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Yarrow is widely used in folk medicine. The plant affects most organs. Medicines prepared on its basis are used to treat the digestive, nervous, reproductive systems, and improve the condition of hair and skin. Before use, you need to know the beneficial properties and contraindications of yarrow.
Chemical composition of yarrow
The plant contains the following substances:
- coumarin – prevents blood cell clotting;
- caryophyllene – improves mood;
- aconitic acid – accelerates metabolic processes in the body;
- tannins – increase the viscosity of internal fluids;
- quercetin – stabilizes the functioning of neurons;
- Achillesin – increases the number of red blood cells;
- choline – normalizes acidity in the gastrointestinal tract;
- asparagine – stabilizes fat and protein balance;
- camphor - thins phlegm.
The benefits of yarrow for human health
Yarrow is beneficial for human health. It has the following properties:
- tightens muscles;
- fights harmful microorganisms, fungus;
- reduces sugar levels;
- relieves fever;
- increases acidity in the blood;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- removes harmful substances;
- dries out pus;
- reduces inflammatory processes;
- accelerates wound healing.
Some people wonder if yarrow thickens the blood or thins it. Since it contains tannins, the mucous membrane and circulatory system thicken. This must be taken into account before treatment.
What parts of yarrow are used for medicinal purposes?
Yarrow is used to treat various ailments. The above-ground parts of the plant – leaves and inflorescences – are of particular value. The root system and stem are of no practical use.
What does yarrow treat?
The herb has been used as medicine for many centuries.Yarrow is useful for ARVI, bad stool, worms and other disorders. Tinctures, decoctions, ointments, and tea are prepared from it. Raw materials help to cope with many health problems.
Yarrow for colds and coughs
To prepare a cough remedy, heat half a liter of honey to a boil in a water bath, add 100 ml of alcohol, 1 tablespoon of plantain and oregano, 1 teaspoon of yarrow. The resulting broth is not allowed to harden; there is no need to pass it through a sieve. Can be added to tea, or combined with aloe to treat bronchitis.
To reduce temperature, the plant is used with rose hips or lemon:
- Half a liter of water is brought to boiling water.
- Then add ten pieces of linden blossom and an incomplete tablespoon of yarrow.
- You need to wait for a few minutes until the smell appears.
Add a few cups of lemon and honey to the tea.
Yarrow for diarrhea
Yarrow is good for the intestines, as the tannins in its composition prevent stool upset. After use, toxic elements and stagnation in the colon are released.
Drink yarrow for diarrhea four times a day, brewing a teaspoon of dried herb with 200 ml of boiling water. Drink half a glass at a time.
Yarrow for allergies
To relieve inflammation and remove the burning sensation caused by skin allergies, prepare a compress from 200 ml of boiled water and three tablespoons of cabbage (early variety). Boil for a quarter of an hour, after which add a tablespoon of beneficial herbs and wait for it to cool.
Yarrow for hemorrhoids
For treatment, it is necessary to combine baths (elimination of swelling, pain relief) and suppositories (healing). In the first case:
- Bring 100 g of butter to a boil.
- Then add ten drops of plant oil and let it boil.
- After the liquid hardens, make suppositories.
They are used no more than once a day, they are especially useful before bedtime.
For the bath, pour 3 liters of cold water into a container, add 3 tablespoons of herbs and a glass of plantain. Boil over low heat for half an hour, wait for it to cool, and filter. The bath takes no more than ten minutes.
Yarrow for gastritis and ulcers
To prepare a mixture for gastritis, add a small glass of flax seeds to 1.5 liters of cool water. Boil until the composition begins to become viscous. After this, add an incomplete tablespoon of yarrow flowers, stir and cover with a lid. The result should be about 0.5 liters of healthy decoction, which should be consumed throughout the day. Then they take a break for a couple of days and drink again.
In combination with calendula, you can cope with ulcers of the intestinal mucosa. It is equally effective for infectious diseases or gastritis.
