Health Benefits of Yarrow
If you've ever been hiking through some woods or in the mountains, you've probably seen or passed by those plants that look like a thick collection of white or pink stars.
Well, that's yarrow.
And you've probably never paid attention to it and maybe even stepped on it while enjoying the view of the nearby city.
But I can assure you, after reading this post, you will pay attention to it and even take it home with you.
A thousand leaves of Achilles
Yarrow originates from the temperate regions of the world, like Europe, temperate Asia, and North America.
It comes from the same family as milk thistle, chamomile, and many others.
(Latin: Asteraceae)
As I posted in the article about 12 Highly Beneficial Medicinal Herbs, yarrow got its Latin name "Achillea millefolium" from the belief that Achilles used it to treat his injured soldiers, and from the fact that it has many tiny leaves ('millefolium' means 'a thousand leaves').
It grows in groups, in the fields, meadows and in gardens as weed, from lowlands to mountainous regions, from May to October.
Health benefits
Ancient reports suggest that yarrow was used in Greece several thousand years ago to treat injured soldiers. It was even used in World War 1, sometimes as the only treatment for wounds, mainly because of its hemostatic properties (blood flow prevention).
Of course, yarrow contains many more health benefiting properties.
Let's see what they are:
1. Wounds and bleeding
As already mentioned, yarrow has been used in ancient and modern warfare to help wounds heal and prevent bleeding. This is yarrow's most significant trait.
It was also used as a pain reliever.
Achilleine, a chemical constituent found in yarrow is responsible for these styptic and analgesic properties. If you have hemorrhoid problems, yarrow's styptic properties can help with that as well.
2. Menstrual ailments
Yarrow contains the ability to induce blood flow in the pelvic area, which helps in long periods of menstrual absence (amenorrhea).
Studies have also shown yarrow's ability to help with menstrual cramps and spasms of the uterus.
3. Digestive issues
The cholagogue effect, or inducing the flow of bile in the digestive system is a direct effect of yarrow's bitterness and fatty acids.
Yarrow can also reduce inflammation in the stomach and heal it.
4. Anti-inflammatory
Yarrow extracts contain anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore aid many different types of inflammation such as the inflammation of the female reproductive system, respiratory system, and arthritis.
5. Allergies
Yarrow is a great remedy for all who suffer from various types of allergies (e.g. dust, pollen etc.)
Combining yarrow with mint and drinking tea of the mixture can greatly improve allergy symptoms. By strengthening your respiratory system, it can also help with asthma.
6. Fever reduction
Yarrow can help with fevers by inducing circulation, opening skin pores and making your body temperature higher, thus aiding your body's natural defense system and helping you fight off the virus quickly. You will start sweating a lot and your fever will quickly diminish.
Quite impressive, right? Now let's see a bigger list of yarrow's powers:
- enhances liver function
- cleans the blood (acne)
- heals wounds, ulcers, pimples, hemorrhoids etc.
- releases water from the body
- removes bladder stones
- strengthens(invigorates) the body
- treats oral cavity infections
- treats conjunctivitis
- improves appetite
- induces digestion and gas
- relieves constipation
- destroys intestinal parasites
- helps with nervous system diseases
- breathing problems
- acts against cramps
- calms the heart
- helps with headaches
- enhances gallbladder and kidney function
- it can be used in treating female ailments
- regulates the female menstrual cycle
- diabetes
- stops bleeding
- antiseptic
- anti-inflammatory
- antispasmatic
- helps with rheumatism
- lowers blood pressure
Here are some suggestions for preparation:
- Tea for relaxation, vigor and blood detoxification:
- Tea for nervous problems:
1 liter/quart of hot water pour over 10-20 pinches of leaves and flowers with a couple leaves of lemon balm and a pinch of chamomile. Leave for a couple minutes, drain and drink 2-3 cups a day.
- Decoction for a compress or for rinsing the wounds:
Half-handful (30g) of leaves and flowers in 1 liter/quart of water and cook for 5 minutes.
You can also grind the plant and squeeze the juice out through a piece of fabric and use on a wounded part of the body.
COUPLE WORDS OF CAUTION
Do not use during pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage, can cause allergic reactions with those allergic to ragweed, can prevent blood clotting with excessive intake
0 Primjedbe