YARROW ESSENTIAL OIL

Achillea millefolium

Yarrow received its Latin name from the Greek hero Achilles, son of the Sea-Goddess Thetis and the mortal king Peleus. Wanting to make her son invulnerable, Thetis dipped him into the river Styx when he was still a baby. Thus no arrow or sword could harm him except on a small area around his ankle, where his mother had held him. She also tried to make him invulnerable by fire, but Peleus disturbed her ritual. Thetis fled back to her father and Peleus gave Achilles to the centaur Chiron to educate him. Chiron taught the young lad well, both in the use of weapons and in the use of herbs. He not only became one of the greatest warriors in the war of Troy, but he also staunched and healed many of his men's wounds with the aid of Yarrow. In older books it is sometimes called 'Militaris' for the service it has given to military men. In Chinese philosophy, Yarrow is thought to denote a perfect balance between yin and yang, the male and female energies of the universe, which is why it is held most sacred as the tool of divination for the famous I Ching. Yarrow is a small herb of the daisy family that pretends to belong to the carrot family. Some of the older writers actually classify it as such. It has a very aromatic, bitter scent and has been used for brewing ale.

Traditional
Yarrow is primarily known as a wound healer and can be used to dress cuts and wounds. In aromatherapy skin care it can tone the skin and treat inflamed conditions, rashes, acne and eczema. It is also used for hair care preparations as it promotes hair growth and checks dandruff. It can reduce excessive menstrual flow, help regulate the cycle and is useful during menopause. It is also helpful for cystitis and vaginitis. Yarrow may be used for varicose veins as well as tired legs and feet. It is a balancing oil that can aid in many conditions depending on what oils it is blended with. May cause allergic reaction in some.

Magical
Yarrow can be used for protection and courage. It may also be used to seal the bond of friendship. It is ideal for chakra balancing and to cleanse the third eye. It may also be used for love divination and to attune to the changing balance between yin and yang when working with the I Ching.

Scent
A herbaceous, aromatic, green scent. Blends well with Clary Sage, Cypress, Chamomile, Hyssop and Pine.

Synonyms
Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Venus, Eyebrow, Achillea

Country of origin
UK