Quick Summary

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It contains bioactive compounds including flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential oils. Traditionally used for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, yarrow is being researched for applications such as managing cancer-related fatigue, supporting oral health, and promoting wound healing. However, clinical evidence remains limited, and further well-designed studies are needed to clarify its efficacy and safety profile.

What is it?

Yarrow is a perennial herb widely distributed across temperate regions. It features finely divided leaves and clusters of small, white to pink flowers. It has been used medicinally across various cultures and is part of the diverse Asteraceae plant family, which includes many species with potential therapeutic properties.

Traditional Uses

Historically, yarrow has been applied topically to wounds and skin irritations and taken internally for digestive and circulatory support. Traditional uses emphasize its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, as well as its potential to alleviate fatigue and promote healing.

Active Compounds

  • Flavonoids
  • Polyphenols
  • Essential oils

These compounds are believed to contribute to the plant’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Cancer-related fatigue: Low to moderate evidence from a small pilot randomized controlled trial suggests that external applications of yarrow liver compresses may modulate autonomic nervous system activity in metastatic cancer patients, increasing sympathetic activity during daytime. (Foucré et al., 2022)
  • Oral health and mucositis: There is insufficient clinical evidence specific to yarrow, but related herbs in the Asteraceae family show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties which might support oral tissue health and help manage oral mucositis. (Dumitru et al., 2025, Belfiore et al., 2024)
  • Topical wound healing: Preclinical studies and traditional use indicate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects relevant to wound healing; however, no direct high-quality clinical trials on yarrow are currently available. (Matera et al., 2023)

Side Effects

No serious adverse effects have been reported in available clinical studies of yarrow. However, individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family may experience allergic reactions. Cross-reactivity with related plants is possible, so caution is advised in sensitive individuals.

Drug Interactions

Information on drug interactions with yarrow is limited. Until more is known, caution is recommended when using yarrow alongside prescription medications.

Who Should Avoid It

  • People with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid yarrow due to possible allergic reactions.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use yarrow without medical supervision because of insufficient safety data.

Evidence Limitations

  • Most clinical studies on yarrow involve small-scale pilot trials or observational designs with limited sample sizes.
  • High-quality randomized controlled trials focused specifically on yarrow are lacking.
  • Variations in plant preparations, dosages, and application methods complicate comparison of study findings.
  • Long-term safety and efficacy data are insufficient.
  • Much of the evidence is derived from related Asteraceae species rather than yarrow alone, limiting specific conclusions.

References

  • Foucré C, Schulz S, Stritter W, et al. Randomized Pilot Trial Using External Yarrow Liver Compress Applications With Metastatic Cancer Patients Suffering From Fatigue: Evaluation of Sympathetic Modulation by Heart Rate Variability Analysis. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35430924/
  • Dumitru CN, Mariana L, Budacu CC, et al. Balancing the Oral Redox State: Endogenous and Exogenous Sources of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Antioxidant Role of Lamiaceae and Asteraceae. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40422642/
  • Refaey MS, Abosalem EF, Yasser El-Basyouni R, et al. Exploring the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and their active principles in dental care: A comprehensive review. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39318809/
  • Matera R, Lucchi E, Valgimigli L. Plant Essential Oils as Healthy Functional Ingredients of Nutraceuticals and Diet Supplements: A Review. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36677959/
  • Belfiore E, Di Prima G, Angellotti G, et al. Plant-Derived Polyphenols to Prevent and Treat Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers Management. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38254751/

Last Reviewed

April 2024

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using yarrow or any herbal product, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. The efficacy and safety of yarrow are still under investigation, and use should be approached cautiously.