Many times, people think of yarrow, also known as milfoil, nosebleed and thousand leaf, in herbal form only. In reality, yarrow is very healing in Aromatherapy essential oil form and may be used for many conditions including chronic skin problems. Used many times in poultices and plasters to help aid in the healing of the skin, the essential oil which is more potent may also be used in such concoctions. Skin conditions found to be aided by yarrow include the all too prevalent acne, along with burns, eczema, cuts, rashes, lightening scares, varicose veins, etc. Yarrow has other healing qualities which can help other conditions such as PMS, cramps, hemorrhoids, infections, hypertension (nervous system), insomnia, stress-related conditions, colds, fevers and flu. Yarrow holds anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, digestive, and tonic qualities. Yarrow has long been used in many parts of the world including China, Europe, and Norwegian areas, even though it is native to Asia. Traditionally it was used mainly for what it is today including menstrual problems and other so-called "women's" complaints.
The deep, dark blue essential oil which is steam distilled from the leaves has a very fresh, almost "green" scent to it. Although more used for healing as apposed to perfumery, it still can be used in an aromatic blend. Other essential oils it combines well with include; cedarwood, pine, chamomile, vertiver, and oakmoss. Otherwise "woodsy" and "green" smelling essential oils like itself, also known has herbal smelling. It would make for a good clothing or linen scenting essential oil as it lightly scents items and doesn't give them a distantly sexist aroma as something like rose or cedarwood would. Today the essential oil is mainly distilled in Europe, specifically Germany, Hungary, and France. The USA and Africa also produce essential oil of Yarrow from it's dried leaves. Commercially, as with many essential oils, it is used in the flavoring industry to add taste to bitters and vermouths. It is mainly used by the pharmaceutical industry for skin healing medications. The perfume industry also uses it somewhat for scenting products and certain "green" perfumes.
Yarrow seems to be quite gentle on the skin but as with all essential oils, it should be used only after a patch test has been done to be sure no reaction occurs. Some people have been sensitized by it, so using it in moderation is very wise.
-MAM
More Articles on Yarrow from Suite101 Editors: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/herb... Yarrow(Herb Gardening Topic)
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