Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, ext.

Chemical properties

Approximately 80 species of daisy plants native to the North temperate zone are called yarrow. A. millefolium L. is a perennial herb having stalks 20 to 80 cm (8 to 31 in.) tall with branched rhizomes and soft, alternate leaves. The leaves are deepgreen, while the flowers vary from white to pink in terminal corymbs about 3 to 6 mm long and 1.5 to 3 mm wide. The plant blooms from June to September. The parts used are the leaves and flowering tops. Yarrow leaves, flowers and their derivatives have an astringent, bitter-tonic flavor. Essential oil is obtained in approximately 0.2% yields by steam distillation of the fresh plant (preferably the flowers).

Physical properties

The oil exhibits an intense blue color together with an aromatic camphor-like odor.

The Uses of Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, ext.

milfoil extract (Achillea millefolium) is credited with anti-septic and antibiotic properties.