Yarrow is considered one of the most popular plants, which is used in traditional medicine. Culture has many healing properties that are used to treat various pathologies. The presence in the plant of biologically active substances requires the observance of a certain caution when using medications prepared on its basis. The use of drugs in large doses in the treatment of gynecological diseases can cause inflammation of the walls of the uterus and the exacerbation of chronic pathologies.
What is yarrow
Yarrow is a fragrant plant that can be found almost throughout the territory of Russia. The culture is perennial, with an upright short stem, on which are gray-green leaves. Yarrow inflorescences have many flower baskets, and the flowering period lasts from the beginning of summer to the end of autumn. In September-October, the ripening of fruits, which have the form of oblong-shaped seeds, occurs.
Most often, the plant lives on the edges, in forest thicket, parks and gardens. Yarrow has a large number of useful properties that have been known since ancient times. Culture is considered quite unpretentious and grows well both in the sun and in shaded areas. Vegetatively propagated grass and seeds.
Medicinal properties of the plant
Yarrow is one of the main components of various herbal, and this is due to its content of biologically active substances.
Grass is the source:
- saponins;
- flavonoids;
- Achillein;
- Chamazulena;
- millefolida;
- borneol;
- tannins;
- vitamins;
- trace elements.
The flowers of the plant contain essential oil, which is considered a complex aromatic compound and has a pronounced therapeutic effect on the body. In addition, it helps to achieve antiallergic effect and relax the smooth muscles of the internal organs.
In folk medicine, yarrow is widespread as an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant. Preparations based on it have a positive effect on the functioning of the internal organs. Contained in the plant substances accelerate the formation of mucus, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system.
Often, yarrow is used as a means by which it is possible to restore the function of the urinary system. Tannins are present in the plant, therefore it is often used as an effective wound healing drug.
Collection, storage and storage
The yarrow blooms from June to autumn, and during this period there is a scent in the air that resembles the smell of wormwood. It is during the flowering period that it is necessary to harvest the grass for drying, since in the upper part there are a lot of essential oils that have useful properties.
It is best to harvest the plant in dry weather, away from industrial plants, highways and landfills. For preparation, the upper part of the plant with baskets of small white flowers is used. The top is cut with a knife without coarse stems and leaves.
It is best to dry the plant outdoors under a canopy or in the attic under a tiled roof. It is strictly forbidden to carry out drying under the open rays of the sun, as this will cause the destruction of essential oils and chlorophyll. Vegetable raw materials must be spread out in a thin layer on paper or cloth, stirring occasionally. The dried plant has a strong aroma and bitter taste. Stored raw materials must be stored in glass jars with lids or paper bags.
Infusions and decoctions of yarrow
With the help of decoctions of medicinal plants, it is possible to get rid of skin diseases and colds, severe headaches and bronchial asthma. In addition, decoctions are used in the treatment of kidney stones, as well as pathologies of the stomach and heart.
To prepare the broth, pour a tablespoon of crushed dry plant into an enamel bowl and pour a glass of boiling water over it. The resulting mixture to simmer on fire for no more than half an hour, then bring to room temperature and filtered. This tool can be used for the treatment of cystitis, food poisoning, gastritis and colitis. It is necessary to take half a glass of decoction several times a day after meals.
Infusion of yarrow is recommended to take in the pathology of the respiratory tract and as a means to help improve digestion and increase appetite. In addition, it is indicated for women with interruptions of the menstrual cycle and for increasing the amount of milk during breastfeeding. Infusion of yarrow is used to rinse the mouth with inflammation of the mucous membrane. Also used for enemas for hemorrhoids.
To prepare the infusion is necessary:
- 15 grams of finely chopped plants pour a glass of water;
- put the resulting mixture into a water bath and incubate for 15 minutes, not forgetting to stir it;
- after the pan is removed from the stove, leave for 45 minutes and filtered;
- Add water to the infusion to the original volume and drink it in the form of heat 10 ml several times a day.
