Yarrow: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Common yarrow is a perennial herb with finely divided lacy leaves and white corymbs of flowers. According to herbal medicine references, it has traditionally been used as a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and digestion-supporting remedy. I will tell you what is known about its composition, uses, harvesting and limitations.

What kind of herb is it and how can you recognize it?

Common yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. The height of an adult plant is usually from 20 to 100 cm. Its rhizome is long, thin and creeping. The basal leaves are large, petiolate, up to 15 cm long, and repeatedly pinnately divided into narrow segments. It is because of this leaf division that the plant received its Russian name. The stem leaves are sessile, smaller, but also deeply divided.

The flower heads are small and collected into a compound corymb. The marginal flowers are white, less often pale pink, while the central ones are tubular. Therefore, in summer yarrow is easy to recognize by its delicate foliage and dense flat flower clusters. Different sources indicate flowering from the end of May until the end of summer, and in some regions — from June to October.

Yarrow grows in dry meadows, river valleys, forest edges, roadsides, field margins and wastelands. Older guides emphasized that raw material from dry, sunny places is valued more highly than that from damp and shaded areas. The plant has many folk names — soldier’s herb, cut herb, wound herb, bloodwort. These names are connected with its long-standing reputation as a remedy for wounds. According to legend, the Latin name Achillea was given in honor of Achilles, who used the herb for wound healing.

How to distinguish it from similar species

Field guides mention sneezewort, or sneezewort yarrow (Achillea ptarmica), alongside common yarrow. It has larger ray flowers and narrow entire leaves, whereas common yarrow has leaves that are repeatedly pinnately divided. Sneezewort is found mainly in wet places — marshes, damp meadows and near streams. In all similar species, small flower heads are collected into dense inflorescences and from a distance look like separate large flowers. Older guides mention that young leaves of similar species were used in the same way as common yarrow.

History and pharmaceutical names

In old Belarusian surveys, yarrow was classified among plants known to almost the entire population; it was collected in southern districts and delivered to pharmacies or sold to buyers. In pharmaceutical references, the raw material was called yarrow herb — Herba Millefolii, less often leaves — Folium Millefolii and flower heads — Flores Millefolii; in some sources flowers or tops were called Flores seu Summitates Millefolii. An extract was also prepared. Old descriptions of the composition mention achillein (Achilleinum, C20H38N2O15) and aconitic acid (Acidum aconiticum, C6H6O6).

What is common yarrow useful for and what is known about it?

According to herbal medicine references, yarrow has a diverse composition. The herb, leaves and flower clusters contain essential oil, tannins, bitter compounds, flavonoids, vitamins C and K, carotene, choline, organic acids, resins, phytoncides and mineral salts. Chamazulene, which gives it a bluish tint, is extracted from the essential oil. Old pharmaceutical descriptions also mention achillein and aconitic acid among its components.

The main properties described in the literature can be divided by body systems.

Hemostatic action

The mechanism is based on an increase in platelet count and a shortening of bleeding time. Yarrow preparations activate fibrin action but, according to specialists’ observations, do not lead to clot formation. The effect on coagulation is moderate and appears mainly with prolonged use. Therefore, infusion and liquid extract have traditionally been used for gastrointestinal, hemorrhoidal, uterine, pulmonary, nasal and wound bleeding. Externally, the infusion is often used for washing wounds, and dressings with liquid extract are applied to cuts and ulcers.

Digestion

The bitter taste of achillein irritates taste nerve endings and increases gastric juice production. This explains the use of yarrow as an aromatic bitter herb to improve appetite. In addition, the herb reduces flatulence. Flavonoids and essential oil have an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines, bile ducts and urinary tract. As a result, the bile ducts widen, bile secretion into the duodenum increases and diuresis increases. Therefore, the plant has traditionally been included in preparations for gastritis, bloating and spasmodic unpleasant sensations in the abdomen.

