Summary
Medicinal plant used for internal use against anorexia (bitter effect) and in case of digestive problems with spasms, and for external use against inflammations. Yarrow is generally used as an infusion.
names
Portuguese name: yarrow, yarrow, yarrow, aquileia, yarrow
Binomial name: Achillea millefolium L.
French name: millefeuille , achillée millefeuille
English name: milfoil, yarrow
German name: Schafgarbe
Italian name: achillea
Family
Asteraceae (Asteraceae)
Constituents
Essential oils, sesquiterpenes, coumarins, proazulenes, azulene, camazulene, flavonoids, alkaloids, salicylic acid, tannins, insulin, bitter substances.
Note: the active principles or components of yarrow resemble those found in chamomile.
parts used
Whole plant: dry capitula, flowers, herbs (aerial parts in general).
Effects
Internal use:
Bitter tonic, astringent, spasmolytic, antispasmodic
External use:
Astringent, antiphlogistic (against inflammation), anti-inflammatory, healing, hemostatic
Indications
Internal use:
– Stomach pain (with spasms) , spasms or cramps during menstrual disorders, anorexia, dyspepsia (digestive disorders or indigestion), flatulence , gastroesophageal reflux (acidity of the stomach), gout , diarrhea , fever .
External use:
– Inflamed lesions, wounds that are difficult to heal, hemorrhoids (in a sitz bath), burns , acne, bruises, white hair (as shampoo), insect bites (against pain).
Secundary effects
Allergy (delayed type allergy). During consumption for a long time or in very high concentration: constipation, digestive disorders, liver disorders.
contraindications
Not recommended for people who are allergic to yarrow, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children under 5 years old.
Interactions
Anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, lithium, iron.
Yarrow-based preparations
– Essential oil
– Tincture
– poultice
– Ointment
– Yarrow shampoo (against white hair)
– Millet ointment
Where does the yarrow grow?
The yarrow plant grows wild in fields (usually in a dry environment) in Europe, North America and Asia. In Brazil, yarrow can be cultivated without problems, for example, in the region of São Paulo and in the south of the country. Yarrow measures about 30 to 50 cm in height, and can reach up to 90 cm in height. The plant is native to Europe.
When to harvest yarrow?
Yarrow usually blooms from June to September (Portugal).
Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. To ensure long flowering, remove spent flowers regularly. To grow in the garden.
Comments
– In its indication to treat anorexia, it is not a miraculous remedy, but only an aid, as yarrow has a bitter taste that allows an increase in appetite. Try it as it has no side effects. For its use against colds (flu syndrome) and fever, specialized books on phytotherapy generally recommend associating it with elderberry.
– Yarrow was widely used in the past, in popular medicine, against wounds or bruises, to stop bleeding. Finally, we emphasize that yarrow was formerly used in the Highlands, in the north of Scotland, in cream or ointment, against wounds and other skin problems.
– The term Achillea, found in the scientific name of the plant (Achillea millefolium), is a reference to the mythical Greek warrior Achilles, who would have used yarrow to dry the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War.
– In the kitchen, you can add young yarrow leaves to a salad.
– The yarrow belongs to the bitter plants, its degree of bitterness is between 3,000 and 5,000. In comparison, the yellow gentian which is more bitter and has a degree of bitterness between 10,000 and 30,000. Bitterness helps promote digestion. It is also important to know that the bitter substances found in yarrow are easily destroyed by heat. As a result, if you want to brew a tea that retains its bitter effect, you only need to heat it up for a few minutes. On the other hand, tannins take longer to be destroyed by heat.
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