
General Information
OTHER NAMES: Achillea millefolium, common yarrow, devil's nettle, milfoil, bloodwort
HISTORY: Medicinal uses date back to 1200 BC. Used in ancient Greek, Roman, and Chinese medicine. Used extensively by First Nation people
PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial, analgesic, hemostatic, antidiabetic, antitumor, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiviral.
Considered Uses
Cardiovascular: May lower blood pressure slightly (1).
Nose: Nosebleeds (topically)
Respiratory: May soothe a sore throat, cold and flu symptoms (NIH)
Gastrointestinal: Toothaches (chewed leaves), May help with loss of appetite, and heartburn, such as mild, spastic discomforts of the gastrointestinal tract. German Commission e. May calm ulcer activity, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, IBS
Genitourinary: As sitz bath: Painful, cramp-like conditions of psychosomatic origin (in the lower part of the female pelvis): German Commission E. Possible contraceptive effect, menstrual stimulation, and abortifacient (NIH) decrease heavy menstrual bleeding and pain. It may help ward off kidney stone formation. Regulates estrogenic effects.
Musculoskeletal: Muscle spasms, muscle pain
Neurologic: Headaches
Skin: Topically, it may help wound healing, stop bleeding from minor wounds, calm burns, and fight infection.
Mental Health: This may help decrease anxiety and insomnia (2).
Immunity: Immune support.
Cancer: May be Anti-cancer (NIH)
Other: May help reduce fever, slows bleeding, induces sweating (diaphoretic), diuretic, helps with varicose veins
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: May slow blood clotting
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: May cause miscarriage during pregnancy and possible allergic reaction to those allergic to ragweed, Asteraceae family, and other plants. It may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with blood thinners or aspirin; it may interfere with PPIs (e.g., Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, Tagamet, and others.
Interactions: Acts on CYP450 receptors and, therefore, may interact with drugs metabolized by those receptors (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4). It may affect levels of lithium.
FORMS: Dried or fresh herb, poultice, tinctures, extracts, ointment, capsules, tablets, teas, shampoos, oils
RECOMMENDED BRANDS
No available recommendations at this time
DOSAGES: As directed
Reported doses – May not be supported by evidence reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on label.
Yarrow is possibly safe when taken in doses of 250-500 mg daily for 12 months (per WebMD)
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, please do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.