Anti-inflammatory and wound-healing action

Tannins, essential oil and chamazulene provide anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, anti-allergic and wound-healing properties. Therefore, yarrow was often combined with chamomile, calendula, plantain and mint. According to references, this combination enhanced the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects and helped reduce pain, belching and flatulence.

Women’s health

In old observations, the herb was used for heavy menstruation and inflammatory processes, sometimes together with stinging nettle in a 1:1 ratio. Such a combination was described in old formulas for uterine bleeding caused by fibroids, inflammatory processes and endocrinopathies. Some authors note that yarrow increases uterine muscle contractions. This is why modern practice does not recommend the plant during pregnancy.

Other traditional uses

In folk medicine, decoction and infusion are mentioned for cystitis, liver diseases, colds, nervous system disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes. Reviews of folk medicine also mention dysentery, anemia, headache, pulmonary tuberculosis, shortness of breath and cough. Usually not alone, but as part of mixtures. For example, for high blood pressure, one description mixes 2 tablespoons of yarrow flowers and 1 tablespoon of centaury, pours a glass of boiled water over them, closes tightly and drinks instead of water. This is a traditional description, not a substitute for blood pressure monitoring by a doctor.

For liver diseases, yarrow was combined with immortelle. For colds — with strawberry and St. John’s wort. For nervous system disorders — with St. John’s wort, clover and lingonberry. Descriptions of heart diseases mention a decoction of motherwort and yarrow with honey. For cystitis, mixtures with calendula, chamomile, lingonberry, St. John’s wort and veronica were described. These are examples of traditional combinations, not ready-made prescriptions.

How to take it internally and use it externally?

Internally, the plant is used as an infusion, decoction and liquid extract. Externally — as infusions, liquid extract and fresh crushed leaves.

For small cuts, fresh leaves are rubbed between the fingers and applied to the wound. Old folk advice also mentions this method for nosebleeds. For more significant skin injuries, dressings soaked in liquid extract are used or the wound is washed with an infusion. Such use is based on anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

Fresh yarrow juice was once added to juices of other plants for spring treatments. Modern data on this method are limited, so it should be approached cautiously and not turned into a homemade course.

Young leaves were also used as food: they were added to cottage cheese, butter, soups and salads as vegetable greens. The herb has a distinctive taste associated with aromatic essential oils. The literature also mentions a vitamin tea made from equal parts peppermint, chamomile, thyme, yarrow, strawberry leaves, raspberry leaves, currant leaves, and rowan and currant berries.

Salad and fresh greens

The following salad is mentioned in food use: 100 g sauerkraut, 25 g green onion, 5 g young yarrow leaves, 10 g vegetable oil and spices to taste; chopped onion and young leaves are added to the prepared cabbage. In wild greens, yarrow was sometimes combined with nettle, coltsfoot and horsetail spores, but such mixtures were advised to be introduced gradually because wild herbs are sharp, astringent and many are bitter.

How should it be brewed correctly?

The easiest way is to prepare an infusion. Herbal references give the following typical scheme for yarrow mixtures: pour 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, boil in a water bath for 5–10 minutes, then infuse for 45 minutes and strain. Take one-third of a glass 3 times a day after meals. If the raw material is part of a complex mixture, the dosage and course should be advised by a doctor or pharmacist, because proportions vary between different formulas.

A decoction according to an old formula: rhizomes and roots of rough gentian, yarrow herb and lesser centaury herb in a 1:1:1 ratio. Three teaspoons of this mixture are poured with three glasses of cold water and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. Such formulas require a precise indication and are not suitable for arbitrary self-treatment.

Do not increase the doses. One reference notes that prolonged use and large doses of yarrow preparations may cause dizziness, heartburn and skin rash. Therefore, a short course, moderate doses and observation of the body’s reaction are better than long experiments.

How to collect and preserve raw material so it does not lose its benefits?

The herb is harvested in June — the first half of August. Flowering tops with leaves up to 15 cm long are cut. Leaves and flower clusters can also be collected separately. Older guides recommend choosing plants from dry sunny places because such raw material is valued more highly. Specimens with pink flowers should not be collected.

