Yarrow - to help fight skin inflammation and promoting wound healing

The ancient Europeans called the herb Achillea millefolium Herba Militaris – “the military herb”, as it was used in an ointment used for battle wounds.

Yarrow is used in the following of our products Rejuvenating Toner

On this page

• Cosmetic uses of yarrow
• General information of yarrow
• Clinical information
• Composition of yarrow
• Classification of Yarrow in cosmetics

Cosmetic uses of yarrow

The greatest benefit lies in the fact that it helps to clear up inflammation – this being an important factor in fighting aging, as inflammation can lead to and contribute to premature aging. The antibacterial effect that it also exhibits is of great use to fight off everyday problems that may crop up – and by helping to fight infection it also pre-empts inflammation of the skin. It furthermore has an astringent effect on the skin which helps with skin tone.

General information of yarrow

This perennial herb has feathery leaves with white to pink / orange-red / magenta flowers.

The name "Achillea" is supposedly derived from Achilles of Greek mythology, who was fabled to have had his wounds treated topically with this herb.

Clinical information

This herb is in the national pharmacopeias of Austria, the Chez republic, France, Hungary, Switzerland and Romania. The Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia also lists it as a herb to assist in wound healing, while the German Commission E reported antibacterial and astringent properties amongst its therapeutic uses.

The British Herbal Compendium lists its anti-inflammatory action as one of the properties – and tests done on laboratory mice ^{REF 427} proved this point. It further goes on to recommend it for slow healing wounds as well as skin inflammations. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of this herb are due to the sesquiterpenes lactones and azulenic compounds. ^{REF 436}

Composition of yarrow

Yarrow contains 3–4% condensed and hydrolysable tannins; 0.3–1.4% volatile oils, mostly linalool, borneol, camphor, B- caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, and sesquiterpene lactones composed of guaianolides, mainly achillicin (a proazulene), achillin, leucodin, and germacranolides (dihydroparthenolide, achillifolin, millefin); flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, isorhamnetin, rutin); amino acids (alanine, histidine, leucine, lysine); fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, oleic); phenolic acids (caffeic, salicylic); vitamins (ascorbic acid, folic acid); alkaloids and bases (achiceine, achilleine, betaine, choline); alkanes (tricosane); polyacetylenes; saponins; sterols (B- sitosterol); sugars (dextrose, glucose, mannitol, sucrose); and coumarins. ^{REF 408}

Classification of Yarrow in cosmetics

Yarrow extract is used as a biological ingredient.

For clarification of the above, please click here.