Yarrow, Blue (organic)

Yarrow oil is often assumed to be blue by nature. Many yarrow oils are colourless or pale. The colour appears only where the plant carries proazulene precursors, and these vary with population and chemotype. A blue yarrow is a chemotype selection, not the species default.

01 · Origin

Achillea millefolium is a perennial of meadows and roadsides across the northern temperate zone, family Asteraceae. The finely divided, feathery leaf gives the species name. This oil is distilled in Bulgaria from the flowering plant, wild-crafted under organic certification (DE-ÖKO-007).

02 · Chemistry

Sabinene and beta-pinene lead the monoterpene fraction, with 1,8-cineole behind them. The blue azulenes form during distillation, when heat converts their colourless precursors. Their share is small, but it is enough to give the oil its depth of colour. Yarrow, Blue (Wild) (No. 2700) is a useful point of comparison.

03 · In Practice

Fresh, herbaceous and camphoraceous, with a sharp green top and a sweet, slightly hay-like dry-down. A middle note. Skincare formulation, massage blends and olfactory study, at low concentration. The pigment can stain fabric and diffuser parts. Blends with lavender, chamomile, clary sage, helichrysum, cedarwood, rosemary and vetiver.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.