Yarrow Hydrosol

Achillea millefolium. Organic, USA.

It is reported that it takes one metric ton of yarrow flowers to produce less than one-half liter (approximately 2 cups) of essential oil, so the yarrow hydrosol is one of the more potent waters. Yarrow enhances mental calm and inner peace.

Yarrow hydrosol is known to stop an itch in its tracks, regardless of the cause. It is used for problem skin. Keep a bottle at hand to calm sensitive or irritated skin.

Massage in clockwise motion on the abdomen. Use in sitz baths.

Mist and massage, or use as a compress.

Yarrow is also useful for treating your animals (for all the reasons people like it) especially hot spots, or nervous animals. The fragrance of yarrow is often very herbal and can be off-putting to some. Our distillers though have given us a current batch that is very nice. Yarrow is especially effective when combined with other hydrosols and a yarrow-lavender combination is pleasant. People often add essential oils ta hydrosol to increase its healing power, and yarrow is often the base for these synergies. (Make sure you shake the bottle before spritzing to disperse the oil in the waters.)The herbal aroma of botanicals is part of the benefit of natural sources and you will find the more you use naturals, you will find the sweetness of many synthetic fragrances cloying and irritating.Interestingly, one of the reasons natural products are so very effective with animals is because they seem to like the herbal smells. No doubt there is an evolutionary holdover in this.

Shelf life: Yarrow is very stable for at least two years.

Reference: Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy, by Suzanne Catty, 21, with permission.

Use anywhere on body to calm and soothe the skin. Use as often as desired.

Achillea millefolium distillate. Organic, USA.