Yarrow is a perennial herb. Due to its beneficial qualities, the plant is very popular.
Yarrow is a tall and slender plant. It can reach 1 meter in height. Those without biological education consider this plant a weed due to the fact that it grows in desert places, near roads, fences and here. The scent of yarrow is often confused with chrysanthemum.
Gardeners grow yarrow in gardens as an ornamental plant. This is because it has white, pink, red or purple flowers that grow 15-40 pieces per cluster.
1. Yarrow in Neanderthals. Yarrow was discovered by Neanderthals who lived on Earth more than 60 thousand years ago. It was they who discovered the beneficial properties of this plant. For example, they used it as a medicine to heal wounds and cuts. Healers used yarrow as a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent. It was at that time that the beneficial properties of the plant were discovered, as well as its contraindications.
2. Yarrow in the ancient Greeks. The Greeks used the plant about 3 thousand years ago not only to heal wounds, but also to fight fever and to improve blood circulation. The Greeks also brewed the leaves of the plant and drank this herbal tea to stop heat and digestive problems.
3. Yarrow in the Chinese. For many centuries, yarrow has been used by the Chinese as a necessary attribute of rituals. All organs of the human body were treated with the plant. The Chinese still claim that tea made from yarrow leaves strengthens the mind, gives energy and "brightens" the eyes.
4.Middle Ages in Europe. In the Middle Ages, for Europeans, yarrow was a part of medicine. It was actively used as an attribute in folk customs of protection and spells. For brewers, the plant had its own beneficial properties. So, for example, they exploited it as a beer flavoring agent before adding hops.
5. Yarrow in America. Native Americans recognized yarrow as a major part of medicine. They treated wounds, infections and stopped bleeding. Some tribes living in America were used as follows:
- Ear pain medicine;
- Depressant;
- Medicine for colds and fevers.
6.Yarrow in the 17th century. In the 17th century, the plant began to be used as a vegetable. Soup and stews were made from it. Healthy tea was also brewed from the leaves.
7.American Civil War. The main healing property of yarrow is the treatment of times and cuts. During the United States Civil War, it was used to treat soldiers wounded on the battlefield.
8.Name through the ages. During its existence, the yarrow among different peoples changed its name more than once. For example, the plant had the following names:
- Nose bleeding blocker
- Old man's pepper
- Carpenter's weed
- Military grass
- Wort against wounds for soldiers
The names were related to the structure of the leaves or the beneficial properties of yarrow.
9. Achilles. One of the Greek myths describes the fact that Achilles used yarrow to heal Telephus (son of Hercules), who was severely wounded in battle.
10. Mentioned in ancient annals. Ancient chronicles say that the grandson of Dmitry Donskoy had frequent and sudden nosebleeds. Records of chroniclers testify to the benefits of yarrow. So the healers cured the young man from the disease, using this plant as the main medicine.
11. Yarrow and Suvorov. Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov gave out powder from dry yarrow to all soldiers. After the battles, the soldiers treated their wounds with this powder. Also use yarrow to reduce effects (eg gangrene). Thus, doctors began to resort to less amputation, because the wounds treated with this plant healed quickly and well.
12. Yarrow nowadays. Nowadays, yarrow is used by gardeners, culinary specialists, cosmetologists and doctors. In cooking, the plant is used dried to bring freshness to the dish, and the herb is also added to oil or vinegar for a light aroma (for example, in soup). In cosmetology, yarrow is used as an ingredient in detergents or shampoos. Also, the flowers and leaves of the plant are used to ensure that soft and strong alcoholic drinks, as well as liqueurs, have a pleasant aroma.
13. Pest control. Peasants have long used yarrow in the form of a decoction. People used this broth as a means that destroy pests of garden plants (for example, aphids or spider mites).
14. The riddle of the name. Translated from Latin, "mille" means "one thousand", and "folium" means "leaf". In other words, from the Latin alphabet, the name of the yarrow can literally sound like "a thousand leaves". On closer examination of the grass, you can replace that the leaves are divided into small slices, of which there are a lot.
15. Official recognition. Yarrow was officially recognized not only in Russia. This plant has gained official recognition in countries such as Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands.
16. Gynecology. For pregnant women, the use of yarrow in any form is contraindicated. This plant is considered poisonous. Consequently, during pregnancy, the herb can increase estrogen, and this leads to impaired fetal formation or even miscarriage or premature birth. Yarrow's only use during pregnancy is for burns and wounds. Outside of pregnancy, women can use yarrow in the form of a solution, decoction, infusion, etc. for the treatment of the following diseases:
- Myoma
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Abundant menstruation
- Uterine bleeding
- Candidiasis
- Thrush
- Cervical erosion
- Climax
17. Folklore. Among other wild plants, yarrow occupies a special, honorable place. In folklore, this herb is associated with a warrior - it grows despite adversity and bad weather. In Ukraine, yarrow is still woven into wreaths. There, this plant denotes rebelliousness, resilience and vitality. Also, the herb was used for fortune telling. For example, if you pluck a yarrow on a man's grave and put it under a pillow overnight, you should dream about a narrowed one.
18. Reproduction. Not many people know that yarrow reproduces in two ways. The first way is seed propagation. When the plant fades, the seeds scatter with the help of the wind across the territory in which it grew. The second way is by roots. They are long and creeping in yarrow.
19. Flowers or inflorescences. Many people confuse flowers with yarrow inflorescences. Only biologists and gardeners understand that a white cap on a high stem, similar to several flowers, is an inflorescence. Each “flower” is a basket-shaped inflorescence.
20. Blood from the nose. Jerome Bock wrote in his book "Herbs" that yarrow heals wounds well, but if the plant gets into the nose, it causes severe bleeding. By the way, in English the plant is referred to as "nosebleed". On the basis of this fact, a whole love fortune-telling has been created.
The medicinal properties and contraindications of yarrow continue to be studied by scientific medicine. The main feature of the plant is the hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effect. On the basis of these effects, many legends, fortune-telling and traditions were invented.
Yarrow takes its origin more than 60 thousand years ago. It is still renowned for its qualities in both traditional and folk medicine.
