| One
of the amazing things about herbs is the diverse range of
actions they have been seen to have. It seems astounding that
just one herb can have a beneficial effect on a whole range
of conditions, but here we look at Yarrow, which is one of
these multi-skilled herbs.
In today’s society we
always seem to be searching for the magic bullet, or the specific
chemical to cure our illness. Herbs are not like this as they
have a diverse chemistry, which is reflected in their general
action and their ability to affect so many different systems
in the body.
Yarrow, a herb which grows freely by
the roadside, is almost a complete medicine chest. It has
a strong action on the gut where it acts as a digestive bitter
and can help even the most troublesome tum! To put it politely,
Yarrow helps with digestion from entrance to exit, being medicinally
effective throughout, helping with everything from indigestion
or food intolerances to irritable bowel syndrome.
Traditionally, Yarrow would
rarely be used on its own, often being found in combination
with other herbs. It mixes well with herbs such as Dandelion
and Centaury as both herbs are bitter tonics that enhance
liver function and bile production thus complementing Yarrow’s
action on the gut. A mix containing all these herbs could
help with everything from wind and bloating to stomach cramps.
In addition, Yarrow also tones the blood vessels. Used externally,
its astringent properties will aid the healing of wounds,
and it has been used to treat haemorrhoids and varicose veins.
It has also been used in the treatment of heavy and painful
periods, which is thought to be due to the herb’s steroidal
sapponin content, which could have a balancing action on female
hormones.
So next time you spot some Yarrow growing happily by the roadside
you can smile to yourself and think what a clever little herb
it is, and it isn’t just women who can multi-task.
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