Achillea Millefolium, also known as yarrow, common or white yarrow, is one of the most valuable medical plants for centuries. An interesting fact is that it got its Latin name Achillea Millefolium binds to the Greek hero Achilles, who, as a learned man, also used this herb to heal the wounds during the Trojan War. Beautiful yarrow also got the Achilles name because, as we all know, he was the greatest hero in Ancient Greek mythology, and he was famous for his strength. Yarrow is the herb that also possesses great strength, meaning it has multiple strong effects. Another interesting thing if you ever plan to attract butterflies, white yarrow is the perfect lure!
As a self-standing, perennial plant, it grows throughout Europe, usually along the roads, in meadows and pastures. It flashes throughout the summer and is read when the sun is the strongest because that is the period when this plant has most of its essential oil that can be used for many purposes. Sometimes it is colored blue, because of the azulene ingredient and this is the reason why it is used for sunscreen and oils that are protecting and nurturing the skin at the same time. In addition, yarrow is extremely rich in tannins, organic acids, bitter substances that give it a bitter-aromatic taste, vitamin K and C, resin, potassium minerals, and sodium.
What does the ”amphoteric” term mean?
A term “amphoteric” is used by the herbal experts and chemists to describe a substance that can both increase and decrease the pH of a solution. This is a chemistry explanation, in herbalism, it is used to describe a plant with seemingly opposite actions. For example, this ”controversial’ herb is known both as a hemostatic (stops the flow of blood) and a diffusive (blood moving) herb. This bidirectional action on blood flow explains how it achieves the multitude of actions listed below. Such an interesting herb, don’t you think this too?
Here are the 5 most effective white yarrow benefits and uses:
1. Headaches
If you are dealing with persistent migraine and headaches, this herb might be the solution because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
“Modern research has confirmed the historical use of yarrow to relieve pain caused by a broad range of conditions. Yarrow teas and tinctures contain salicylate-like derivatives such as stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol that reduce the inflammatory process, which may accelerate healing. These compounds stop the formation of enzymes necessary for a series of chemical reactions that cause inflammation and pain.
Yarrow also contains compound designated sesquiterpene lactones, which reduce the action of pain-provoking hormones, the prostaglandins.” (Balch)
2. Wounds
One of the best natural bandages is definitely the white yarrow. It is safe and clear because it grows in wild nature. This amazing plant has its own antiseptic and a soft calming scent that helps soothe gravity’s sniffling victims.
Cytoprotective and anti-oxidant properties of this plant flowers and leaves might also be one of the reasons why yarrow is such good in healing wounds.
3. Fever
This time of the year is the ”flu” time. Lots of people are dealing with high temperature and flu. If you want to treat a high fever naturally-this herb is the right thing. It is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. White yarrow oil reduces pain, relaxes circulation and its great mild sedative too.
4. Digestive Tract
With its bitter substances, yarrow works on the mucous membrane of the stomach, thus stimulating the secretion of gastric juice, and therefore increases appetite. In addition, it works favorably on food resorption, so teas on the basis of this medicinal plant can help you with gastritis, colitis, cramps in the stomach and intestines. Potassium, which is an integral part of this herbal plant, solves all the problems that occur before and during the menstrual cycle.
5. Cardiovascular Support
Everyone knows the role of the heart and the whole cardiovascular system in the human body, but most people do not do enough to protect this key organ that has one of the most important roles in the body. There are many problems and diseases that can affect the cardiovascular system, and the outcome of these problems can be fatal to life. It is therefore essential that we protect this system in every way, taking into account nutrition, physical activity and the use of medicinal properties of plants that come from nature and contain the key and most effective ingredients that help preserve the heart and the entire cardiovascular system. Properties of yarrow plant can benefit our cardiovascular system, mostly because of this plant’s cytoprotectant and anti-oxidant properties.
As you can see, this multi-beneficial herb can help on many different occasions. However, like with every other herb, you must be careful with the usage, inform yourself correctly and consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
