Yarrow: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy
Quick summary
Yarrow is a traditional wound and digestive herb. Its folk uses are long-standing, but modern clinical evidence is thin.
What is Yarrow?
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering herb used traditionally to stop bleeding, soothe digestion and as a 'women's herb' for menstrual complaints.
What Yarrow is commonly used for
In supplements, Yarrow is most often included for gut & digestive health, skin & anti-aging, women's hormone & thyroid support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.
How Yarrow works
Yarrow contains flavonoids, tannins and volatile oils with astringent, anti-inflammatory and mild antispasmodic actions in laboratory studies, underlying its traditional wound and digestive uses.
What the evidence says
Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Yarrow — including where the evidence is limited.
- Human clinical evidence for yarrow is limited; its uses for digestion, wounds and menstruation rest mainly on tradition and preclinical data.
- Study quality and doses vary, and a result seen in research doesn't guarantee the same for any individual — use the sources below to check the current evidence on Yarrow rather than relying on marketing claims.
Typical dosage used in studies
Traditional use is as a tea or tincture; standardised dosing is not well established. This is general information from research, not a personal recommendation or a dosing instruction.
Side effects and safety
Yarrow is generally well tolerated but can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the daisy family, and is traditionally avoided in pregnancy. It may add to bleeding and blood-pressure medication effects. As with any supplement, it's sensible to introduce Yarrow on its own, use a trusted brand, and stop if you notice any reaction.
Medication interactions and who should avoid Yarrow
Medication & safety check
Herbs interact with prescription medicines more often than people expect — affecting drug levels, bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar or sedation — and Yarrow is no exception. If you take any regular medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or manage a health condition, confirm Yarrow is appropriate for you before starting.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, confirm it's safe to use Yarrow with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources & further reading
For authoritative background and the current research base on Yarrow, consult:
- PubMed — search the research on Yarrow
- NCCIH — Herbs at a Glance
- MedlinePlus — herbs & supplements
- MedlinePlus — drugs, herbs & supplements
Frequently asked questions
Does Yarrow actually work?
Human clinical evidence for yarrow is limited; its uses for digestion, wounds and menstruation rest mainly on tradition and preclinical data. As with most supplements, results vary between people and the marketing is often stronger than the evidence — so it's worth checking the research before relying on it.
Is Yarrow safe to take?
For most healthy adults at normal doses it's generally well tolerated, but there are real cautions. Yarrow is generally well tolerated but can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the daisy family, and is traditionally avoided in pregnancy. It may add to bleeding and blood-pressure medication effects. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
What is Yarrow used for?
In supplements, Yarrow is mainly included for gut & digestive health, skin & anti-aging, women's hormone & thyroid support — as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition.
Where you'll find Yarrow
On FactoWiki, Yarrow is the kind of ingredient you'll see discussed in these supplement categories. Each category guide breaks down what the evidence does and doesn't support.
Related ingredients to explore
Ingredients often studied or formulated alongside Yarrow — useful for understanding the full picture of a formula.