Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Yarrow vs Wild Lettuce
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Yarrow and Wild Lettuce: both belong to the Asteraceae family.
Key Constituents
Chamazulene (blue colour), sabinene, 1,8-cineole, camphor and alpha-bisabolol.
Antioxidant and antispasmodic flavonoids.
Contribute to anti-inflammatory and astringent activity.
Compounds traditionally linked to the haemostatic (styptic) effect.
Bitter, centrally-active constituents responsible for the sedative and pain-relieving effects; isolated lactucin and lactucopicrin produced analgesia comparable to ibuprofen and sedation in rodent tests.
The historical medicinal preparation, concentrating the active lactones.
Pharmacological Actions
Preclinical antiproliferative activity of yarrow flavonoids and sesquiterpenoids (e.g. centaureidin, casticin) against human tumour cell lines.
Bitter digestive tonic (stimulates appetite and bile flow)
Mild analgesic / anodyne for pain (lactucin and lactucopicrin act on the central nervous system) - in mice these compounds produced analgesia comparable to ibuprofen
Calming for nervous tension and restlessness
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from bitter-tonic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from vulnerary action
Antiproliferative activity of Achillea millefolium extracts and constituents (centaureidin, casticin) against HeLa, MCF-7 and A431 cancer cell lines (preclinical).
Diaphoretic (supports the body during colds and fevers)
Diaphoretic (supports the body during colds and fevers)
inferred from styptic action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
Antitussive for an irritable, dry cough (traditional)
Sedative for sleeplessness / insomnia - lactucin and lactucopicrin showed sedative activity in animal models
Calming for nervous tension and restlessness
Mild analgesic / anodyne for pain (lactucin and lactucopicrin act on the central nervous system) - in mice these compounds produced analgesia comparable to ibuprofen
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe. Rarely causes contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals (sesquiterpene lactones, same Asteraceae family). Avoid high doses during pregnancy (emmenagogue at large doses). May increase photosensitivity. Allergic reactions uncommon but possible in those sensitive to Asteraceae plants.
Duke (2002) rates yarrow as ++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, choleretic, aperitif, and astringent activities, consistent with Commission E (KOM) approval for loss of appetite and dyspeptic ailments. Yarrow contains achillin, achilleic acid, and apigenin — compounds with anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties. Traditional use for wound healing, fever management, and digestive complaints is well-supported. Dose: 2–4 g dried herb as tea three times daily. Caution: yarrow belongs to the Asteraceae family and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; rare contact dermatitis from sesquiterpene lactones has been reported. Contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential emmenagogue effects (Duke, 2002).
As a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) it can cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in sensitive people, and handling the fresh plant in sunlight can occasionally cause photosensitivity.
Medicinal use is traditionally avoided in pregnancy (can stimulate the uterus and influence menstruation); caution while breastfeeding.
May interact with anticoagulant, sedative and blood-pressure medications and with drugs metabolised by the liver; seek professional advice if on regular medication.
Correct identification is essential, as several poisonous white-flowered umbellifers can be confused with yarrow; clinical evidence in humans is limited.
Can be unsafe in large amounts or if harvested too early: overdose can cause sweating, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, dizziness, ringing in the ears, vision changes, heavy sedation, breathing difficulty and, in extreme cases, death.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic, rhizomatous perennial herb with erect, grooved, softly hairy stems arising in clumps from a creeping rootstock. The leaves are alternate, 2-3-pinnately dissected into narrow feathery segments, giving the whole plant a soft, fern-like texture (hence 'millefolium', thousand-leaved). Numerous small white to pale-pink flower heads are borne in dense, flat-topped compound corymbs at the stem tips. The plant has a sweet, herbaceous, slightly medicinal aroma when crushed.[12]
Tall, bristly biennial herb with a milky latex throughout, and prickly-edged, often blue-green leaves that tend to twist to align edge-on with the sun ('compass plant' habit). Small, pale yellow, dandelion-like flower heads are borne in loose branched clusters atop a tall, spiny-stemmed flowering stalk.[11]
Habitat
A common plant of grassland, meadows, roadsides, pastures and waste ground on a wide range of soils; native throughout Europe and temperate Asia and now naturalised across North America, Australia and New Zealand.[12]
Grows on dry waste ground, roadsides, hedgerows and disturbed soil; native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia and naturalised in North America.