According to old references, flower clusters and leaves are dried separately. After drying, the leaves retain a weak, somewhat unpleasant aroma and a salty, astringent, slightly bitter taste. The flowers have a stronger but less unpleasant smell, and the taste is more bitter, astringent and spicy. The moisture content of finished raw material should not exceed 13%. The herb should be stored in a dry place away from foreign odors. Large stocks should not be made because plant material loses quality over time.

Acceptance indicators according to old standards

Old standards for medicinal raw materials allowed the following for leaves: moisture no more than 13%; other parts of yarrow no more than 3%; crushed particles passing through a sieve with 2 mm openings no more than 3%; organic impurities no more than 1%; mineral impurities — no more than 0.5%. For flowers, the standards were: moisture no more than 13%; parts of yarrow no more than 5%, including leaves no more than 0.5%; flower heads in corymbs no more than 1%; crushed particles passing through a 1 mm sieve no more than 3%; organic impurities no more than 0.5%; mineral impurities — no more than 1%.

How to find common yarrow abroad

If you are looking for common yarrow in the USA or Europe, focus not only on the translation of the name but also on the Latin plant name.

• USA: yarrow or common yarrow
• Germany: Schafgarbe or Gemeine Schafgarbe
• France: achillée millefeuille
• Latin: *Achillea millefolium L.*

Look specifically for the above-ground herb with flowering tops: leaves, stems and flowering parts (herba, Schafgarbenkraut, sommités fleuries). The plant is sold in different forms:

• dried herb or loose flowering tops;
• tea bags;
• liquid extracts and tinctures;
• capsules.

Do not replace these products with options labeled “root,” “fruit” or “seeds.”

Where to look:

• in the USA — herb stores and natural product stores, online sellers;
• in Germany — Apotheke, Reformhaus, online sellers;
• in France — pharmacie, herboristerie, online sellers.

Check the package for *Achillea millefolium*, the listed plant part and product type: herbal tea or a product with medicinal labeling. Organic certification does not automatically mean medicinal status. Sales rules and classification depend on the country: for example, in the USA supplements are regulated but do not receive prior FDA approval for safety and effectiveness.

Who should not use this herb and what should be kept in mind?

Contraindications are based on both old and modern data.

First, allergy to the Asteraceae family. The plant should not be used with known sensitivity to ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemum, calendula or arnica. Contact dermatitis is possible: itching, redness and rash after touching the plant or its preparations. In case of hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, stop use and seek urgent help.

Second, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Safety during these periods has not been established. Modern references do not recommend internal use of yarrow preparations during pregnancy and lactation. The plant has historically been credited with the ability to stimulate menstrual bleeding, but this has not been clinically proven. At the same time, old herbal books mention the ability to increase milk supply in breastfeeding women. However, there is not enough safety data today, so it is better to avoid use during breastfeeding.

Third, childhood. Safety and suitable dosages for children under 12 have been poorly studied. Do not give a child yarrow tea, infusion, tincture or extract without a pediatrician’s recommendation.

One herbal medicine reference uses a strict wording: yarrows are poisonous, and prolonged use and large doses lead to dizziness, heartburn and skin rash. Modern sources do not classify the herb as normally toxic when used in appropriate doses, but they emphasize the limited long-term data. Therefore, the course should be short and doses should be moderate.

Do not use the plant as a substitute for a doctor in cases of unexplained bleeding, persistent pain, fever, worsening symptoms or suspected infection. If you regularly take several medications, consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is required. There are few reliably confirmed clinically significant interactions with yarrow, but data are still limited, so self-treatment during ongoing therapy is inappropriate.

When is a doctor needed?

You should see a doctor if bleeding has no obvious cause, does not stop, or is accompanied by pain, weakness or fever. This may be a sign of a condition requiring diagnosis.

Consultation is required before starting use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children under 12 and with allergies to Asteraceae plants. If you have chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys or cardiovascular system, or if you take prescription medicines, discuss the use of the herb with your doctor first. Yarrow does not replace prescribed treatment.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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