Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its many health and first aid benefits. Even in our age of chemical medicine, it has lost none of its effectiveness.
Yarrow’s popularity in skin care is due to its ability to soothe and repair damaged skin, reduce inflammation and redness, and tighten and tone the skin.
One of the key active components in yarrow is achilleine, which has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. This makes yarrow an excellent choice if you suffer sensitive, irritated, or inflamed skin. In addition, yarrow is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent the signs of ageing.
In hair care, some of the potential benefits of yarrow for improving hair & scalp condition include its ability to promote hair growth, reduce dandruff, soothe an itchy scalp, strengthen the hair follicle, reduce oiliness, and last but not least add shine. Worth considering?
For me yarrow is a beautiful herb to work with, having a delicate fresh herbal fragrance and with benefits for both the soil and other plants. It attracts pollinators (especially our own bees) and predatory insects that can help to control pests. Yarrow has helped improve my soil structure and it also increases the availability of nutrients to other plants. Its medicinal and pest-repellent properties can help to protect other plants from diseases and pests.
Yarrow in skincare
There are many ways to incorporate yarrow into your skin care routine and it’s used in many of my Skyezone products. Here are just a few:
- Herbal Teas: Every Day / Sleep / Tummy Soother
- Face Toner
- Hand Repair
- Day Restore & Night Face Moisturisers
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Skyeguard Multipurpose - insect repellent
- Yarrow Hydrosol
When do you distill yarrow for maximum essential oil?
I harvest the plant when it is in full bloom. This is typically when the plant is producing essential oil of its highest medicinal quality. It is also important to harvest in the morning, before the heat of the day has had a chance to evaporate the essential oils. Distilling will take around 5 hours so an early start works well.
Grow your own yarrow
If you are living in Adelaide and would like a few starter plants for free, please contact me when the weather is under 30C to ensure the plants survive!
In conclusion, Yarrow is a versatile and effective herb that can be used in a variety of ways to support healthy, radiant skin. Whether you have sensitive, irritated skin or are looking to prevent the signs of aging, yarrow is worth considering as a natural solution.
Happy herb growing, Jennifer and the team at skyezone.net Published Jan 2023
