Around the so-called “vascular cleansing”
A whole industry and many myths have developed.
However, our blood vessels are not pipes; even theoretically, cleaning them to get rid of cholesterol plaques or calcium deposits is not at all so simple. Does “vascular cleaning” even exist, or is it a misconception and a marketing ploy? We talked with our expert - cardiologist, functional diagnostics doctor, candidate of medical sciences Anna Nikolaevna Kotelnikova
, to learn more about the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
On the eve of the New Year and the festive feast, be attentive to your diet and take care of yourself!
Plant characteristics
What beneficial properties does yarrow have ? First, let's figure out what kind of plant this is. The erect stems of yarrow grow up to 80 cm in height. The dark green leaves are petiolate at the bottom and sessile at the top. The roots of the plant are creeping and quite thin. Small flowers are collected in large basket inflorescences. Yarrow blooms all summer until the first frost in the fall. The seeds ripen a month after flowering.
The drought-resistant and hardy plant prefers bright sunny meadows. It grows a lot along roadsides, in gardens and parks. Used as a medicinal, spicy and honey plant. Yarrow is well known to traditional healers. Traditional medicine also uses preparations from this plant.
Yarrow beneficial properties
general information
The genus Yarrow belongs to the Asteraceae, or Asteraceae, family.
According to various estimates, it unites from 100 to 200 species. Habitat: Eurasia and North America. The type species of the genus Yarrow is the common yarrow. It is actively used in medicine, and is also used as a spicy and ornamental plant. It is also a good honey plant. Distributed in Eurasia, North America, Australia, New Zealand. It grows in sparse forests, on the edges, along roads, in dry forest meadows, along the banks of reservoirs, along the edges of fields; this plant can also be found in wastelands and landfills.
Useful properties of yarrow
The flowering tops of plants are used for medicinal purposes. The content of essential oils helps with colds and headaches.
An infusion of the plant is used to increase blood clotting in various wounds and after operations on internal organs. The medicinal plant has an antiseptic effect. It is used externally for rapid healing of cells after burns, as well as to eliminate diathesis and acne.
Yarrow contains tannins (tannins). They eliminate intestinal problems, cope with dysbiosis and diarrhea. The plant is an anthelmintic.
Many herbalists recommend taking yarrow preparations for diseases of the nervous system. The plant helps cope with insomnia.
Harmfulness of grass
Despite its many beneficial qualities, yarrow can cause harm. And to avoid this, you should know in what cases it becomes dangerous.
On the street
This plant has a creeping superficial root. As the yarrow grows, it invades surrounding areas. And if this process is not controlled, then over time it suppresses the growth of neighboring crops .
This plant has the ability to reproduce uncontrollably by self-seeding, so it is recommended to cut off the inflorescences in a timely manner so that the seeds do not have time to ripen.
For people
Yarrow contains biologically active components. With long-term use of drugs based on it, they can accumulate in the body and thereby cause side effects . Therefore, therapy can be carried out for a course of no more than 2 weeks. After which there should be a break for the same period of time.
For animals
Yarrow can also cause harm to animals. This is due to the fact that it contains bitterness, namely the alkaloid achillein.
When taken orally, it irritates the animal's taste buds. In small doses, this component can improve appetite, but in high concentrations it causes poisoning .
Yarrow for hair and skin
The plant is used in cosmetology to maintain healthy facial skin and strengthen hair. Yarrow extract restores gastric secretion and metabolism, removes waste and toxins. This helps cleanse the skin and give the face a healthy color. Dermatologists prescribe herbal masks to treat increased oiliness of the epidermis. Cream with yarrow eliminates acne.
Yarrow infusions at home relieve hair:
- For dandruff.
- Dryness and brittleness of curls.
- Inflammatory processes of the scalp.
Side effects from use
If the rules for taking yarrow-based products are not followed, side effects may develop. In this case it appears :
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- rash;
- heartburn.
If these signs are present, it is necessary to immediately stop therapy and increase the daily volume of water consumed. If you feel worse, consult a doctor immediately. Uncontrolled use of yarrow-based products leads to side effects.
Dosage forms
Pharmacies sell preparations from the plant in the form of concentrates, alcohol extracts, and aqueous solutions. All parts of the plant (flowers, leaves, stems) have properties beneficial to the body.
Yarrow is found in preparations to boost immunity:
- With sage, bile flows out and liver function improves.
- For neuroses and sleep disorders, it goes well with lemon balm and valerian.
