Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is flowering plant which can be found all over the world. It grows to a height of about 1 metre and is used both as an ornamental garden plant as well as for its medicinal properties
In classical times it was known as herba militaris for its ability to stop the blood flow of wounds. It can be taken internally as an infusion or tea, while for external use a poultice of scalded leaves or powder of dry leaves is recommended. It is an aromatic, bitter, tonic, digestive plant with spasmolytic, astringent, sedative, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Yarrow is said to ameliorate many gynecological complaints such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and uterine spasms. Yarrow tea is also used as a remedy for cold and fever.
The essential oil of yarrow has a dark blue colour which is due to the presence of proazulenes which contain the azulene structural motif which can also be found in the pigments of mushrooms, wormwood, camomile and marine invertebrates. Other components of yarrow oil include isovaleric acid, salicylic acid, asparagine, sterols, flavonoids and phenolic acids.
SAplants, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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