We have been asked about the properties, benefits and contraindications of yarrow. In this article, we will analyze each of these aspects.
Yarrow is a perennial plant, measuring 15 to 50 cm in height, growing in meadows, pastures, fields, paths and grassy areas.
Erect stems rise from a creeping rhizome; they are branched and have a dense panicle at the top. The leaves are woolly when young, then become almost hairless. They have a lanceolate outline and are bi- or tripinnate.
The heads are up to 6 mm in diameter. The involucre is ovoid, yellowish-green in color, with brown edges. The floral discs are dirty white. The ray florets are white, and can sometimes be pink, red or yellow. Mature achenes are silver-grey in color and slightly winged at the edge.
A. millefolium grows in most of Europe, in western Asia, North America and Australia. This collective species includes about eight smaller species, of which A. millefolium proper has two subspecies: millefolium, which grows in the lowlands, and sudetica, which grows in the mountains.
The other minor species are distinguished mainly by the general appearance, the shape and arrangement of the leaves, the color of the ray florets, the organization of the flower heads and, as an important characteristic, the number of chromosomes.
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Yarrow properties
The Latin name of this plant has a beautiful origin. When, in the Trojan War, Achilles was mortally wounded in the heel, the goddess Aphrodite recommended that he rub the wound with leaves of yarrow in order to ease your pain. Since those remote —and mythical— times, Yarrow has been used to treat stab wounds. In fact, these little umbrellas with white flowers look like individual bandages that Nature has placed within our reach.
In addition to its properties healing (it is infallible with any superficial wound, be it an ulcer, a chilblain, a hemorrhoid or a nosebleed), yarrow is a formidable antiseptic.
To treat wounds, the yarrow is usually prepared in fresh juice: the entire aerial part of the plant is crushed and filtered through a cloth. The juice obtained must be rubbed against the affected area. Optionally, this essence can be mixed with lard, in equal parts, obtaining an ointment that also has moisturizing qualities.
However, one must be cautious: some people are allergic to the active principles of this plant, so if pimples or red dots are observed, the treatment should be stopped immediately.
Less known are its fortifying and decongestant qualities. It is a magnificent tonic for the digestive system, as well as a soothing for the heart. It can be used to regulate a woman’s cycle, and thanks to its cleansing properties, it is also excellent for treating kidney stones.
For all this, yarrow can be used as an infusion of about 20 grams of dried leaves and flowers in half a liter of water. A couple of hot cups should suffice for a day’s treatment; higher doses will not increase the therapeutic effect and may cause gastrointestinal upset
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Yarrow Benefits
Infusion of the leaves. Add 60 g of fresh yarrow – less quantity if it is dry – to a hot glass container and 2.5 cups of non-chlorinated water at the point of boiling. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Then it is strained, and the infusion is drunk hot or cold during the day, up to three times a day. It can be kept for about two days in the fridge.
Tincture. 120g of fresh yarrow leaves with very finely cut stems (or 60g of the powdered dried plant) are combined with 500ml of cognac, gin or vodka in a glass jar.
The alcohol must cover the parts of the plant and be in a proportion with water of 50%. Cover and store the mixture away from light for two weeks, shaking the bottle several times a day. Strain and store in a hermetically sealed and well labeled dark glass vial. The standard dose is 10 to 15 drops of the tincture in water up to three times a day.
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contraindications
Because yarrow has a cumulative effect in the body, people should avoid using it frequently in high doses and for long periods of time.
Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, should avoid consuming it, as yarrow is a uterine stimulant, which could cause a spontaneous abortion. Its use is not recommended in women who are lactating.
People with allergies to ragweed, another member of the Asteraceae family, should avoid taking yarrow by mouth, as it could cause rashes or photosensitivity after ingestion.
It is important to note that no interactions between yarrow and standard pharmaceuticals have been described.
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