Yarrow Essential Oil

Latin name Achillea millefolium – Family species Asteraceae (Compositae)

Yarrow is also known by the names Milfoil, Common Yarrow, Nosebleed*, and Thousand Leaf (looking at a Yarrow plant, it’s easy to understand why). The chamazulene in the essential oil lends to the blue tint.

“This [yarrow essential oil] has a fresh, green-fruity scent with a medicinal edge, used in perfumery and by aromatherapists to treat skin problems, rheumatism, and flu stress.” –Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrant Herbal: Enhancing Your Life with Aromatic Herbs and Essential Oils by Lesley Bremness

*Interesting side note: The “Nosebleed” name reportedly came about due to claims of the leaves of the Yarrow plant being used to control bleeding.

Oil Selection Guide

Color – Dark blue to greenish olive
Viscosity – Watery
Scent – Herby, sweet, fresh, slightly camphoraceous
Perfume Aroma – Middle note

Oil Source Information

Plant Type – Herb
Parts Used – Leaves / Flowering tops
Countries of Origin – Africa, North America, Germany, Hungary, France
Extraction Method – Steam distillation

Known Chemical Constituents

azulene/chamazulene, pinenes, caryophyllene, borneol, terpineol, cineol, bornyl acetate, camphor, sabinene, thujone, linalool

Applications and Uses

Used in aromatherapy, Yarrow is also found in pharmaceutical products, perfumes, aftershaves, and as a flavoring ingredient in vermouths and bitters.

Yarrow blends well with

Precautions / Contraindications

It is cautioned that yarrow essential oil should not be used if pregnant.
Yarrow oil can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Yarrow oil may be phototoxic.
See also Essential Oils Safety and Usage.

References and Resources

See Aromatherapy References and Resources page.

Print article to PDF