Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
This monograph compiles 4 documented constituents, 11 pharmacological actions, 18 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 29 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
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.
Pharmacological Actions
Bitter digestive tonic (stimulates appetite and bile flow)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from bitter-tonic action
more plants for loss of appetite →detailed sources →inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →inferred from digestive action
more plants for bloating →detailed sources →inferred from vulnerary action
more plants for bruising →detailed sources →Diaphoretic (supports the body during colds and fevers)
more plants for cold & flu →detailed sources →inferred from astringent action
more plants for diarrhoea →detailed sources →Diaphoretic (supports the body during colds and fevers)
more plants for fever →detailed sources →inferred from styptic action
more plants for heavy menstrual bleeding →detailed sources →inferred from bitter-tonic action
more plants for indigestion →detailed sources →inferred from antimicrobial action
more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →inferred from antispasmodic action
more plants for muscle spasm →detailed sources →inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →inferred from diuretic action
more plants for swelling / fluid retention →detailed sources →inferred from diuretic action
more plants for urinary support →detailed sources →inferred from diuretic action
more plants for urinary tract infection (uti) →detailed sources →Styptic / haemostatic (slows bleeding from minor cuts)
more plants for wounds →detailed sources →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.
References
REF-2076, REF-2077, REF-2078, REF-2079, REF-2080, REF-2081, REF-2082, REF-2083, REF-2084, REF-2085, REF-2086References & 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 - Applequist, W.L. and Moerman, D.E (2011) 'Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.): a neglected panacea?', 65(2), pp. 209--225. Traditional / reference
Find this source - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
Find this source - Villanueva-Bermejo, D. et al (2017) 'Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Achillea millefolium', pp. 469--476. Traditional / reference
Find this source - 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/ - 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
Find this source - 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
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