Yarrow Essential Oil

General Yarrow Herb Information
*Note: Bianca Rosa Yarrow Pure Essential Oil is not to be taken internally.

Yarrow, milfoil, woundwort, carpenter's weed - the mere existence of this number (and doubtless others) of its common names indicates interest in this native plant. A noxious weed of any grass patch with pretensions to lawn status, it is nonetheless perfectly easy to keep in bounds when grown as a normal herbaceous plant in the herb garden.

The two last names indicate aspects of its herbal use and few plants have wider application, from alleviating colds and toothache to dysentery and coronary thrombosis.

The usual wild plant carries flat heads of tiny dull white flowers above its typically elegant and feathery dark leaves. Tinges of pink are not uncommon and more distinctive forms have been recorded and collected since John Gerard in the sixteenth century: "Cerise Queen" and "Fire King" are both good. The more desirable change in flower colour does not detract from herbal use.

Where the latter is of less significance it is valid to use hybrids of yarrow in the herb garden such as Achillea x taygetea and its lovely form "Moonshine". The feathery foliage is maintained but is grey-green, a perfect foil for the pale yellow heads. These plants associate well with pinks and purple-leaved sage and purple fennel. All flower throughout summer at a height of a couple of feet.

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Color: Dark Blue

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Aroma Strength: Medium - Strong

Aroma: Sharp, woody, herbaceous.

Constituents: Tricyclene, a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, borneol acetate, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, limonene, isoartemisia ketone, borneol, camphor, chamazulene. [B. Lawrence, "Yarrow Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, August/September 1984, 37, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 206]

Cautions: Neurotoxic (toxic to the nerves). Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid orally in pregnancy, fever (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner). [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 180.]

Essential Oils by Bianca Rosa are 100% Pure Natural Essences derived from the highest quality fruits, flowers, leaves, spices, herbs and roots. Our essential oil distillers and growers are located around the world, operating ethically, organically and chemical-free.

Bianca Rosa Essential Oils Are Not Tested On Animals.