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Botanical illustration of Yarrow
MedicinalSourced entry

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

An herb recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for loss of appetite, mild digestive problems, period cramps and small wounds.

Safety at a glance

Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.

What is Yarrow?

Plant family
Asteraceae, the daisy family
Parts used
The flowering above-ground parts, as a tea, a liquid or tablet to take by mouth, or soaked dressings for the skin
Genus
Achillea
Species
millefolium

Also called

Milfoil, Yarrow Herb

Traditionally used for

  • Appetite
  • Digestion
  • Bloating
  • Period cramps
  • Small wounds

Traditionally described as

  • May ease cramps

Health topics

Where Yarrow appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.

  • Bloating

    Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for bloating and gas.

  • Cuts, Wounds, Burns and Skin Ulcers

    Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for small, shallow wounds.

  • High Cholesterol

    In one trial in type 2 diabetes, yarrow capsules lowered LDL and total cholesterol.

  • Indigestion

    Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for mild digestive problems.

  • Loss of Appetite

    Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for temporary loss of appetite.

  • Menstrual Discomfort

    Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for minor period cramps.

Traditions that use it

  • European Folk Medicine

    Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for appetite, digestion, period cramps and small wounds.

How it's prepared

Common ways Yarrow is prepared or sold. This isn't advice on how to take it; see Safety below.

Safety

Who should avoid it

Allergies

  • Don't use yarrow if you're allergic to it or to other plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Allergic skin reactions have been reported.[3]Health agency

Pregnancy

  • Its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established, so the European Medicines Agency doesn't recommend yarrow medicines at these times.[1]Health agency

How much to use

  • See a doctor if appetite or digestive problems last more than 2 weeks, or if period cramps or wounds don't improve within 1 week.[3]Health agency

What does the research say?

Traditional use

These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.

  • The European Medicines Agency recognises yarrow as a traditional herbal medicine, based on long use, for:

    • