20 Best Benefits of Yarrow Essential Oil

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of Yarrow Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as a possibly anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, haemostatic, hypotensive, stomachic and tonic substance.

Achillea Millefolium, as Yarrow essential oil is botanically known, is a perennial herb that is well known throughout Europe. This herb is believed to be a remedy for a number of ailments and diseases and has other significance in European culture as well. Its juice is sometimes mixed with alcoholic beverages to boost their health benefits.

The essential oil of Yarrow is extracted by steam distillation of the dried plant. Its main components are Alpha Pinene, Borneol Acetate, Borneol, Beta Pinene, Camphene, Cineole, Camphor, Chamazulene, Gamma Terpinene, Isoartemisia Ketone, Limonene, Sabinene and Tricyclene. You must be well acquainted with these components by now and can assume what medicinal properties an essential oil may have just by looking at its components.

Health Benefits of Yarrow Essential Oil

Let’s explore more about these versatile and somewhat unexpected health benefits of Yarrow essential oil.

Possibly Anti-inflammatory

Your first guess was right! The Essential Oil of Yarrow is anti inflammatory in nature. It can efficiently handle inflammation of any types; be it of nasal or respiratory tracts resulting from the common cold, the digestive system caused by overeating of spicy food, or perhaps inflammation  of circulatory system caused by any toxin (venom, narcotics etc.) getting into the bloodstream. [1]

A bottle of yarrow oil with fresh white flowers on a wooden table

Yarrow essential oil smells like a mix of spicy herbs and sweet flowers. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Possibly Anti-Rheumatic

As it is known to be good for circulation, it is good for rheumatic or arthritic patients too. It can improve circulation and thereby prevent the accumulation of uric acid in the joints and muscles, thus possibly helping cure rheumatism and arthritis. Added to that, the diaphoretic property of this oil can help remove these toxins from body through perspiration.

Possibly Antiseptic

Common antiseptic creams and lotions available in the market can hardly match its performance as an antiseptic. It can protect wounds from being septic and other bacterial, fungal or viral infections. It forms a protective covering on the wound and activates the blood platelets and leucocytes at the affected place, thereby checking the intrusion of microbes. Furthermore, the oil itself has bactericidal and fungicidal properties, which effectively kills them and adds to the effect.

Possibly Anti-Spasmodic

Those who suffer from spasm, alone know how dangerous it can be. Spasm, or extraordinary contraction in the body, can lead to some of the most serious and even fatal of ailments. When in the respiratory system, it can cause severe and uninterrupted coughs, and may result in convulsions if it pertains to the nervous system. In case of spasm of intestines, it may result in acute abdominal pain, and finally, it may give rise to painful cramps in the muscles. The only way to get rid of this is to relax the contraction. In cases like these, the essential oil of Yarrow can help, as it has a relaxing, anti-spasmodic effect on muscles, nerves, intestines and respiratory tracts. [2]

Possible Astringent

Remember those ad for toothpaste which said that “its incredible astringent tightens up the loosened gums”? Yes! It is the same astringent we are talking about. The actual function of an astringent is to bring about contractions, in muscles, tissues and even in blood vessels. This effect proves beneficial for us. When it can result in the contraction of the gums, the teeth are secured. In case of scalp and hair follicles, it may strengthen hair and eliminates hair loss. Furthermore, Yarrow essential oil improved saggy skin and muscles which resulted from aging, and thus gave people a younger look. And that is not all! It can also lessen bleeding or hemorrhage by bringing contraction to the blood vessels. The finishing touch! The Essential Oil of Yarrow has astringent properties. [3]

Can Act As a Carminative Substance

Are you afraid of those untimely air-cannon shots in the midst of a party which leave you irritated or have you been suffering from flatulence, heaviness in the chest and the intestines, indigestion, chest pain, loss of appetite, or stomach aches etc.? Do you know what causes them? It is that good old gas., which is left surprisingly untreated for a long time, which can be highly dangerous in the long term.  Try this essential oil. It can remove gases from the intestines in a downward path and does not let them build up either. Try it at home and experience the relief for yourself.