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts (leaf, stem and flower) are cut as the flat-topped corymbs open, in mid- to late summer, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve the essential oil and colour.[12]
The milky latex is traditionally collected by scoring the flowering stem and letting the exuded sap dry into lactucarium; the aerial parts (leaf and stem) are also cut and dried while the plant is flowering.[11]
Traditional Uses
Yarrow has an ancient reputation as a wound herb (its old name 'staunchweed' and its association with Achilles reflect traditional use to stop bleeding and heal wounds) and as a bitter digestive and diaphoretic remedy for feverish colds, spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints, hepatobiliary disorders and gynaecological complaints. The flowering herb is classically taken as a hot infusion at the onset of a cold or fever to promote sweating, and used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and digestion.[2, 12]
Wild lettuce has a long folk history, reflected in the name 'opium lettuce', as a mild sedative and analgesic remedy for insomnia, nervous tension and pain, and as an antitussive for irritable dry cough, its dried latex (lactucarium) once used as a milder, non-addictive alternative to opium.[11]
Preparations
Dried flowering herb infused in hot water as a bitter digestive and diaphoretic tea, traditionally taken hot at the onset of colds and fevers.
Tincture of the herb, ethanol 45% V/V, 2-4 ml three times daily. The EU herbal monograph gives the ethanol strength but states no drug-extract ratio, so no 1:5 ratio is claimed here. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Fresh crushed leaf or flowering tops applied directly to minor cuts and wounds, reflecting the traditional styptic (bleeding-stopping) and vulnerary use.
Steam-distilled from the flowering tops; the chamazulene-rich blue oil is used in low dilution for its anti-inflammatory action.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-4 g of the comminuted herb in 150-250 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three or four times daily between meals; for loss of appetite the liquid preparations are taken 30 minutes before meals. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 2-4 mL three times daily in adolescents, adults and elderly. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Because of documented overdose toxicity (rapid heartbeat, heavy sedation, breathing difficulty), only conservative traditional herbal doses should be used and this herb should not be self-dosed at concentrated or extract strength without professional guidance. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Farasati Far, B., Behzad, G. and Khalili, H (2023) 'Achillea millefolium: mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic, clinical drug-drug interactions and tolerability', Heliyon, 9(12), pp. e22841. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22841 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22841 - Akram, M (2013) 'Minireview on Achillea millefolium Linn', The Journal of Membrane Biology, 246(9), pp. 661-663. doi:10.1007/s00232-013-9588-x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00232-013-9588-x - Benedek, B. and Kopp, B (2007) 'Achillea millefolium L. s.l. revisited: recent findings confirm the traditional use', Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 157(13-14), pp. 312-314. doi:10.1007/s10354-007-0431-9 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10354-007-0431-9 - Li, H., Li, J., Liu, M., Xie, R., Zang, Y., Li, J. and Aisa, H.A (2021) 'Guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones from Achillea millefolium L', Phytochemistry, 186, pp. 112733. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112733 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112733 - Li, H., Liu, L., Gou, G., Xin, X., Li, J. and Aisa, H.A (2023) 'Guaianolides from Achillea millefolium L. and their anti-inflammatory activity', Phytochemistry, 210, pp. 113647. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113647 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113647 - Li, H., Akber Aisa, H. and Li, J (2023) 'Germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones from Achillea millefolium L. and their anti-inflammatory activity', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 20(4), pp. e202300079. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202300079 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202300079 - Li, H., Xu, N., Li, J. and Aisa, H.A (2023) 'Guaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactones from Achillea millefolium L. and their anti-inflammatory activity', Phytochemistry, 216, pp. 113894. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113894 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113894 - Huang, X., Xu, N., Liu, Z., Li, H., Lu, H. and Li, J (2024) 'Chemical composition of Achillea millefolium L. and their anti-inflammatory activity', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 21(8), pp. e202400946. