Yarrow
Species Name: Achillea millefolium.
Also known as: Old Man's Pepper, soldier's woundwort, bloodwort, herbe militaris, thousand weed, nose bleed, devil's nettle, bad man's plaything, knight's milfoil, or yarroway
The sometimes deep blue essential oil of yarrow is extracted from dried yarrow leaves and flowers, via steam distillation.
Today this fern-like, feathery leafed plant can be grown in gardens and can also be found growing wild on roadsides.
Because of the tendency of yarrow to take over a garden it can be considered by many to just be gotten rid of before it gets out of control.
Aside from its thought as a pest yarrow has a long history of use and was thought to be a would healer for those that had been harmed in battle hence the name "herbe militaris". Legends say that it was the mythical Greek warrior Achilles that carried this herb with him in battle.
Home Remedies using Yarrow Essential Oil
As a part of an aromatherapy regime by using diffusers, yarrow essential oil can help alleviate stress.
When blended with other essential oils and/or carrier oil, a few drops of yarrow oil in a warm bath can help with aching legs due to varicose veins or piles.
Yarrow can work well with other essential oils like pine, chamomile and cedar wood.
Benefits of Yarrow Essential Oil
Known for its calming effect, the scent has been noted to dissipate anger, and soothe irritability. These qualities are used in aromatherapy to alleviate stress. Stress is known to exacerbate digestive disorders and sleeplessness, and yarrow root essential oil can be beneficial for both.
Yarrow is said to help with constipation. The digestive tract benefits from this essential oil as it balances out this system and provides it an overall tonic.
This essential oil has been used for female complaints such as pain, excessive or excessively light menstruation. It can alleviate symptoms of PMS like headaches, and painful cramping. It can also help with menopausal symptoms.
It has anit-spasmodic qualities that sooth rheumatic pains. It also has been effectively used to reduce swelling and redness.
Yarrow can be used in aromatherapy to help with colds and coughs by breaking up congestion. It can be helpful for symptoms caused by allergies and hay fever like nasal congestion, eye irritation and sneezing.
Topically it has also been used on cuts, abrasions, and other skin disorders. It has been known to reduce or eliminate scarring and stretch marks. It is said to be able to stop the bleeding of wounds both internally and externally.
Yarrow essential oil has been effective in hair care and is used in blends with other essential oils to promote hair growth.
Side Effects of Yarrow Essential Oil:
May be toxic to nerve tissue and should not be applied undiluted.
Yarrow should not be consumed without an endorsement from an herbalist or aromatherapy practitioner.
Do not use if there are major health issues such as epilepsy, cancer, or other conditions.
All essential oils should be used with caution in young children.
Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a physician and herbalist for further information.
Conduct a skin test prior to use to check for an allergy.
