← All supplements
Limited evidenceGeneral health

Yarrow

A traditional herb for fevers, wounds and bleeding. Modern trials of it are few, small, and about entirely different outcomes than the traditional ones.

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

What the science says

  • Liver enzymes and lipids in type 2 diabetes Limited evidence

    A double-blind randomised trial in patients with type 2 diabetes reported improved liver enzymes and lipid profile with Achillea millefolium capsules versus placebo. It is one small single-centre trial and needs replication before it means anything for practice.

  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis Limited evidence

    A randomised controlled trial comparing a yarrow preparation with clotrimazole for vulvovaginal candidiasis reported comparable symptom improvement. The trial was small, and comparison with an active drug without a placebo arm makes the result hard to interpret.

  • Traditional uses remain untested Limited evidence

    The classic indications, stopping bleeding and breaking fevers, have no controlled human trials at all. What clinical research exists has gone elsewhere.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo consensus dose. The diabetes trial and traditional practice both sit around 1–3 g/day of dried herb, taken as an infusion or in capsules; tincture is usually 2–4 mL three times daily.
SafetyAn Asteraceae plant, so cross-reactivity with ragweed, chamomile and chrysanthemum allergy is possible, and contact dermatitis and photosensitivity are reported. It contains small amounts of thujone and is a traditional emmenagogue, so avoid in pregnancy. Theoretical additive effect with anticoagulants; stop before surgery.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter; traditional use is two or three times a day.
With food?Take with food, since the bitter constituents can upset an empty stomach.
Worth knowingIf ragweed, chamomile or chrysanthemum causes you problems, expect yarrow to as well — it is the same plant family.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin and other anticoagulants or antiplatelets

    Yarrow has coumarin constituents and a traditional antiplatelet reputation, so the additive bleeding risk is plausible though not well quantified. talk to your doctor before combining, and stop yarrow at least two weeks before surgery

  • diabetes medication

    The diabetes trial suggests it can lower blood glucose, which adds to insulin or oral agents. check your blood glucose more often when you start or stop

With other supplements

  • other bleeding-risk supplements (ginkgo, high-dose fish oil, garlic, vitamin E)

    Additive effect on platelet function and bleeding time. do not stack them, especially before surgery or dental work

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does yarrow stop bleeding or bring down a fever?

Yarrow's classic uses for stopping bleeding and breaking fevers have no controlled human trials at all. The overall evidence grade for yarrow is limited.

Does yarrow work for yeast infections?

One small trial found a yarrow preparation comparable to clotrimazole for vulvovaginal candidiasis, but without a placebo arm the result is hard to interpret. The evidence is limited.

Can you take yarrow with blood thinners?

Talk to your doctor first: yarrow has coumarin constituents and a traditional antiplatelet reputation, so additive bleeding risk with warfarin or antiplatelets is plausible. Stop yarrow at least two weeks before surgery.

Who should avoid yarrow?

Avoid yarrow in pregnancy, since it contains thujone and is a traditional emmenagogue. If ragweed, chamomile or chrysanthemum causes you problems, expect yarrow to as well.

Scientific references

Related in General health

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)