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202400946 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202400946 - Alomair, M.K., Alabduladheem, L.S., Almajed, M.A., Alobaid, A.A., Alkhalifah, E.A.R., Younis, N.S. and Mohamed, M.E (2022) 'Achillea millefolium essential oil mitigates peptic ulcer in rats through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway', Molecules, 27(22), pp. 7908. doi:10.3390/molecules27227908 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227908 - Bagheri, A., Amin, G., Tavangar, S.M., Heidari, M. and Bagheri, J (2024) 'Safety and hemostatic effect of Achillea millefolium L. in localized bleeding', Hepatology Forum, 5(1), pp. 25-27. doi:10.14744/hf.2022.2022.0041 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.14744/hf.2022.2022.0041 - Ayoobi, F., Shamsizadeh, A., Fatemi, I., Vakilian, A., Allahtavakoli, M., Hassanshahi, G. and Moghadam-Ahmadi, A (2017) 'Bio-effectiveness of the main flavonoids of Achillea millefolium in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders - a review', Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 20(6), pp. 604-612. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2017.8827 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.22038/IJBMS.2017.8827 - Ali, S.I., Gopalakrishnan, B. and Venkatesalu, V (2017) 'Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A Review', 31(8), pp. 1140--1161. doi:10.1002/ptr.5840 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5840 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2019) 'European Union herbal monograph on Achillea millefolium L., herba, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-opinion/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-achillea-millefolium-l-herba-revision-1_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-opinion/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-achillea-millefolium-l-herba-revision-1_en.pdf - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Benefits, Uses, Safety'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/yarrow/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/yarrow/ - Applequist, W.L. and Moerman, D.E (2011) 'Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.): a neglected panacea?', 65(2), pp. 209--225. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Yarrow%20%28Achillea%20millefolium%20L.%29%3A%20a%20neglected%20panacea%3F - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Villanueva-Bermejo, D. et al (2017) 'Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Achillea millefolium', pp. 469--476. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Chemical%20composition%20and%20antioxidant%20activity%20of%20Achillea%20millefolium - Csupor-Loffler, B. and Hajdu, Z. and Zupko, I. and Rethy, B. and Falkay, G. and Forgo, P. and Hohmann, J (2009) 'Antiproliferative effect of flavonoids and sesquiterpenoids from Achillea millefolium s.l. on cultured human tumour cell lines', Phytotherapy Research, 23(5), pp. 672-676. doi:10.1002/ptr.2697 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2697 - Papakosta, K. and Grafakou, M.-E. and Barda, C. and Kostopoulos, I.V. and Tsitsilonis, O. and Skaltsa, H (2020) 'Cytotoxicity and Anti-cancer Activity of the Genus Achillea L', Current Medicinal Chemistry, 27(41), pp. 6910-6925. doi:10.2174/0929867327666200505092514 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867327666200505092514 - Sacred Plant Co (2025) 'Yarrow: The Warrior'. Available at: https://sacredplantco.com/blogs/natures-pharmacy-exploring-the-historical-uses-and-health-benefits-of-medicinal-herbs/the-warrior-s-herb-that-bridged-ancient-legends-and-modern-wound-care Traditional / reference
https://sacredplantco.com/blogs/natures-pharmacy-exploring-the-historical-uses-and-health-benefits-of-medicinal-herbs/the-warrior-s-herb-that-bridged-ancient-legends-and-modern-wound-care - Hemmati, A.A., Arzi, A. and Amin, M (2002) 'Effect of Achillea millefolium extract in wound healing of rabbit', 2(2), pp. 164--167. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Effect%20of%20Achillea%20millefolium%20extract%20in%20wound%20healing%20of%20rabbit - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - First Nature (n.d.) 'Achillea millefolium, Yarrow: identification, distribution, habitat'. Available at: https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/achillea-millefolium.php Traditional / reference
https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/achillea-millefolium.php - Grieve, M (1931). Available at: https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/y/yarrow03.html Traditional / reference
https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/y/yarrow03.html - Jenabi, E. and Fereidoony, B (2015) 'Effect of Achillea millefolium on relief of primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind randomized clinical trial', 28(5), pp. 402--404. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2014.12.008 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2014.12.008 - Joybilee Farm (n.d.) 'How to Stop Bleeding with Yarrow Styptic'. Available at: https://joybileefarm.com/how-to-stop-bleeding-yarrow/ Traditional / reference
https://joybileefarm.com/how-to-stop-bleeding-yarrow/ - North Carolina Extension (n.d.) 'Achillea millefolium'. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/achillea-millefolium/ Traditional / reference
