Sacred Scents. May 2011 Essential oil of the Month: Yarrow. Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, CMT, AS, CBS

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1 Sacred Scents May 2011 Essential oil of the Month: Yarrow By Kathy Padecky, Aromatherapist, CMT, AS, CBS Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium Common name: Yarrow Why I love yarrow: Yarrow has an almost indescribable scent. At times I will sit and inhale this provocative oil for minutes. The aroma will have slight changes as I continue to inhale and try to grasp this subtle scent. I find very subtle high notes and deliciously provocative base notes. What I really enjoy is that I become very mellow and my conscious mind expands faster than my smile grows. I find this to be a very spiritual and healing essential oil. I love this oil and how it makes me feel wonderful. Aroma, scent and color: The books will say the scent is slightly spicy and sweet. It is hard for me to describe it. Yarrow has a deep bluish green color. Native to and history: Yarrow has a plethora of historical names including yarroway, blue yarrow, bloodwort, nosebleed, devils nettle, milfoil, staunchweed, thousand seal, thousand weed, carpenters weed, soldier s woundwort, sneezewort and probably more. Obviously this plant had a plethora of uses for the ancient peoples. Yarrow was found in a 60,000 year old Neandertal grave. In Ancient China, yarrow was revered as a sacred plant to balance the yin and yang of the body. The sticks used in I-Ching were made from the stems of the yarrow plant. The Chinese found the stems were hard and strong, representing a yang quality. The hollow parts of the stems contained a soft substance representing a yin quality. Aromatherapists consider yarrow to be milfoil meaning it brings two substances together forming a balance. It is excellent when used during major life changes like menopause or in times of unrest and transition. It is a native European plant. It is known as herba militaris (military herb) and was used as wound healer during the wars. During the Trojan War, the Greek Achilles is said to have used yarrow to heal his injury to his Achilles tendon. In Scotland, an ointment for wounds always included 1

2 yarrow. The Celts used the plant for divination of the weather and to receive profound thoughts or messages. This creeping perennial plant spreads easily through underground runners, growing up to three feet tall. It grows wild in country sides throughout the world. It is a beautiful addition to our front yard. Chemistry: Yarrow is in one reference a relatively simple essential oil containing at only 19 known chemical compounds. In another reference it is said to contain over 100 active chemical compounds. This shows the diversity and complexity of soil, rainfall, and elevation for plants used in aromatherapy. Most agree that yarrow contains about 50% azulene (a terpene) a well known anti-inflammatory. Yarrow has five known types (20-65%) of monoterpenes. Monoterpenes are volatile and absorb quickly into the bloodstream and have the quickest physiological effect on the body. They are immune stimulating, antiseptic, and a tonic. They are beneficial due to their mildness and safety. They may irritate some skin. Yarrow contains four known types (25-65%) of sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes are anti-inflammatory, sedative, antispasmodic, immune supportive, analgesic and calming to the body. Yarrow contains two known types (13-30%) of ketones. Ketones are mucolytic, antimicrobial and skin healing. For some they may be hepatotoxic and neurotoxic. Yarrow contains two known types of alcohols (3-13%). Alcohols are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, support the immune system and are a sedative. They are very mild and calming to the body. Yarrow contains six known types (3-12%) of oxides. Oxides are skin penetrating, stimulating and antispasmodic. Its primarily characteristic is an expectorant with phlegm-loosing properties. Yarrow contains one known ester (1-2%). Esters are sedative, antispasmodic, adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory. They are cooling and soothing which make them ideal for massage blends. Yarrow contains one known lactone (1-2%). Lactones are mucolytic, expectorant and reduce the temperature of the body. They are also reported to be for some phototoxic and skin sensitizing. Yarrow contains one known sesquiterpenol (1-2%). Sesquiterpenols are sesquiterpene alcohols and they are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, very mild and sedative. Part of the plant: It is steam distilled from the white flowering tops with fern like leaves which have a feathery appearance. Yarrow may help the body recover from the following: anxiety, asthma, balances oily skin, bladder, blood poisoning, blood pressure (lowers), bone pain, bunions, burns, cancer, chicken pox, cholera, colds, cold sores, cuts, depression, diarrhea, ear aches, fatigue, fever, flu, frigidity, liver, lungs, measles, support the nerves, immune system and adrenal glands, impotence, infectious mononucleosis, insomnia, irritability, low 2

