water2 teaspoons of dried yarrow flower- until you get a thick paste. After it has cooled down, apply a slightly warm paste to the washed face. We rinse it after 15-20 minutes, while massaging the skin of the face.

Before applying the mask, it's best to make sure you are not allergic to this herb. Yarrow is not recommended for skin that is very sensitive and prone to irritation.

See the gallery of 9 photos

Category:

He alth