- With the herb St. John's wort it helps against obesity.
- For the treatment of various ailments, infusions with chamomile, immortelle, and calendula help.
What parts and forms of the plant to use, their photos
The healing properties of yarrow are due to the high content of beneficial components in the plant tissues. They are concentrated in its aboveground part, namely :
- in the leaves,
- shoots;
- flowers.
Moreover, their concentration depends on the stage of cultural development.
In the photo is a common yarrow:
The maximum content is observed during the flowering of yarrow. At this time, it is recommended to collect medicinal plant materials by cutting off flower stalks with shoot tips 10-15 cm long.
The chemical composition of the plant includes:
- alkaloids that improve blood clotting;
- flavonoids that reduce blood pressure and relieve spasms;
- carotene is necessary for visual health;
- amino acids involved in protein synthesis;
- tannins that have a restorative and health-improving effect;
- ascorbic acid, which increases the body’s protective function;
- antimicrobial resins;
- essential oils;
- complex of microelements.
Yarrow is used for treatment in the form of :
- infusion;
- decoction;
- tea;
- tinctures;
- fresh juice.
However, these remedies can not only bring benefits, but also harm if they are prepared incorrectly.
Natural yarrow essential oil also has healing properties. It is obtained by steam distillation, which allows preserving most of the beneficial components of natural raw materials.
However, essential oil is a highly concentrated product, and it has a stronger effect on the human body. Therefore, you need to use essential oil in doses, otherwise it can lead to allergies.
Plant materials should be stored in paper bags at a humidity not exceeding 50%.
Contraindications
Restriction of plant intake includes people with increased blood clotting and prone to blood clots. Pregnant women should avoid taking medications; yarrow stimulates uterine contractions.
In children under 6 years of age, eating behavior is not formulated. It is unknown how the body will react to drugs containing this plant. Vomiting, loose stools, and a red rash indicate individual intolerance.
In case of overdose, poisoning, headaches, and allergic rashes are possible.
Symptoms
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by attacks of girdle pain, fever, possibly increased temperature, vomiting, stool disorders, both diarrhea and constipation, belching or vomiting, as well as decreased blood pressure, sweating, dry mouth. The skin becomes pale and facial features may become sharper. This condition is life-threatening.
The chronic stage is characterized by intolerance to many foods, inconsistent oily stools, belching, nausea, and abdominal pain, especially after eating. With chronic pancreatitis, vitamin deficiency develops and weight loss is possible. Diabetes mellitus often occurs in those suffering from pancreatitis.
How to brew a plant?
Yarrow has a spicy taste. For adults, fresh herbs are used as a seasoning after various illnesses. The plant increases appetite.
correct brewing of yarrow
Decoctions are prepared in enamel containers. The crushed grass is poured with clean water and put on fire. Bring to a boil and keep on low heat for half an hour. The resulting broth is filtered through a fine sieve. It helps with kidney, heart and stomach diseases. Recommended dose: one tablespoon of dry herb per glass of boiling water.
Alcohol tincture of yarrow is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The recommended dosage is 80 drops per day in two doses.
Infusions are prepared in a boiling water bath. 20 g of raw material is poured into one glass and kept on fire for 15 minutes. Leave covered for half an hour and strain. Use 3 tablespoons per day to treat colds. Gargle with infusions for a sore throat.
Yarrow is a good honey plant. Breeders have developed varieties with pink and blue inflorescences. Only common yarrow is used in medicine.
Useful and healing qualities
Yarrow has a wide spectrum of action. And with regular use, it can bring benefits not only to human health, but also at home , as well as on the street. However, the healing properties of the plant are preserved only if the plant materials are collected and stored correctly.
At home
The use of yarrow in everyday life helps not only to fill the home with a pleasant aroma, but also to disinfect it. To do this, it is recommended to add a decoction, infusion or a few drops of an essential plant to the water when cleaning wet.
The plant can also
purify the air from :
- bacteria;
- viruses;
- infections.
To do this, you need to drop essential oil onto the vacuum cleaner filter.
In the garden, vegetable garden
Yarrow also benefits outdoors. Experienced gardeners and gardeners use it as a natural insecticide against pests. To do this, you can simply plant a plant around the perimeter of the beds. also recommended to spray garden and vegetable crops with yarrow infusion when signs of damage appear.
To prepare an effective remedy, it is recommended to pour 200 g of the plant collection into 1 liter of water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. After this, leave the mixture for 2 hours and strain. Before processing, add liquid to make 10 liters. Spray the affected plants with aphids and spider mites with the resulting product.
