Yarrow is a herb that is also found in our country. It is a favourite with many people, as it is effective for a wide range of health problems. Even Greek mythology mentions this herb. When Achilles was wounded in battle, he treated himself with yarrow and then anointed his body with a tincture made from it to prevent arrows from harming him. One of the herb’s outstanding properties is that it helps to stop bleeding quickly.
The medicinal benefits of the herb have long been known. It has been used by some Indian tribes to improve digestion and to treat sprains and bruises. The medicinal uses of yarrow are many and varied, and here are some of them.
Among other things, it can help fight bacteria and viruses. You can also make a herbal tea blend of yarrow, elderflower, linden, peppermint and ginger. This combination will promote faster sweating and help to flush flu-causing viruses out of the body.
The herb also supports digestion and detoxification, as it contains bitter compounds and fatty acids that can improve digestion and reduce the risk of gallstones.
Known to many as a remedy for menstrual cramps and pain, yarrow is also actively involved in regulating the menstrual cycle. It can also be very effective for certain skin conditions, such as eczema, but it can also be used to stop bleeding and treat ulcers.
It is also very useful for rheumatism and arthritis, as it relieves pain, but it can also be very helpful for people suffering from these two conditions because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Cat’s claw dilates capillaries and its blood pressure regulating effect is also outstanding, as well as relieving the symptoms of haemorrhoids. You can make a tea from yarrow, but a tincture of it can also be very effective in treating haemorrhoids.
We can also make tincture of yarrow ourselves, and here is the recipe.
A simple tincture of yarrow
Ingredients:
- a large bunch of yarrow
- alcohol
- jar
Preparation:
After taking home the herb you collected, wash it in cold water and let it dry on a clean dish towel. You can also use the flowers, stems and leaves of the herb. Chop up the plant parts into small pieces and fill a jar with them, pouring in as much alcohol as you can. Leave to mature in a cool place for 4-6 weeks, then strain and use.