According to Greek mythology, the legendary hero Achilles used yarrow to heal his battle wounds. In folk medicine, yarrow is considered a remedy for digestive issues, fever, bleeding disorders, and inflammation. Read on to learn more about the benefits of yarrow and how to use it as a tea, tincture, or extract.<\/p>\n
Yarrow (Achillea<\/i> millefolium<\/i>) is a plant with small, normally white flowers and hairy, feather-shaped leaves. It is also known as nosebleed plant, old man\u2019s pepper, and military herb<\/b>. The plant belongs to the same family as sunflowers, dandelions<\/a>, daisies, and marigolds<\/a> (Asteraceae<\/i>) [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Achillea <\/i>in its name derives from the legendary Trojan War hero Achilles, who supposedly applied yarrow on his battle wounds to heal them. The genus Achillea <\/i>includes over 100 species, but the name millefolium <\/i>refers only to yarrow. It translates to \u201cthousand leaves\u201d from Latin, alluding to its exquisitely divided leaves [R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Yarrow is native to Europe and western Asia but is widespread in most mild to warm regions of the world. The plant is extremely adaptable: it grows from sea level to high altitudes (3,500 m), from grasslands to open forests [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n Yarrow has been used for centuries as a folk remedy<\/b> for [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n Today, oral yarrow<\/b> is approved by the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and the German Commission E for fever, common cold, and digestive complaints. Based on FDA and the cosmetic industry data, experts concluded that topical yarrow<\/b> is also safe at the doses commonly used [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Yarrow has been investigated for several health conditions (such as wounds, infections, and skin disorders) and is commercially available as a supplement.<\/p>\n However, the extract is not approved by the FDA due to the lack of solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don\u2019t guarantee that they are safe or effective. Talk to your doctor before using yarrow for any conditions to avoid unexpected interactions.<\/p>\n Yarrow has been researched for its ability to fight an array of infections – from parasites to viral and bacterial diseases.<\/p>\n Tonsil inflammation<\/b> is a common cause of sore throat and is usually due to viral infections. In a clinical trial on almost 250 children with this condition, a multi-herbal extract with 0.4% yarrow (15-25 drops 3x-6x\/day) added to conventional therapy improved the symptoms, reduced the use of painkillers, and accelerated recovery [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection<\/b> that damages the skin. Yarrow extract improved this condition in mice. However, a topical gel with 5% yarrow (2x\/day) was ineffective in a clinical trial on 60 people with a severe form of the disease [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Additionally, yarrow extract killed various parasites that cause malaria, chagas disease, toxoplasmosis, and hydatid disease in test tubes (Leishmania<\/i> amazonensis<\/i>, Trypanosoma<\/i> cruzi<\/i>, Toxoplasma<\/i> gondii<\/i>, Echinococcus<\/i> granulosus<\/i>) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In test tubes, yarrow extracts and essential oils inhibited the yeast that causes thrush (Candida<\/i><\/b><\/a> albicans<\/i>) and different bacteria<\/b> that cause [R<\/a>+]:<\/p>\n Further clinical research should determine if yarrow improves the diseases caused by these organisms in humans.<\/p>\n To add to its effects on infections, yarrow may also aid skin regeneration<\/b>. Its skin health benefits are unfairly underestimated. You\u2019ll rarely see it mentioned among the top herbs for skin care, although this effect has been researched as widely as other potential benefits.<\/p>\n In two clinical trials on 83 women, a topical cream with 2% yarrow extract (2x\/day) improved the appearance of the skin. It enhanced skin renewal<\/b> and reduced wrinkles and pores. Since it increased the growth of the cells that also make hair follicles (keratinocytes), yarrow may also boost hair growth<\/b> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In contrast, an oral herbal mix with yarrow (3 capsules\/day for 2 weeks) wasn\u2019t more effective than placebo in another trial on 44 people with eczema [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n In a small trial on 23 people with skin irritation, yarrow extract dissolved in olive and sunflower oil applied on the irritated site (2x\/day for 7 days) moisturized the skin, restored its normal pH, and reduced redness. Note that this study used oil made from yarrow extract not<\/em> yarrow essential oil<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, scientists believe that yarrow oil applied directly to the affected area may work better than oral yarrow for skin redness and irritation<\/strong> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n All in all, the evidence is promising but insufficient to claim that yarrow definitely soothes irritated skin. These results should be validated in larger, more robust clinical trials.<\/p>\n Yarrow\u2019s potential effects are more than just skin deep. It may also aid the healing of wounds, connective tissue, and mucous membranes<\/b>.