Such a yarrow remedy is recommended to be stored in a cold place at a temperature not exceeding 10 degrees.
Recipes of traditional medicine
In folk medicine, the aerial part of the plant is used for the treatment of bleeding of various kinds and inflammatory processes. Acceptance of decoctions is indicated for nosebleeds, hemoptysis, and tuberculosis.
Yarrow Baths
You need to take 200 grams of dry plants, pour them with 3 liters of hot water and leave for 3 hours. Strain the prepared product and pour it into the bath. This bath is recommended to take for 15 minutes and it is best to go to bed. Coming out of the bath, you should wrap yourself in a warm sheet. To carry out such a procedure is allowed no more than 2 weeks. In addition, on the basis of this infusion, you can make lotions in the treatment of pustules and eczema.
Boil Ointment
In the treatment of furunculosis and small ulcers, you can prepare the ointment according to the following recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of dry plants pour 50 ml of hot water until the formation of gruel.
- Heat the mixture to 60-70 degrees, cool and mix with 20 grams of vaseline.
Prepared drug applied to the affected areas of the skin several times a day.
Yarrow Juice
In folk medicine, juice is used to heal ulcers, abrasions, scratches and cuts. In addition, it can be used in gynecology and for the treatment of bleeding cervical erosion. When bleeding from the nose is recommended to insert into the nose tampons moistened in the juice of yarrow, which accelerates the closure of the vessel.
A mixture of juice with honey is considered an effective folk remedy for liver diseases. For gastritis and gastric ulcer, you can mix the juice of the plant with sea buckthorn or olive oil in a 1: 1 ratio and use it for medicinal purposes.
Application in cosmetology
With the help of yarrow, it is possible to get rid of increased greasiness and fatness, as well as eliminate inflammation and restore attractiveness to loose skin. For this purpose it is recommended to use masks, lotions and wash the infusion prepared on the basis of the plant. To do this, pour a glass of boiling water with a tablespoon of vegetable raw materials, bring the mixture to a boil and cool. Infusion strain and apply as intended.
Yarrow helps to restore brittle and dry hair to life, as well as stop their loss. To prepare hair loss remedies you need:
- 30 grams of a plant pour 200 ml boiling water and leave the mixture for 1 hour.
- Means to drain and smear them the roots and curls of hair.
- Wrap your head with a towel and leave for 1 hour, then wash your hair.
Yarrow juice helps to strengthen the hair, which is recommended to be rubbed into the hair once a week for a month.
Healing fees based on yarrow
Herbal preparations with yarrow are effective in treating various female diseases and help restore the menstrual cycle, normalize blood pressure and eliminate pain. For this purpose, it is recommended to mix 10 grams of Potentilla root and oak bark and add 25 grams of yarrow and a shepherd's bag. You need 10 grams of this vegetable mixture to brew 200 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for 2 hours. After a while, the drug must be drained and taken 25 ml several times during the day.
You can mix baskets of yarrow, lemon balm grass and violet fragrant in the ratio 1: 2: 2. Pour 2 tablespoons of this mixture into the container and pour 400 ml of water. The resulting mass to simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, then insist at least 1 hour. The tool is recommended to give children for the treatment of enuresis 50-70 ml for half an hour before meals.
Possible harm and contraindications
It must be remembered that the yarrow contains toxic substances, therefore, it is necessary to take funds based on it with increased caution.
There are some contraindications to treatment with a plant:
- to refuse the use of yarrow remedies is necessary for those patients who have increased blood clotting;
- women should not use medicinal herbs during pregnancy and children under 7 years old;
- in the preparation of too concentrated tinctures for internal use may cause severe heartburn;
- with too frequent use of infusions and decoctions may appear rash on the skin, nausea and dizziness.
Some people may develop allergies, even with a simple touch on the yarrow. The use of funds in the first and last trimester of pregnancy can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus, which often causes miscarriage or premature birth.
