[h2_with_line]Yarrow[/h2_with_line]
Features
Place and time of harvest: Valgerola, Val Tartano, Valmasino, Valmadre.
The best time for gathering is the flowering period, which varies depending on the altitude and exposure from June to July. The flowers should be collected when the sun is blazing and their therapeutic and aromatic power is maximum. The stage of collecting can be considered optimal when more than 50% of the plants are in bloom.
We collect the flowering tops and leaves, with hedge shears that remove any weeds in the field.
Main morphological characteristics: it is a perennial, hardly aromatic plant. It has pinnate leaves and its flowers are collected in corymb of white or pink.
Main components: essential oil (containing azulene, borneol, acid isovalerianic, etc.), Sesquiterpene lactones (achillina, millefina, deacetilmatricarina), flavonoids, tannins, mucilage, fatty oil, coumarins, nitrogenous substances, organic acids, ascorbic acid.
Utilisation
It is a plant widely used in our products thanks to its active substances especially useful for the skin for their healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-redness power. It is the ideal plant for the treatment of sensitive skin, especially that of children, and in the treatment of minor wounds, ulcers and hemorrhoids.
Due to the presence of constituents similar to those of Chamomile (eg apigenin and azulenes) it is recommend for the same purposes. Although the Yarrow, taken orally, is used as antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory specific for the digestive system, there are no reliable studies that confirm the actual effectiveness. The antispasmodic properties of the Yarrow make it a natural remedy widely used in the treatment of menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Yarrow has tonic properties useful in venous diseases such as varicose veins, phlebitis and hemorrhoids.
For external use, Yarrow performs cosmetic and dermofunctional properties: anti-inflammatory, astringent, toning, and dereddening and anti seborrheic action. For this reason, the extracts of Yarrow are commonly used in products against inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, and circulatory disorders: it is used against pimples, acne, wounds, breast fissures, varicose veins, dry, chapped, sensitive and flushed skin.
Curiosity
Its name comes from Achilles, who healed some of the wounds of his comrades in arms, in the siege of Troy, with this plant.
This beneficial herb, through some substances secreted by its roots, increases resistance to plant diseases that are around. If you can gather this plant you can make a concentrated infusion for watering- it is a good natural fertilizer. At one time the peasants wrapped the handles of tools with yarrow stalks to always have it in case of insect bites or minor injuries at work. Its presence is highly desirable in temporary pastures, it contributes to the enrichment, since the presence of aromatic and medicinal herbs in forages brings the best of the effects on health of cattle.
The Yarrow once enjoyed a reputation for excellent remedy for scabies in sheep.
When this plant has flowers of red or violet color is due to the increased amount of essential oils containing azulene and chamazulene, the same constituents of the essential oil of Chamomile, from which the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant derive. These colored heads are favourite, when available, for cosmetic use.
Its best-known relative, the Muscat Yarrow, is a protected species, very similar to the variety of fields, but smaller. The two species also differ in their use: the highest content of active ingredients for digestive action makes the use of the Muscat Yarrow most suitable for oral intake in case of indigestion and related problems, while the Yarrow, which is more rich in anti-inflammatory components, is more powerful in cosmetics.
You can find this officinal plant in the following Edelweiss products:
Aftershave lotion
Restructuring Soothing Cream
Gentle Body Wash