3 libido, muscular tension, pre-menstrual syndrome, promotes menstruation, pneumonia, respiratory infections, scrapes, shingles, sinusitis, stimulates hair growth, viral infections, whooping cough, wounds Yarrow blends with: anise, bergamot, cardamom, chamomile, clary sage, cumin, geranium, frankincense, grapefruit, hyssop, juniper, lemon, marjoram, melissa, pine, rosemary, sandalwood, tarragon, valerian and vetiver Contraindications and Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy and avoid using on babies and small children. People with allergies to ragweed should avoid drinking chamomile and yarrow tea. Body, Mind and Spirit: Victoria H. Edwards writes in her book The Aromatherapy Companion, yarrow was used in Russia to counteract the effects of radiation after the Chernobyl incident. Also, it was used in spiritual work to cleanse the energy field and provide a protective shield for negativity. It is a general tonic and especially beneficial to stimulate blood renewal in the bone marrow. It has cardiovascular properties and it is beneficial on varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It stimulates digestion and relieves flatulence. It promotes sweating with a cleansing and cooling action for fevers and head congestion. Its properties are similar to the blue azure of blue German chamomile with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypotensive and carminative qualities. Yarrow is used in many cosmetic formulas. It soothes irritated skin, heals infections and is a disinfectant for acne. Adding rosemary and yarrow in your unscented shampoo supports new hair growth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) yarrow tonifies the reproductive system as it vitalizes the blood and removes venous blood stagnation. This means it is beneficial for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, heavy or achy legs and phlebitis. It tonifies urinary Qi relating to incontinence, bone marrow disease and gall stones. It eliminates external wind, cold or heat with fever, and prevents the onset of a cold or flu. It stimulates the liver, gallbladder and prevents stomach Qi stagnation. This will improve appetite loss and slow digestion. Yarrow circulates heart Qi (Liver Yang rising) to alleviate chest pains, palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness. Lastly, it tonifies the Kidney Qi deficiency relating to frequent and scanty urination, lumbar pain, urinary stones, irregular or difficult menses and urinary incontinence. Yarrow is an amazing ancient herb that heals a wide variety of conditions. 3

4 Essential Oil Recipes: Sunburn Remedy 5 drops yarrow 5 drops lavender 4 oz. of spring water Mix together in a glass mister bottle. Mist where needed. Yarrow lotion 1 tablespoon of dried yarrow flowers 1 cup boiling water 1/8 teaspoon borax powder 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil 1/3 cup sunflower oil 1 teaspoon of grated beeswax Place the yarrow flowers in a glass heat-proof container. Pour 1 cup boiling water over the flowers and allow it to set overnight or a minimum of 8 hours. Add the borax to ½ cup of the yarrow infusion, stirring until well mixed. Set aside. Mix together the oils and beeswax in a glass container. Place the mixture in a pan with 1 or 2 inches of water, and heat slowly until the beeswax is melted (8 to 10 minutes), stirring occasionally. When the wax is melted, slowly add the yarrow solution and stir it well maintaining the heat to keep it liquefied. Pour the lotion into a clean glass container with a lid and allow it to cool. The consistency may initially seem a bit thin and it will thicken as it cools. The lotion will be pale yellow in color. To use, massage a small amount into your skin. It should yield 6 ounces of lotion. Roman Empire Aftershave 1½ teaspoons dried yarrow 1 cup alcohol 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves 1 teaspoon dried mint 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon glycerin (optional if you have dry skin) Mix together all ingredients. Pour into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. After the end of 2 weeks, strain off the liquid, discard any solids, and pour into a clean container. After shaving, pour a small amount into your hands and pat on your face. Legend says Julius Caesar may have used this. 4

5 Painful menstruation or gall bladder pain 1-2 drops yarrow 1-2 drops of carrier oil Apply to abdomen in a clockwise motion for intense cramps during menstruation. You may also apply to the reflexology points for reproductive organs around the inside and outside of the ankles. Did you know: Yarrow tea was used for a bloody nose. There are 14 different species of yarrow. The Swedes add yarrow to enliven their beer. Testimonial: I was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. I began to rub yarrow essential oil twice a day over my prostate. After a month I actually felt my prostate shrink. That was an interesting feeling and my doctor was surprised that my PSA score dropped back into the normal range. I kept my mouth shut when she said it must have been an infection. W. B. Quote of the month: Imagination is more important than knowledge, knowledge is limited, and imagination encircles the world. Albert Einstein Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and/or techniques mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Resources: Reference guide for Essential Oils Aromatherapy for massage practitioner An A-Z aromatherapy The aromatherapy book Aromatherapy solutions The essential oils book Natural Beauty at home Aromatherapy for health professionals The encyclopedia of medicinal plants The directory of essential oils The aromatherapy companion Complete aromatherapy handbook Essential oils for radiant health Nature s medicine, plants that heal The energetics of western herbs, Volume 2 Connie and Allan Higley Ingrid Martin Patricia Davis Jeanne Rose Veronica Sibley Colleen K. Dodt Janice Cox Shirley and Len Price Andrew Chevallier Wanda Sellar Victoria H. Edwards Susanne Fischer-Rizzi Joel L. Swerdlow, Ph.D Peter Holmes 5