<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on over 100 women recovering from an episiotomy (a surgical cut that facilitates childbirth), an ointment with 5% yarrow improved wound healing. Used twice a day for 10 days, it reduced pain<\/a>, redness, swelling, and bruising [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It might also help with oral mucositis or the painful mouth inflammation that commonly results from chemotherapy. In a clinical trial on 56 people, a mouthwash (15 mL, 4x\/day for 2 weeks) improved mouth injuries, especially when more concentrated (50% yarrow extract) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Topical creams with yarrow extract accelerated wound healing in rabbits, possibly by increasing collagen<\/a> production and skin cell growth. The extracts of two close yarrow relatives (A<\/i>. asiatica <\/i>and A<\/i>. kellalensis<\/i>) also enhanced wound healing when applied on the skin of rats [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n In test tubes, yarrow extract caused skin connective cells (fibroblasts) to increasingly grow, divide, and move into the wound closing – speeding up the healing process [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although the results are promising, the evidence to support yarrow\u2019s benefits on wound healing is still insufficient. Further clinical research is needed.<\/p>\n Yarrow abounds in flavonoids, plant antioxidants with proven effects on preventing cramps and relaxing the muscles [R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on almost 100 women with frequent menstrual cramps<\/b>, a tea made from 4 g yarrow flowers reduced pain better than placebo. The women drank 3 bags\/day during the first 3 days over 2 consecutive menstrual cycles [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Bowel contractions<\/b> help mix food with digestive enzymes<\/a> and move stools. But uncontrolled, they can cause diarrhea, bloating, and pain. Yarrow extract reduced contractions in a study on animal bowel tissue [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In the airways<\/b>, excessive contractions may cause lung blockage and various diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. Yarrow extract relaxed airway muscles from Guinea pigs, suggesting its potential to improve lung diseases [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 60 people with IBS<\/a>, an herbal mix of yarrow, ginger<\/a>, and Boswellia<\/a> (3x\/day for 1 month) reduced stomach pain and bloating [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n One of the most common causes of indigestion<\/b> is reduced stomach motility, which delays stomach emptying. Yarrow extract increased stomach motility and emptying in mice. It also activated stomach muscles in tissue studies [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Yarrow probably aids digestion thanks to its choline<\/b><\/a> content<\/b>. The body uses choline to make acetylcholine<\/a>, the main neurotransmitter of the \u201crest-and-digest\u201d or \u201cfeed-and-breed\u201d (parasympathetic) nervous system. This drives cholinergic activity<\/a> in the body, relaxing blood vessels and helping the gut soak up nutrients [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Additionally, yarrow extract protected the inner lining of the stomach from ulcers caused by irritant substances in rats [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Bile<\/a> is crucial for the digestion of fat and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the gut. It\u2019s produced in the liver and may be low in people with gallbladder or liver problems. Yarrow extract increased bile flow<\/b> in rat livers [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, a single clinical trial and a few animal studies cannot be considered sufficient evidence that yarrow supports digestion. Larger, more robust clinical studies are required.<\/p>\n The extract of a close yarrow relative (A<\/i>. wilhelmsii<\/i>) lowered blood pressure and blood fat levels in a clinical trial on over 100 people (15-20 drops 2x\/day). In rats, yarrow extract lowered blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and acting as a diuretic<\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Yarrow extract also promoted the growth of new blood vessels in cells and reduced inflammation. Scientists think it may prevent the clogging of arteries or atherosclerosis [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Again, the evidence is based on a single clinical trial and a few studies in animals and cells. These preliminary results should be validated in more human studies.<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 75 people with multiple sclerosis, yarrow extract (250-500 mg\/day for 1 year) slowed the progression of the disease and reduced its relapse. It halted the growth of brain lesions and improved daily movement and cognitive function [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice and rats with multiple sclerosis, both yarrow extract and its flavonoids apigenin<\/a> and luteolin<\/a> reduced the severity, progression, and relapse of the disease [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The results of these studies will need to be repeated in larger clinical trials to confirm the role of yarrow in slowing down the progression of multiple sclerosis.<\/p>\n In addition to improving IBS symptoms, an herbal mix with yarrow extract reduced anxiety in a clinical trial on 60 people [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Yarrow extract also reduced anxiety in mice and rats [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n As with most potential benefits, the existing evidence cannot be considered sufficient. Further clinical research should clarify the effects of yarrow on anxiety.