Yarrow - also known as Achillea in botanical terms - is said to have more than one healing effect and can be used for various problems. The herb and flowers can be used both externally and internally and its effects are similar to chamomile. It may therefore be worthwhile to plant the plant yourself and keep it ready for fresh or dry use.
Profile
The term yarrow or the Achillea group includes several varieties, but they differ only slightly in appearance. Laypeople therefore usually do not recognize the exact type. The plants are generally 30 to 100 centimeters high and bear small white to pink flowers in double panicles. The strong main stems are multi-branched, dark green and slightly hairy.
Poisonous or not?
The Achillea themselves are not poisonous in any part of the plant. However, there is a risk of confusion between representatives of this group and plants that are poisonous. These include spotted hemlock (Conium maculatum) and giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
The spotted hemlock stands out because of its smell, which is similar to ammonia or mouse urine. A distinction between yarrow species and giant hogweed is mainly possible based on the shape of the leaves. A photo of the plant can therefore be used for orientation when collecting. However, it is always safer to plant the useful yarrow plants yourself.
Application options
Both leaves, stems and flowers can be used internally and externally. Typical applications are:
- fresh or dried as tea
- as an additive in ointment
- as a bath additive
- fresh flowers as a decoction for hair care
Preparation before use is in any case comparatively easy and does not take much time. However, different preparations are recommended for different areas of application.
Care for hair
Yarrow flowers can enhance the shine of the hair, increase volume, create a feeling of lightness and improve combability. Preparing a nourishing conditioner is also very easy; all you need to do is follow the following steps:
- Harvest four slightly heaped tablespoons of the freshest possible yarrow flowers. If these are only available dried, three tablespoons are enough.
- Place the flowers in a heatproof bowl or bottle.
- Boil a liter of water and pour it over the flowers. Cover or close the container and let the infusion steep for at least 30 minutes.
- After steeping, the infusion is sieved to remove the flowers. Alternatively, the flowers can also be placed directly into a tea bag or tea strainer, making them much easier to remove.
- When the brew has cooled to a comfortable temperature, it can be used as a hair conditioner. It is distributed on the scalp and hair after washing and is not washed out.
Digestion and weight loss
A tea infusion made from yarrow is also said to be helpful for mild digestive disorders, such as bloating and flatulence. One to two teaspoons of the flowers or finely chopped leaves are sufficient for 150 milliliters. Again, the medicinal herb can be used dry or fresh.
The tea can be used both to regulate digestion and to lose weight because it contains bitter substances. These are said to curb appetite and stimulate fat burning. This means that the tea can also serve as a support for losing weight.
Tip:
However, as with all other medicinal herbs, too large quantities of tea can cause side effects. Adults are allowed to drink three to four cups per day.
Wounds
Similar to chamomile, Achillea also has a disinfecting and slightly astringent effect. In this way it can contribute to wound healing. Yarrow ointment is wonderful for this. The yarrow ointment can be purchased ready-made or made yourself. A very simple option is to enrich a simple basic ointment with yarrow juice. To do this, the stems, leaves and, if necessary, roots are crushed in a mortar or blender. The mass and liquid are placed in a fine sieve to separate the plant sap from the solid components.
The juice can be applied directly to the wound or added to an ointment. Compresses soaked in it can also be applied or baths can be taken in an infusion with the medicinal herb. For a bath for wounds, a strong tea infusion is made from leaves, flowers and stems. The amount can be doubled from one to two teaspoons per 150 milliliters to two to six teaspoons. A quantity of one liter is enough for around 20 liters of bath water.
Liver
The bitter substances, tannins and other secondary plant substances are intended to regulate the activity of the liver and gallbladder, soothe the organs and support their functions. Stress, illnesses and medications that put a strain on the liver, as well as digestive disorders, should therefore benefit from a tea infusion made from the medicinal plant. It is prepared in the same way as an infusion for digestive problems.
Wish to have children
The Achillea contain, among numerous other substances, phytohormones. These are so-called plant hormones. These are intended to be an advantage if you already want to have children. According to herbal medicine, the phytohormones have a regulating effect on the cycle and are said to be able to increase fertility. This is why you can find special fertility teas that contain Achillea, for example.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Yarrow tea should not be consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The ingredients in the teas and tinctures are said to not only be beneficial for reproductive function, but also to promote labor.
Cramps & Menopause
For other typically female complaints during menstruation or menopause, the herbal remedies from the medicinal herb can relieve cramps and have a relaxing effect. This makes Achillea particularly interesting for women who, for example, suffer from PMS, pain and hormonal fluctuations or other typically female complaints.
Due to its regulating effect, the medicinal plant can even be used during menopause in the form of teas to create hormonal balance and thereby reduce problems such as hot flashes, mood swings and restrictions.
Smoking yarrow
In some cultures, dried Achillea is smoked alone, with other herbs, or mixed with tobacco. However, smoking is not recommended, as the healing effect and the desired effect can be achieved much more gently in other ways.
