YARROW
Achillea millefolium

Planet: Venus

History and Mythology
Yarrow received its Latin name from the Greek hero Achilles, son of the Sea-Goddess Thetis and the mortal king Peleus. Wanting to make her son invulnerable, Thetis dipped him into the river Styx when he was still a baby. Thus no arrow or sword could harm him except on a small area around his ankle, where his mother had held him. She also tried to make him invulnerable by fire, but Peleus disturbed her ritual. Thetis fled back to her father and Peleus gave Achilles to the centaur Chiron to educate him. Chiron taught the young lad well, both in the use of weapons and in the use of herbs. He not only became one of the greatest warriors in the war of Troy, but he also staunched and healed many of his men's wounds with the aid of Yarrow. In older books it is sometimes called 'Militaris' for the service it has given to military men. In Chinese philosophy, Yarrow is thought to denote a perfect balance between yin and yang, the male and female energies of the universe, which is why it is held most sacred as the tool of divination for the famous I Ching. Yarrow is a small herb of the daisy family that pretends to belong to the carrot family. Some of the older writers actually classify it as such. It has a very aromatic, bitter scent and has been used for brewing ale.

Magical Use:
Yarrow can be used for protection and courage. It may also be used to seal the bond of friendship. It is ideal for chakra balancing and to cleanse the third eye. It may also be used for love divination and to attune to the changing balance between yin and yang when working with the I Ching.

Scent:
A herbaceous, aromatic, green scent. Blends well with Clary Sage, Cypress, Chamomile, Hyssop and Pine.

Aromatherapy:
Yarrow is primarily known as a wound healer and can be used to dress cuts and wounds. In aromatherapy skin care it can tone the skin and treat inflamed conditions, rashes, acne and eczema. It is also used for hair care preparations as it promotes hair growth and checks dandruff. It can reduce excessive menstrual flow, help regulate the cycle and is useful during menopause. It is also helpful for cystitis and vaginitis. Yarrow may be used for varicose veins as well as tired legs and feet. It is a balancing oil that can aid in many conditions depending on what oils it is blended with. May cause allergic reaction in some.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AROMATHERAPY SEE OUR SEPERATE PAGE TITLED 'AROMATHERAPY USAGE'

QUALITY AND PURITY
We only supply the finest quality essential oils certified for Aromatherapy use. This assures that during the process of extraction, handling and bottling our oils receive all possible care and attention, and that the highest quality and purity is maintained throughout the preparation process.

SAFETY **
** Pure essential oils are highly concentrated substances that should always be treated with due respect. Organic oils naturally are the purest oils available.

** Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the properties and uses of each individual oil you intend to use and take note of all cautions.

** Never take essential oils internally! *

** Do not apply essential oils neat (undiluted) to the skin. The recommended Aromatherapy standard dilution is 1 - 3%, though certain oils may be used in higher or lower dilutions. Consider each case individually.

** Always adhere to recommended safety standards and recommended dilution ratios.

** If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies test oil blends on a small area of the inner arm prior to general use.

** Keep oils out of reach of children and pets.

** Never allow essential oils to enter the eyes.

** If you are pregnant, consult a qualified aromatherapist for suitability and safety of specific oils. Many oils should not be used during pregnancy, some only need to be avoided for the first 3 - 4 months, others may be helpful during labour, but may pose a risk during the months before.

** If you suffer from serious medical conditions such as (but not exclusively) high blood pressure, cancer, thrombosis, varicose veins or epilepsy, consult a qualified aromatherapist for professional advice on recommended oils and dosages.
** We support the notion of people taking responsibility for their own well being. However, if symptoms persist or re-occur or you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to work with you in exploring natural health alternatives.
*...unless you know better.