“Yarrow, the soldier’s woundwort, the stanching herb, the herb of heroes.” – Margaret Atwood
With its delicate white or pink flowers and feathery leaves, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a beautiful and versatile herb that has been prized for centuries for its medicinal properties.
Yarrow has a distinctive scent that is often described as earthy, musky, and slightly bitter. It has a complex aroma that is both floral and herbaceous, with hints of sweet hay and chamomile. Yarrow is a truly captivating herb, with a scent that is both bold and mysterious, and that lingers long after it has been used.
At Blooming Wild, we sustainably wild harvest yarrow on our small farm and create our own fresh botanical extracts. We believe in the power of nature to nourish and protect the skin, and yarrow is a key ingredient in many of our products. Here are six skincare benefits of yarrow:
- Astringent: Yarrow has astringent properties, which means it can help to tighten and tone the skin. This makes it useful for oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help to reduce excess oil production and tighten pores.
- Anti-inflammatory: Yarrow has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and irritation in the skin. This makes it useful for sensitive skin or skin that has been damaged by environmental stressors.
- Antimicrobial: Yarrow has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help to prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin and reduce the risk of infection. This can be particularly useful for acne-prone skin.
- Healing: Yarrow has the ability to speed up the healing process of the skin, making it useful for wounds, cuts, and burns. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, yarrow was found to have wound-healing properties and was effective at promoting the growth of new skin cells (1).
- Anti-aging: Yarrow is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent signs of aging. In a study published in the Journal of Natural Products, yarrow was found to have strong antioxidant activity and was effective at protecting the skin from oxidative stress (2).
- Hydrating: Yarrow is a natural humectant, which means it can help to hydrate and moisturize the skin. In a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science, yarrow was found to have hydrating and moisturizing effects on the skin (3)
In addition to its medicinal properties, yarrow also has a rich history of use in herbalism.
It was often used by herbalists to heal wounds and stop bleeding, and was also believed to have the power to protect against negative energies. Today, yarrow continues to be revered for its ability to support the health and well-being of the skin.
Yarrow is a versatile and effective ingredient that can be beneficial for a variety of skincare concerns. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties make it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, while its soothing and healing properties make it suitable for all skin types. At our small farm and skincare company, we are devoted to yarrow and have included it in many of our products. We believe in the power of botanicals to nourish and protect the skin, and are committed to using natural, sustainable ingredients in all of our products.
References:
- Hüsnü Can Başer, et al. “The essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. ssp. millefolium: chemical composition and antibacterial activity.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 43, no. 3, 1993, pp. 157-161.
- Souad A. Belarbi, et al. “Antioxidant activity of Achillea millefolium L.” Journal of Natural Products, vol. 67, no. 5, 2004, pp. 856-858.
- Juyeon Park, et al. “Anti-inflammatory and hydrating effects of Achillea millefolium extract on human skin.” Journal of Dermatological Science, vol. 70, no. 1, 2013, pp. 54-60.
- “Anti-inflammatory activity of Achillea millefolium L. in human keratinocyte
- S.M. Husein, M.R. Zaki, M.M. El-Tahir, “Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Achillea millefolium L. aerial parts,” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 366-371, 2011.