Yarrow or common yarrow, scientific name Achillea millefolium, is a medicinal plant belonging to the family of Asteraceae. Its name comes from Achilles that, according to the myth, used this plant on advice of the centaur Chiron to heal the war wounds. From this plant an essential oil is obtained with important and well appreciated anti inflammatory and soothing properties, useful to treat different problems of the skin, and characterized also by an antispasmodic effect, able to give relief in case of cramps and pain (Benedek et al, Pharmazie, Jan 2008 - El Kalamouni et al, Medicines, Jun 2017). Let’s see its uses. Although this essential oil is a non-irritating essence, don’t use it pure on the skin and avoid it during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children.
Skin
Yarrow essential oil is really powerful to counteract the skin inflammations and results soothing, calming, disinfectant, healing and elasticizing. For this reason, it is useful to treat problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis but also to counteract wrinkles. You can add a drop of essential oil to your face or body cream or you can insert this oil in the formulations of DIY creams. In case of cracked hands and feet you can easily prepare a lotion by mixing 50 ml of jojoba oil and 10 drops of yarrow essential oil. Apply and massage this preparation on the interested part.
Cramps
In case of stomach pain or abdominal cramps caused by heavy periods yarrow essential oil may be really helpful. Dilute two drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of a plant based oil, such as sweet almond oil, and massage on the part with slow circular movements.
Stress, depression
Yarrow essential oil helps counteract depression and mood changes. Moreover, it stimulates also adaptation and is useful in case of stress. You can diffuse the essence in the room, a drop each square meter, with an oil burner. In alternative, you can have also a relaxing bath, add ten drops of essential oil to a handful of sea salt and put it into the water.