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/achillea-millefolium/ - Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine (2026) 'Yarrow in Herbal & Aromatic Medicine: History, Uses, and Energetics'. Available at: https://aromaticmedicineschool.com/yarrow-herbal-medicine-history-uses-energetics/ Traditional / reference
https://aromaticmedicineschool.com/yarrow-herbal-medicine-history-uses-energetics/ - Plant Reference (n.d.) 'Achillea millefolium (common yarrow) - Identification & Care Guide'. Available at: https://www.plantref.org/plants/achillea-millefolium Traditional / reference
https://www.plantref.org/plants/achillea-millefolium - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Achillea millefolium L'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:181164-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:181164-1 - Royal Horticultural Society (n.d.) 'Achillea millefolium (common yarrow)'. Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/311/achillea-millefolium/details Traditional / reference
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/311/achillea-millefolium/details - The Wildlife Trusts (n.d.). Available at: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/yarrow Traditional / reference
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/yarrow - United States Forest Service (n.d.) 'Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)'. Available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/achillea_millefolium.shtml Traditional / reference
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/achillea_millefolium.shtml - Grow Forage Cook Ferment 'Foraging Yarrow: Identification, Look-alikes, and Uses'. Available at: https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-for-yarrow/ Traditional / reference
https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-for-yarrow/ - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock
- Ullah, M.I., Anwar, R., Kamran, S., Gul, B. et al (2022) 'Evaluation of the Anxiolytic and Anti-Epileptogenic Potential of Lactuca serriola Seed Using Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Kindling in Mice and Metabolic Profiling of Its Bioactive Extract', Antioxidants (Basel), 11(11), pp. 2232. doi:10.3390/antiox11112232 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11112232 - Lee, M., Park, J., Cho, W., Jun, Y. et al (2024) 'Lactuca L. Extract Enhances Sleep Duration Through Upregulation of Adenosine A1 Receptor and GABA-A Receptor Subunits in Pentobarbital-Injected Mice', Journal of Medicinal Food, 27(7), pp. 661-668. doi:10.1089/jmf.2023.K.0250 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2023.K.0250 - Paulsen, E. and Andersen, K.E (2015) 'Lettuce contact allergy', Contact Dermatitis, 74(2), pp. 67-75. doi:10.1111/cod.12458 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12458 - Wesolowska, A., Nikiforuk, A., Michalska, K., Kisiel, W. and Chojnacka-Wojcik, E (2006) 'Analgesic and sedative activities of lactucin and some lactucin-like guaianolides in mice', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 107(2), pp. 254--258. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.03.003 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.03.003 - Gumprecht, T (1815) 'On the use of the Lactuca Virosa, in Hooping-Cough', Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, 6, pp. 608-617. doi:10.1177/095952871500600125 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1177/095952871500600125 - Trojanowska, A (2005) 'Lettuce, Lactuca sp., as a medicinal plant in Polish publications of the 19th century', Kwartalnik Historii Nauki i Techniki, 50(3-4), pp. 123-134. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Lettuce%2C%20Lactuca%20sp.%2C%20as%20a%20medicinal%20plant%20in%20Polish%20publications%20of%20the%2019th%20century - Spadari, M., Pommier, P., Canioni, D., Arditti, J., David, J.M. and Valli, M (2003) 'Abuse of Lactuca virosa', Presse Medicale, 32(15), pp. 702-703. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Abuse%20of%20Lactuca%20virosa - Lo Faro, A.F., Di Trana, A., La Maida, N., Tagliabracci, A., Giorgetti, R. and Busardo, F.P (2019) 'Biomedical analysis of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of natural origin', Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 179, pp. 112945. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112945 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112945 - Besharat, S., Besharat, M. and Jabbari, A (2009) 'Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) toxicity', BMJ Case Reports, 2009, pp. bcr0620080134. doi:10.1136/bcr.06.2008.0134 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr.06.2008.0134 - Stojakowska, A., Malarz, J. and Kisiel, W (1994) 'Sesquiterpene Lactones in Tissue Culture of Lactuca virosa', Planta Medica, 60(1), pp. 93-94. doi:10.1055/s-2006-959419 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-959419 - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa): Benefits, Uses, Safety'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-lettuce/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-lettuce/ - RxList (n.d.) 'Wild Lettuce: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions'. Available at: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/wild_lettuce.htm Traditional / reference
https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/wild_lettuce.htm - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.