Silvery yarrow
StarAchillea clavennae
Synonyms: Achillea intercedens, Achillea capitata, Achillea tyrolensis, Achillea glavennae, Achillea clavennae f. volujakensis, Achillea clavennae var. intercedens, Achillea clavennae var. capitata, Ptarmica clavennae, Achillea clavennae var. glabrata, Achillea clavennae f. velebitica, Achillea millii, Achillea visianii, Chamaemelum clavennae
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In the Alpine folk medicine of the eastern Alps and Balkans, silvery yarrow (called "Iva") has long been valued as an aromatic bitter digestive tonic; the flowering herb is the principal botanical of the traditional South Tyrolean and Slovenian herbal liqueur "Iva" (Treben, 1980). The herb has also been used in infusions for stomach complaints and applied externally to promote the healing of wounds (Madaus, 1938). Its bitter, aromatic constituents underlie its reputation as a digestive stimulant.
Gallery
Botanical Description
Achillea clavennae (silvery yarrow, Clavena's yarrow) is a low, tufted perennial herb of the sunflower family growing 10-25 cm tall, conspicuous for its dense covering of silky silvery-white hairs over the whole plant. The leaves are spatulate to oblong and pinnately lobed into a few broad, blunt segments, giving a soft silvery rosette. The flat-topped corymb bears several flower heads, each with white ray florets (ligules) surrounding a yellowish to cream disc. The fruit is a small achene without a pappus. It is native to the limestone mountains of the eastern Alps and the Balkan Peninsula, growing in rock crevices, screes and stony alpine grassland on calcareous soils at high elevations.
Active Constituents
Camphor
Oxygenated monoterpene (ketone)Concentration: Dominant essential-oil component, ~29–42% depending on population
The principal volatile constituent of the essential oil, contributing the characteristic aroma and much of the reported antimicrobial and rubefacient activity. High camphor content also makes the oil unsuitable for internal use in large amounts.
1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol)
Oxygenated monoterpene (ether)Concentration: ~5–22% of the essential oil
An expectorant, mildly antiseptic monoterpene ether contributing to the oil's activity against respiratory-tract bacteria in vitro.
Myrcene
Monoterpene hydrocarbonConcentration: ~5% of the essential oil
A common terpene with reported anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties in experimental models.
β-Caryophyllene
Sesquiterpene hydrocarbonConcentration: ~5% of the essential oil
A dietary cannabinoid-type sesquiterpene (CB2 receptor agonist) with anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical studies.
Linalool
Oxygenated monoterpene (alcohol)Concentration: ~5% of the essential oil
A floral monoterpene alcohol with mild antimicrobial and calming properties.
Sesquiterpene lactones (guaianolide type)
Sesquiterpene lactonesConcentration: Present in the non-volatile fraction
Guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Balkan populations account for reported cytotoxic and bitter-tonic properties and, as in other Asteraceae, are potential contact-allergens.
Preparation Methods
Aromatic infusion / bitter tonic (folk)
Parts: Flowering aerial parts
In Alpine folk practice the dried flowering herb was infused as a bitter, aromatic digestive and mild wound-wash. Because the essential oil is camphor-rich, only weak infusions were traditionally used and prolonged or high internal doses were avoided.
Essential oil (topical / research)
Parts: Flowering aerial parts
Steam-distilled essential oil has been studied for antimicrobial activity. Owing to its high camphor content it is intended for external/aromatic use only and, like all camphor-rich oils, should not be taken internally or applied to infants.
Historical Texts
Genus name Achillea (Dioscorides, De Materia Medica)
Greco-Roman, 1st century CESpecies epithet honouring Nicolò Chiavena (Clavena) of Belluno
Renaissance / early modern (c. 1600)References
- Stojanović G, Radulović N, Hashimoto T, Palic R. Composition and antimicrobial activity of Achillea clavennae L. essential oil . Phytotherapy Research (2005) [DOI]
- Skočibušić M, Bezić N, Dunkić V, Radonić A. Antibacterial activity of Achillea clavennae essential oil against respiratory tract pathogens . Fitoterapia, 75(7–8):733–736 (2004) [DOI]
- Stojanović G, et al.. Composition and antimicrobial activity of Achillea clavennae and Achillea holosericea essential oils . Flavour and Fragrance Journal (2005) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Silvery yarrow.
No notes yet.