Yarrow: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Common yarrow
Scientific name(s)
Achillea millefolium
Family or group:
Plants
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Skin healing ✪✪✪✪✪
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is traditionally used to support the healing of minor wounds. A preliminary clinical study, focused on treating inflammation and nipple cracks in breastfeeding patients, revealed promising results. The study involved the topical application of a yarrow preparation, administered twice daily immediately after breastfeeding for a period of seven days. To make this preparation, 30 g of yarrow were boiled in one liter of water for ten minutes. The observed results were encouraging: a notable reduction in redness and pain, signs of an improvement in the initial inflammatory condition. The benefits observed from the application of yarrow were not significantly different from those obtained by topical application of honey or breast milk, two other natural remedies traditionally recommended for similar symptoms. Other clinical research conducted in postpartum women who underwent an episiotomy shows that applying an ointment containing 5% yarrow to the clean, dry suture area twice daily for ten days reduces pain, redness, and perineal swelling 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure compared with a placebo ointment or no treatment. These results therefore support the traditional use of yarrow in the care of minor wounds and encourage further studies into its wound-healing properties. The essential oil is also used, mixed with a cream or a vegetable oil, for topical application.
Posologie
Topical use: flowering tops
1.5 - 2 g
essential oil, ointment, mother tincture
The Effect of Achillea Millefolium and Hypericum Perforatum Ointments on Episiotomy Wound Healing in Primiparous Women
Comparing the Effects of Yarrow, Honey, and Breast Milk for Healing Nipple Fissure
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
The efficacy of yarrow in treating symptoms related to menstrual periods is linked to its antispasmodic action. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has officially classified it as a traditional herbal medicinal product, specifically for its action on the minor spasms associated with menstruation. This recognition is supported by scientific research, including a preliminary clinical study targeting women suffering from dysmenorrhea. The study found that regular consumption of a yarrow infusion may help relieve these pains. The specific method used consisted of taking 4 g of yarrow as an infusion, three times a day during the first three days of two consecutive menstrual cycles. The results showed a modest but significant reduction in dysmenorrhea-related pain compared with a placebo infusion. The essential oil may also be used mixed with a carrier oil, applied by massaging the abdomen.
Posologie
Topical, oral: flowering tops
4 g
essential oil, herbal tea/tea/infusion
Irritable bowel syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking one capsule containing ginger, boswellia, and yarrow three times a day for 30 days reduces pain by 46% and gastrointestinal symptoms by 60% compared with placebo in patients with mild to moderate IBS.nnPatients also reported an improvement in overall mood compared with placebo.nn
Posologie
Oral use: flowering tops
1.5 - 2 g
herbal tea/tea/infusion
Synergies
Stimulate appetite ✪✪✪✪✪
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommend the use of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) as a traditional herbal remedy specifically intended for the treatment of temporary episodes of loss of appetite.nn
Posologie
Oral use: flowering tops
1.5 - 2 g
herbal tea/tea/infusion
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes yarrow (Achillea millefolium) as a traditional herbal medicinal option, effective for the symptomatic treatment of mild and spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, including bloating and flatulence. At the same time, the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) highlights its usefulness in dyspeptic disorders, particularly to ease mild spasmodic complaints in the abdominal area. The essential oil may also be used mixed with a carrier oil and applied by massage to the abdomen.
Posologie
For topical and oral use: flowering tops
1.5 - 2 g
essential oil, herbal tea/tea/infusion
Properties
Antispasmodic
Yarrow is traditionally used in folk medicine for its antispasmodic properties, particularly for treating gastrointestinal disorders. The antispasmodic mechanism of action is mainly attributed to the flavonoids it contains. Studies have shown that yarrow extracts act similarly to certain known antispasmodic drugs, inhibiting intestinal contractions in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, yarrow offers an interesting potential as a natural antispasmodic treatment, acting mainly by blocking calcium channels and involving the nitric oxide and adrenergic systems, thanks to the presence of active flavonoids like apigenin.
Usages associés
Gastroprotective
Yarrow is traditionally used for stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. In animal research, yarrow extract protects the gastric mucosa against ulcers by inhibiting gastric secretion or by increasing blood flow to the gastric mucosa.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) acts effectively against various bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Research has revealed that the essential oil shows notable antimicrobial activity against 8 bacteria, 14 fungi and the yeast C. albicans, while the methanolic extract is inactive. nnFurthermore, the essential oil was found to be effective against Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium involved in dental caries.nnExtracts from several Achillea species, including A. millefolium, have demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effective against bacteria such as S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis, as well as against the fungi A. niger and C. albicans. These results suggest that yarrow could be particularly useful in treating antibiotic-resistant infections, such as certain strains of E. coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases, which cause urinary and bloodstream infections.nnThe antimicrobial activity of yarrow is not limited to these examples. Indeed, studies have also shown that extracts of this plant inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with gastroduodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. nn
Hematological effect
Achilleine, a constitutive alkaloid of yarrow, could reduce clotting time and be responsible for its hemostatic properties.nn
Microcirculatory effect
Yarrow may improve exchanges across capillaries and venules. Often added to blends to improve venous return. No studies to date support this property.nn
Estrogenic action
Yarrow (Achillea millefeuille) is commonly used in traditional medicine to promote and regulate the menstrual cycle. Laboratory studies indicate that extracts of this plant have mildly estrogenic properties, attributed mainly to the presence of compounds such as apigenin and luteolin. nn
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 and over: 600 mg (dry extract)
- Herbal tea: 1.5-2 g of crushed plant material in 250 ml of boiling water, infused twice a day. For the indication "loss of appetite", the herbal tea should be taken 30 minutes before meals. - Tincture (TM): 20-30 drops in 50 ml of water, twice a day, half an hour before meals. - Dry extract: 600 mg/day.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Yarrow: low interaction
Concomitant use may increase the risk of thujone toxicity. Herbs containing thujone include sage, cedar, and wormwood.
Yarrow: low interaction
Concomitant use may increase the risk of thujone toxicity.
Precautions
Children aged 12 to 18 years: avoid
Use in children under 12 years has not been established due to a lack of data.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established.
Allergies: use with caution
Hypersensitivity to the active substance and to other plants of the Asteraceae family.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: contraindicated
Yarrow is reputed to be abortifacient and affects the menstrual cycle.
