Musky yarrow aerial part cut – Achillea moschata

Also known as "St. John's wort," this high-mountain plant is harvested at the time of flowering. Its aromatic richness makes it a highly prized plant for distinctive infusions and artisanal digestive preparations.

Description

Cut aerial parts composed of finely cut leaves and white or pale yellow flowering tops. The scent is musky, aromatic, lively, and floral. It develops a pronounced bitterness when infused or distilled.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Musky yarrow, monk's herb, musky yarrow
• Latin name: Achillea moschata
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Aerial part (leaves and flowers)
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Alps, high altitude regions of Europe
• English name: Musk yarrow
• Name in German: Moschus-Schafgarbe
• Name in Spanish: Milenrama almizclada
• Name in Italian: Millefoglio odoroso
• Name in Arabic: الأخيليا المسكية (Al-Akhiliya al-Miskīyah)

Main virtues

Musky yarrow is renowned for its invigorating and aromatic effects. It is traditionally consumed as an infusion after meals, used in homemade digestifs, or added to soothing steam baths.

Main constituents

Essential oils (camphor, thujone), flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, bitter compounds.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons for 200 ml of water, infuse for 7 to 10 minutes covered.
• Homemade liqueur: macerated in sweet alcohol for 3 weeks, filtered and sweetened to taste.
• Cosmetics: floral decoction in tonic lotion or facial mist.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Contains traces of thujone: use in moderation.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or young children.
• May be irritating with prolonged use on sensitive skin.

History and origin

Traditionally harvested by Alpine shepherds and herbalists, musky yarrow has been used in mountain regions for centuries. It is famous for its digestive infusions and fragrant elixirs, sometimes passed down in family recipes.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an opaque container away from humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box or airtight jar.
• Appearance: thin leaves, white or yellow flowers, light texture.
• Odor: musky, aromatic, intense floral.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional Alpine flora
• Herbalist recipes from the Alps
• Corpus of European folk herbalism

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