Yarrow

Scientific Name(s): Achillea millefolium L.
Common Name(s): Green arrow, Milenrama, Milfoil, Millefolli herba, Nosebleed plant, Thousand-leaf, Wound wort, Yarrow

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 5, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Clinical studies are limited.

Dosing

Traditionally, yarrow herb 4.5 g/day has been used for various conditions. However, there are no quality clinical studies to validate this dosing.

Contraindications

Yarrow use is contraindicated in known allergies to any members of the Aster family. Data for reported contraindications in epilepsy are lacking.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Documented adverse effects.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Contact dermatitis is the most commonly reported adverse reaction, but high doses may be associated with anticholinergic effects.

Toxicology

Yarrow is not generally considered toxic; however, an antispermatogenic effect has been reported, and safety data are insufficient to support use of the herb in cosmetic products.

Scientific Family

• Asteraceae (daisy)
• Compositae (aster)

Botany

The name yarrow applies to approximately 80 species of daisy plants native to the north temperate zone. A. millefolium L. has finely divided leaves and white, pink, or red flowers. It can grow up to 1 m in height. This hardy perennial weed has invasive fibrous rhizomes and blooms from June to November. The whole aerial plant part is used medicinally. Golden yarrow belongs to a distinct genus in the Aster family, Eriophyllum confertiflorum.1, 2 Yarrow is a member of the daisy (Asteraceae) family that includes aster, chamomile, chrysanthemum, feverfew, ragweed, sunflower, and tansy.

History

The use of yarrow in food and medicine dates back at least to 1200 BC.3 The genus name Achillea is derived from the Greek myth of Achilles who was said to carry A. millefolium (also known in antiquity as herba militaris) into battle to treat wounds.3 Yarrow leaves have been used for tea, and young leaves and flowers have been used in salads. Infusions of yarrow have served as cosmetic cleansers and medicines. Sneezewort leaves (Achillea ptarmica) have been used in sneezing powder, while those of A. millefolium have been used for snuff.4 Yarrow has been used as a "strengthening bitter tonic" and astringent. The fresh leaves have been used to relieve toothaches and to heal wounds, and may have anti-inflammatory effects.3, 5 Fresh yarrow and dried herb are also used in China for dog and snake bites and to alleviate menstrual bleeding.1

Chemistry

The constituents of yarrow have been reviewed in detail, particularly the essential oil.6, 7, 8 The plant yields approximately 1% essential oil containing azulene, alpha and beta pinenes, borneol, cineole, and other compounds including chamazulene (also found in chamomile) and trace amounts of thujone, although the composition varies.1, 7 Other constituents identified include sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, alkanes, and fatty acids, among others.1, 7

Uses and Pharmacology

Antimicrobial/Antiprotozoal activity

In vitro studies have shown that the essential oi...