The repellent effect of yarrow also applies to ants.
Some birds use shoots of the plant when building nests , which helps protect the young from parasitic insects.
How does it help a person?
Yarrow treats many diseases and is a universal healing agent. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant, antimicrobial, hemostatic and wound-healing effects.
Moreover, its beneficial effects extend not only to individual organs and systems, but to the entire body as a whole.
The use of this medicinal herb is justified for:
digestive disorders;- urolithiasis;
- flatulence;
- hypertension;
- arthritis;
- rheumatism;
- bleeding;
- skin diseases;
- fever;
- cold;
- migraine;
- vitamin deficiency;
- angina pectoris;
- anemia;
- insomnia;
- arrhythmias;
- neuralgia.
Yarrow is also drunk for men's health. The plant is recommended for the treatment of prostatitis. It can also improve sexual function and prevent the development of impotence.
For women, the herb is recommended for:
- uterine fibroids;
- whites;
- painful menstruation.
It is possible to use yarrow for enuresis in a child, but only in consultation with the pediatrician.
Products based on this plant can be used to treat children over 12 years of age.
Why do animals need it?
Yarrow has long been used in veterinary medicine. This plant has been used for eating disorders in animals. And also products based on it help treat helminthiasis .
Procurement of raw materials
The stems with flowering tops and flowers of the plant are used as a medicine. For medicinal use, the plant is harvested in the first half of the flowering period before the flower heads darken.
The collection should be carried out on sunny days: yarrow has a great healing effect and will be stored longer.
Stems with tops are cut using a sickle, knife or pruning shears. If thickets form, you can mow them with a scythe, and then select grass from this mass. Collections can be carried out on the same site for 2–3 years in a row. After this you need to take a break for 1–2 years.
The cut stems with tips should be about 15 cm in length (without woody stems without leaves), and the flowers should be cut at a distance of 2 cm from the top.
The raw materials need to be sorted: remove coarse stems and scutes with browned flowers. It is then spread out in a thin layer or tied into bundles and dried in the shade. The decomposed raw materials must be stirred periodically. Drying can also be carried out in dryers at 35–40°C. Drying is complete when the stems break easily. The grass is cut and placed in glass jars. Store for about 2 years.
Home remedies from yarrow
- infusion of yarrow herb: take 2 tablespoons of raw material, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 15–20 minutes. Drink the infusion warm, 2–3 times a day, 1/2–1/3 cup, for peptic ulcers, gastritis and as a hemostatic agent;
- tincture of yarrow herb: take 4 tablespoons of raw material, pour in 100 ml of vodka and leave for 7 days. Drink 20 drops 3 times a day before meals for intestinal colic, angina and dysmenorrhea;
- infusion of yarrow herb (for external use): take 2 tablespoons of raw material, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Use for lotions, compresses and washes for acne, scabies and lichen.
Yarrow interesting facts for children
Numerous historical uses have given rise to many other common names over the centuries, such as: nosebleed blocker, old man's pepper, carpenter's weed, military herb, or soldier's must for wounds. The names refer either to the beautiful structure of the leaves or to the beneficial properties of the yarrow.
- A well-known Greek myth describes the fact that Achilles, using the healing properties of yarrow, healed Telephus, the son of Hercules, from severe wounds after a battle;
- The grandson of Dmitry Donskoy suffered from sudden nosebleeds. Ancient chronicles mention this fact. They describe in detail that thanks to the medicinal properties and use of yarrow as a medicine, healers were able to help the patient;
- The Russian military genius, the great commander, Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov ordered that every soldier be given yarrow powder. After the battles, the military personnel used it to treat wounds received during the battles. The use of yarrow helped reduce serious consequences and the occurrence of gangrene. Treated wounds healed, doctors resorted to amputation less, and many lives were saved.
Today, yarrow is still planted both for medicinal purposes and for its horticultural value. Many people like to use this herb in cooking, in salad or soup. The herb, harvested for future use, can replace fresh or dried tarragon in recipes. Dried yarrow is placed in oils and vinegar to add a subtle flavor.
Yarrow has found use in the cosmetics industry, serving as an ingredient in detergents and shampoos. The flowers and leaves add flavor to soft drinks, liqueurs and spirits.
People have never stopped using this herb for medicinal purposes, brewing it in tea, using its beneficial properties, not forgetting about contraindications.
