A plant called White Yarrow

Todays post is about a plant called White Yarrow.

We have been given this plant as a gift from my mother. At the time she gave it to us, she said that it was just our type of plant as it had health benefits. Not having heard of it at all, I have done some research. As usual I am sharing what I found.

What is White Yarrow?

The common yarrow plant, White Yarrow, also called Achillea Millefolium is a perennial herb. It grows naturally in northern hemisphere and is grown around the world as a medicinal and ornamental plant. With feathery leaves that spread along the ground, it has flower stems that grow up to 60cm.

There are multiple species of Yarrow including some varieties of wild natives. Several ornamental varieties feature a wide range of colourful flowers including pale pink, purple, red and yellow.

There are records showing that this plant has been used medicinally for thousands of years in many cultures around the world. The Latin name Achillea comes from the mythical Greek warrior Achilles. This is due to legends in which Achilles used this plant to heal soldiers wounded in war. In the Middle Ages it was used as an ingredient in gruit, a herbal mixture used to flavour ale prior to the use of hops.

The flowers and leaves are still used in some types of bitters and liqueurs.

What else can it be used for?

Studies indicate that this plant may have various benefits as an herbal tea, extract, or essential oil.

It is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs. When researching the health benefits, the list is quite extensive. I have shared the most researched uses.

Due to its styptic and antimicrobial properties, it is famously known for its ability to stop bleeding (when applied directly to a wound). It can prevent infection, and aid blood circulation when taken internally.

It is often used as a poultice, wash, soak, or salve to relieve pain, and help to heal wounds and injuries of various types.

One study, conducted by researchers at the University of Vienna, demonstrated that its antispasmodic effects might help to soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Long considered by herbalists to be a “blood-moving herb,” yarrow has been used to stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure.

Historically, it has been used to treat digestive issues like ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms of which include stomach pain, diarrhoea, bloating, and constipation. Yarrow contains several flavonoids and alkaloids, which are plant compounds known to relieve digestive complaints.

Research has also found that plant-based alkaloids like those in yarrow tea reduce the secretion of corticosterone, a hormone that’s high during chronic stress

The next time you have a toothache, try chewing on a yarrow leaf. Its analgesic properties can help to numb the affected area.

The anti-inflammatory properties of yarrow are thought to be helpful for dull, pounding headaches or migraines.

Yarrow is most often taken as a tea or a tincture to support digestion and soothe stomach aches.

How else can it be used?

In manufacturing, yarrow is used in shampoos and as a cosmetic cleanser. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads or to decorate foods.

Yarrow is safe for most individuals. However, you should avoid it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or undergoing surgery. You should also avoid it if you have a bleeding disorder or are allergic to ragweed.

 I find that I walk around nurseries looking at plants in a whole new way after doing research like this. I hope you have also found this information interesting.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

(Sources – The Gardeners Path – Healthline – WebMD )

A herb called Gymnema

Todays post is about a herb called Gymnema.

Recently Scott was talking about the existence of a herb that altered how food tastes.

Now I don’t mean how when you add basil to the risotto it adds to the flavour. I mean the herb changes how we perceive what the food tastes like. I was instantly intrigued and asked him to help me find out more.

What is it?

The herb is called Gymnema or Gymnema sylvestre.

It is actually a woody climbing shrub that’s native to the tropical forests of India, Africa and Australia. Common names include gymnema, Australian cowplant, Periploca of the woods, and the Hindi term gurmar, which means, “sugar destroyer”. Its leaves have been used in the ancient Indian medicinal practice Ayurveda for thousands of years.

How does it work?

The leaves contain active plant molecules called gymnemic acids. These impair the ability to taste sugar by blocking the sweet receptors on the tongue. The leaves can be prepared as a tea, however the beverage has a bitter taste.

The sweet-blocking effect of the herb can last anywhere from 15 to 50 minutes and may even persist for several hours. It is effective against the taste of sucrose (sugar), stevia, xylitol, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.

The Gymnemic acids apparently have no long-term effects on taste and they do not influence bitter, salty, or sour taste perception. Which means that the overall taste of the food eaten will be different.

In 2005 a group of Neuroscience students took part in a laboratory exercise utilising Gymnema. The students reported that sugar felt like melting sand on the tongue and M&Ms tasted chalky, salty, and bitter.

Are there health benefits?

Extracts of this plant are widely used in Australian, Japanese, Vietnamese and Indian medicine.

Several studies have found that the Gynnemic acid compounds can also attach to receptors on the intestinal walls. This helps to reduce absorption of sugar molecules in the gut. A process that increases insulin production and regenerates insulin-secreting islet cells, creating favourable insulin levels. Both processes can help lower blood sugar levels.

The Gymnemic acids also reduce the body’s ability to metabolise carbohydrates in the intestine.

Studies have found that the use of Gymnema significantly reduces the desire for consuming high-sugar sweet foods. This means fewer calories. A consistent calorie deficit will help with weight loss.

Hence, there are benefits of using Gymnema for treating obesity and diabetes.

Several studies have also confirmed the link between excessive sugar intake and increased inflammatory markers in animals and humans.

The ability of Gymnemic acids to reduce sugar absorption in the intestines may also allow it to decrease inflammation caused by excess sugar intake.

This herb also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties of its own. The leaves are considered immunostimulatory, meaning they can regulate the immune system, reducing inflammation. This is thought to be due to its content of tannins and saponins, which are beneficial plant compounds.

In conclusion,

This herb sounds really interesting and I would love to try a ‘taste exercise’ like the students did. Trying different foods after using some of the extract.

On a medicinal note, it is good to see herbs used in practical applications to treat serious health issues such as diabetes and obesity.

I hope you also found this information interesting,

Till the next post,

 

Live clean n Prosper.

Sources – US National Library of Medicine,  Science Direct,Wikipedia, Medical News Today