Achillea roseo-alba
StarAchillea roseo-alba
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Achillea roseo-alba is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae belonging to the Achillea millefolium (yarrow) aggregate, distributed in central and southeastern Europe. It has finely two- to three-pinnately divided, feathery leaves and flat-topped corymbs of small capitula whose ray florets range from white to pale pink. It grows in meadows, grasslands and along roadsides.
Active Constituents
Chamazulene
Azulene sesquiterpene (proazulene-derived)Concentration: ~0.16% of dry plant mass (highest among taxa studied in Slovenia)
A. roseoalba is one of the few taxa of the A. millefolium aggregate that reliably yields chamazulene, formed from matricin during distillation. Chamazulene is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and imparts the deep-blue colour of the oil.
Sabinene
Bicyclic monoterpene hydrocarbonConcentration: Typical of the millefolium aggregate (species value not isolated)
A common major monoterpene of aggregate oils, contributing fresh, woody notes and antimicrobial activity.
1,8-Cineole
Monoterpene oxideConcentration: Typical of the millefolium aggregate
An expectorant, anti-inflammatory oxygenated monoterpene frequently among the principal constituents of aggregate oils.
Camphor / borneol
Oxygenated monoterpenesConcentration: Typical of the millefolium aggregate
Camphor and borneol are recurrent oxygenated monoterpenes of the aggregate contributing antimicrobial and counter-irritant activity.
Flavonoids and dicaffeoylquinic acids
PolyphenolsConcentration: Present (qualitative)
Antioxidant flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids characteristic of the yarrow aggregate underlie the reported antioxidant activity of the extracts.
Preparation Methods
Infusion of flowering tops
Parts: Flowering aerial parts
As a member of the yarrow aggregate, the dried flowering tops are infused (approx. 1-2 g per cup, 10 minutes) as a bitter digestive, mild anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic tea in central/south-eastern European tradition.
Blue (chamazulene-bearing) essential oil
Parts: Flowering aerial parts
Steam/hydrodistillation of the flowering tops gives a chamazulene-containing oil valued for topical anti-inflammatory use; internal use of the concentrated oil is not advised, and use in pregnancy is traditionally avoided.
Historical Texts
Central and south-eastern European yarrow tradition (Achillea millefolium aggregate)
Traditional / ethnobotanicalReferences
- Turk B, Baricevic D, Batic F. Essential oil content, chamazulene content and antioxidative properties of Achillea millefolium agg. extracts from Slovenia . Acta Agriculturae Slovenica (2021) [DOI]
- Saeidnia S, Gohari A, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F. A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea . DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2011) [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.
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