Yarrow for pancreatitis
Common yarrow has properties that prevent the spread of pancreatitis. To prepare the decoction, you will need to add half a teaspoon of healthy raw materials, calendula and corn silk, to 200 ml of boiling water. The mixture is brought to a boil, then left for about 3.5 hours. The liquid is passed through a sieve and consumed twice a day after six hours.
Yarrow for worms
To get rid of parasites, add half a teaspoon of tansy, a glass of crushed pumpkin seeds and a teaspoon of raw materials to 500 ml of alcohol. Insist for 20 days. It would be correct to drink yarrow no more than twice a day, half a teaspoon.
To prepare an enema for worms, take a glass and fill it with onion peels. Add 0.4 liters of boiling water, cover with a cloth and leave for about ten hours. Add 3 tablespoons of herb to the resulting liquid and boil for half an hour. An enema is given once a day in the proportion: 75% broth and 25% boiled water. The procedure is performed over four days.
Yarrow for cystitis
The medicinal properties of yarrow are useful for the treatment of cystitis. Dry compresses are used for this. For 500 g of salt, take 6 tablespoons of raw material, heat it and place it in a bag, wrapped in a towel. Place it on the bladder.
Yarrow for poisoning
The herb is also useful for fighting food poisoning.A decoction is prepared from it and wormwood - add a tablespoon of plants to 1 liter of boiling water, place in a water bath and leave for three minutes.
Yarrow for fibroids
Herbal tincture (15 drops per 0.1 liter of water) is used in combination with baths. However, the medicine is only useful in certain situations. Under no circumstances should you take it without consultation.
Yarrow for swelling
The healing properties of yarrow also relieve swelling, as they remove excess substances from the body. Infusions have a diuretic effect. They are consumed 30 minutes before meals three times a day in small quantities (about 100 ml). The procedure is repeated for five days.
Use in cooking
Pharmaceutical teas with laxative properties are prepared from the herb. Yarrow does not lose its beneficial properties when processed. Shoots, green matter and flowers are eaten. The leaves are used in meat dishes and fish. Flowers are used to make jellies, mousses, kvass, and tinctures. The crushed shoots are intended for flavoring.
Application in cosmetology
Due to its anti-aging properties, the plant is especially popular among women. It is useful for improving the condition of facial skin and hair.
Yarrow for face
To prepare the mixture, beat the egg yolk with a tablespoon of butter. A few drops of honey and plant oil are added to the resulting mass. The liquid is thoroughly mixed and then applied to the face. Keep the mask on for two minutes.
Yarrow for hair loss
To improve the condition of your hair, beat two egg yolks. Then add:
- 2 tablespoons aloe juice;
- 25 drops of herbal oil.
The mixture is kept on the head for half an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water. The procedure is performed once a month.
Contraindications and special instructions
Yarrow has both benefits and harm. In some cases, the use of medicine based on it is contraindicated.
Can pregnant women drink yarrow?
At the moment, there is no data confirming the safety of taking raw materials during pregnancy. Therefore, yarrow should not be used during pregnancy.
Yarrow for breastfeeding
There is no information about the safety of consuming the plant during the period of breastfeeding. The toxic substances it contains (in particular, thujol) can affect the composition of breast milk. At this time, it is better to avoid using yarrow-based medications.
Can children drink yarrow?
Children over six years of age are allowed to take medications. In young children, yarrow may cause side effects:
- rickets;
- hypotension;
- anemia;
- development of depression;
- abnormal growth of joints;
- completeness;
- allergy.
If necessary, medications should be given in small concentrations (for example, teas are diluted with water). Yarrow is brewed correctly using 1-2 branches of raw material per 1 liter of liquid.
The child's body should be accustomed to it gradually. Before using for the first time, an allergy test is performed. For the initial dose, about 15 ml of decoction is suitable. If discomfort occurs after taking, the herb is no longer used. The plant is not suitable for children with dry skin (just like black tea and mint).
Conclusion
Before using the plant, you need to know the beneficial properties and contraindications of yarrow. For medicinal purposes, only inflorescences and green mass can be used. The root and stem are of no value. Decoctions should not be used by pregnant women and children under six years of age.
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