Family: Compositae
Genus: Achillea
Species: millefolium
(i) General background on the plant
Yarrow has creeping rhizomes, erect downy stems, soft pungent, finely dissected leaves and dense, flat white or pink-tinged flower heads from summer to autumn. Yarrow is native to Europe and is found as a weed in all temperate regions.
(ii) Details of quality characters
An aromatic, bitter, herb that reduces inflammation, increases perspiration, and relieves indigestion. It is also effective in lowering blood pressure and relaxing spasms.
The principal constituents of Yarrow oil are:- Azulene (up to 51%), pinenes, caryophyllene, borneol, terpinol, cineol, bornyl acetate, camphor, sabinene and thujone, amongst others. Azulene levels vary according to source (Lawless, 1995).
(iii) Current production and yields
(iv) Constraints on production
Yarrow will grow on any soil in an open sunny position.
(V) Markets and market potential
Medicinal - (see details of quality characters)
Possible source of hypoallergenic rubber for human contact (Duke and duCellier, (1993).
(vi) Other information
Varieties include Ligurian yarrow (A. ligustica) and the musk yarrow or iva (A. moschata), which produces an oil containing cineol, used in preparing ‘iva liquor’, a medicinal aperitif. (Lawless, 1995)
(vii) Contacts
(viii) References
Duke, S A and duCellier, D L (1993) CRC Handbook of Alternative cash crops CRC press London.
Lawless, J. (1995) An illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils. Element, Dorset.