May Have Cicatrisant Property

The possible cicatrisant property of this essential oil can give thousands of those costly anti-mark and anti-scar creams and lotions available on the market a run for their reputation and money once they become popular. It is far better than those artificially flavored petroleum gels to cure the scars and eliminating the after marks left by the wounds, acne, pimples, or boils.

Possible Diaphoretic

This oil may increase perspiration and helps in the removal of toxins, extra salt and water from the body. This also cools down the body and gives relief from fever, along with losing weight, as urine is approximately 4% fat.

Possible Digestive

The essential oil of Yarrow can improve digestion. It can improve the secretion of digestive juices (acids and bile) as well as restores the health of the liver and the other digestive organs.

An infographic on health benefits of yarrow essential oil

Yarrow oil is most commonly used for skin issues. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Possibly Expectorant

Being an expectorant, it may clear congestion in the chest, bronchi and nose, while relieving them of phlegm. It also helps cure colds and is particularly beneficial in controlling coughs.

Can Act As Emenagogue

The obstructed menses can be turned on with the help of this essential oil and can be made regular. Furthermore, the other problems associated with periods, such as fatigue, headache, abdominal pains, or nausea can also be tackled with the help of this oil. This essential oil can also help avoid early or untimely menopause from occurring.

Possibly Emollient

The essential oil of Yarrow may hold the secret to smoother and younger skin with a balanced amount of moisture in it. It keeps skin free from dryness, cracks, infections and visible, unsightly marks.

Can Act as Stomachic

A stomachic keeps your stomach in good condition by maintaining the proper flow of digestive juices into it. This is done by maintaining the right balance between the acid and bile (so that excess acids are neutralized) and by curing the wounds, if any, in the stomach. It soothes the stomach and gives relief from inflammation.

May Act As A Tonic

This property of Yarrow essential oil may tone up the whole body. It can optimize the metabolic functions like decomposition of food and the absorption of nutrients by toning up the liver, stomach and intestines, and helps you grow stronger and healthier. Furthermore, it takes care of proper excretion, may help regulate the endocrinal secretions of hormones and enzymes, and tones up the nervous system, thus making you more alert and active, while finally, it boosts the immune system, protecting you from infections.

Possibly Vulnerary

If a diluted solution of this oil is applied on wounds, or blended with a skin cream and applied, it can help your wounds heal faster and keep them protected from infections. This oil is equally beneficial in healing internal wounds, cuts and ulcers.

Possibly Tranquilizing

This property of Yarrow essential oil can be a blessing for those who suffer from insomnia and excessive stress and starve for a bit of relaxation and sound sleep. This can cause relaxation in the nerves, brain and muscles; reduces blood pressure and brings about sound, refreshing sleep. This is far better than using alcohol, narcotics, and sleeping pills packed with potentially harmful substances which can ruin your health in the long run.

Possible Febrifuge Property

The febrifuge property of Yarrow oil helps to bring down body temperature by promoting perspiration (being diaphoretic in nature) as well as by fighting the infections which cause fever. It may also give relief from inflammation that results from fever.

Possibly A Hemostatic

This oil can efficiently bring down and even stop hemorrhaging due to its possible hemostatic properties. Again, this property comes from its astringent property, which brings about contractions in the hemorrhaging blood vessels, thus stopping the hemorrhage.

Can Act As A Hypotensive Agent

Those who are suffering from hypertension and under constant threat of heart attack or brain hemorrhage can try this as a safe alternative to those synthetic drugs that bring down the blood pressure. A regular administration in low and mild doses can systematically bring down the blood pressure. However, this oil should not be used for too long if this is your only real function for it.

Other Benefits

This oil is beneficial in treating circulatory diseases such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids as well as certain skin diseases, wounds, burns, acne, dermatitis, colic, constipation and infections in the digestive system, urinary system and reproductive organs.

A Few Words of Caution: Yarrow essential oil may show neurotoxic effects, and can result in headaches and skin irritation if you continue to use it for a long time in high dosages. Oral intake should be avoided during pregnancy.

Blending: The essential oil of Yarrow blends well with oils of Angelica, Cedar Wood, Oak Moss and Verbena.

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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