Yarrow essential oil comes from the asteraceae family which is well known as producing such plants as the common daisy, the chrysanthemum and the aster. The oils from this family are noted for their calming effects on both the mind and the body whilst physically, they are most used to treat skin disorders and skin allergies and that rings true for Yarrow essential oil.
Many of the oils obtained from this family are usually dense and coloured including yarrow which comes out inky blue so easy recognisable in a blend. Mentally and emotionally these oils are invaluable, treating insomnia, stress, irritability and PMS amongst other conditions.
The yarrow plant itself looks delicate with its finely dissected leaves giving a lacy appearance and creating white but dense flower heads, it is a simple perennial herb which stems up to 1 meter high.
It's use in the treatment of wounds is said to date back to Achilles who used it for injuries inflicted by iron weapons. It is a plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In China it is mainly used for menstrual problems and haemorrhoids and in Norway it is also used for rheumatism.
Yarrow essential oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cicatrisant and hypotensive. This makes it a good oil for problem skin conditions like acne, burns, cuts, eczema, inflammations, rashes, scars and varicose veins. Being antispasmodic it also good for cramp, rheumatism, aches and pains and it is a digestive oil too so can be sued to balance this system.
Emotionally yarrow is cooling and drying so is recommended for inflammatory emotions such as stress, anxiety, rage. It is most useful for people whose feelings of anger and rage are linked to vulnerability and emotional wounds. Mojay writes that it releases stagnant Qi and the blocked emotions that go with it making it ideal for bitterness and deeply regressed anger. It is also great for insomnia and stress related conditions.
References
Davis P. Subtle Aromatherapy. The C.W. Daniel Compant Limited. Great Britain, 1991.
Mojay G. Aromatherapy for healing the spirit. Hodder and Stoughton, UK, 1996.
Worwood V. The fragrant mind. Doubleday, Great Britain, 1995.