Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
TL;DR
Yarrow has a long battlefield reputation for stopping bleeding and calming digestion, credible anti-inflammatory chemistry, and essentially no modern randomized evidence in humans.
Ideal For
- Traditional topical wound care in people without Asteraceae allergy
Avoid If
- You are pregnant
- You react to ragweed, chamomile or chrysanthemum
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yarrow used for?
Is there human evidence?
What dose is traditional?
Can it be used on wounds?
Who should avoid it?
Any interactions?
Overview
Yarrow contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids including apigenin and luteolin, and an essential oil rich in chamazulene — a chemistry that overlaps substantially with chamomile. In vitro and animal work supports antispasmodic activity on intestinal smooth muscle, anti-inflammatory cytokine suppression, choleretic effects and modest antimicrobial activity, and rodent wound-healing models show accelerated closure with topical extract. The human record is where it thins out sharply. A small trial of topical yarrow for episiotomy healing reported reduced pain and better wound scores, and a handful of small studies in dysmenorrhea and gastrointestinal complaints suggest symptom benefit, but sample sizes are in the dozens and blinding is inconsistent. The name Achillea comes from the legend that Achilles carried it to treat soldiers' wounds, and topical hemostatic use is the most historically consistent application. Yarrow is in the Asteraceae family, so people allergic to ragweed, chamomile or chrysanthemum can react to it, and thujone in the essential oil makes prolonged high-dose internal use inadvisable.
How It Works
- Sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids suppress inflammatory cytokine signalling
- Apigenin and luteolin relax intestinal smooth muscle
- Astringent tannins support topical hemostatic and wound-closure effects
Quick Facts
- Named after Achilles for battlefield wound use
- Asteraceae family — cross-reacts with ragweed and chamomile allergy
- Contains thujone; avoid prolonged high-dose internal use
Benefits & Outcomes
No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.
Supporting Research4 studies
Effect of Achillea millefolium on relief of primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind randomized clinical trial
Jenabi E, Fereidoony B
Pain severity scores decreased significantly more in the Achillea millefolium group than placebo over two menstrual cycles.
Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A Review
Ali SI, Gopalakrishnan B, Venkatesalu V
Yarrow extracts show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic and wound-healing activity in preclinical models; clinical trials are scarce.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. s.l.): a neglected panacea? A review of ethnobotany, bioactivity, and biomedical research
Applequist WL, Moerman DE
Traditional use for wounds, fevers and menstrual complaints is extensive, but controlled clinical evidence is nearly absent.
Biological activities of yarrow species (Achillea spp.)
Nemeth E, Bernath J
Proazulene and essential-oil content vary widely between yarrow chemotypes and harvest conditions.
Safety Information
Potential Side Effects
Allergic contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset. Thujone raises seizure concern at high chronic doses.
Contraindications
Pregnancy — traditional emmenagogue and uterine stimulant use. Asteraceae allergy. Seizure disorders.
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants — theoretical additive effect
- Sedatives — possible additive drowsiness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Likely unsafe
Breastfeeding: Not enough evidence to judge
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
Consult healthcare provider
Best Time to Take
Before meals for digestive use
Best Form
Dried herb infusion, or topical preparation for wounds
Bioavailability
Not well characterised for the active constituents
Dosing by Goal
| Goal | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | 2-4 g dried herb as tea up to three times daily | Limit continuous internal use to a few weeks due to thujone |
Forms Compared
Dried herb tea
Traditional digestive and menstrual use
Topical extract or ointment
The application with the most supportive small-trial data
Essential oil
Thujone-containing; not for internal use
Food & Timing
Bitter action is strongest taken shortly before meals
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.