<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 36 people with liver cirrhosis, an herbal medicine with 16 mg yarrow reduced liver damage and restored liver function. People took yarrow long-term: 3 tablets, 3x\/day for 6 months, attesting to its safety [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice, yarrow extract (both alone and as part of a multi-herbal formulation) prevented liver damage caused by toxic chemicals. The extract of a close yarrow relative (A<\/i>. biebersteinii<\/i>) had the same protective effect in Guinea pigs [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A small clinical trial and a few studies in mice cannot be considered sufficient evidence to support the role of yarrow in protecting the liver. More studies in humans are required.<\/p>\n In people with chronic kidney disease, high blood levels of the inflammatory NO prevent platelets from clumping together and increase the risk of bleeding.<\/p>\n In a clinical trial on 31 people with this problem, yarrow flower powder <\/b>(1.5 g, 3x\/week for 2 months) slightly decreased the blood levels of NO and its byproducts. Yarrow may have a more powerful effect on excessive bleeding with higher doses and longer use, but this has yet to be researched [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n This effect should be confirmed in more clinical trials on larger populations.<\/p>\n Yarrow is currently being researched for other potential health benefits. Because the studies have only been done in animals and cells, their results may not be the same in humans.<\/p>\n Several of yarrow\u2019s compounds have anti-inflammatory activity. Although it can be used orally, its liquid extract is more commonly applied directly to the skin to relieve pain or reduce skin irritation.<\/p>\n A topical gel with yarrow extract was as effective as a conventional anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac) at reducing paw swelling in rats. In another rat study, liposomes with yarrow and oregano<\/a> extract relieved inflammatory pain [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In test tubes, yarrow extract and essential oil lowered the production of inflammatory compounds and deactivated inflammation-related pathways:<\/p>\n Yarrow contains multiple antioxidant compounds. The extract is rich in polyphenols such as luteolin<\/a>, quercetin<\/a>, apigenin, rutin<\/a>, and chlorogenic<\/a> and caffeic acid [R<\/a>, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>+, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Yarrow extract showed antioxidant activity in test tubes and cells [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n These antioxidants can boost general wellness. They might also help prevent various chronic diseases marked by increased oxidative stress [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Certain substances also increase oxidative stress. For example, nicotine<\/a> reduces male fertility by worsening free radical damage in the testicles. The antioxidant compounds from yarrow extract protected male rats from testicle damage caused by nicotine [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In diabetic mice, yarrow extract (alone or in multi-herbal extracts) reduced blood sugar levels and insulin<\/a> resistance<\/a>. It also increased insulin production and prevented damage and complications from free radicals. In diabetic rats, it protected the cells in the pancreas that release insulin by blocking inflammation [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The extracts of two close yarrow relatives (A<\/i>. wilhelmsii <\/i>and A<\/i>. santolina<\/i>) also improved diabetes in mice by lowering blood sugar levels and protecting pancreatic cells from oxidative stress [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Below, we will discuss some preliminary research on yarrow\u2019s anticancer activity. It\u2019s still in the animal and cell stage and further clinical studies have yet to determine if its compounds are useful in cancer therapies.<\/p>\n Do not under any circumstances attempt to replace conventional cancer therapies with yarrow or any other supplements.<\/b> If you want to use it as a supportive measure, talk to your doctor to avoid any unexpected interactions.<\/p>\n In cancer cells and animals with tumors, yarrow extract and its components were active against the following cancer types:<\/p>\nTraditional Uses<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Snapshot<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Proponents<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Skeptics<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Uses & Health Benefits of Yarrow<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
Insufficient Evidence for:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Infectious Diseases<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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2) Helping to Renew & Soothe Skin<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
3) Wound Healing<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
4) Cramps<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
5) Supporting Digestion<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
6) Preventing Heart Disease<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
7) Multiple Sclerosis<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
8) Curbing Anxiety<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
9) Protecting the Liver<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
10) Bleeding<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Animal and Cell Research (Lack of Evidence):<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Anti-inflammatory Activity<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Antioxidant Activity<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Diabetes<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Anticancer Activity<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n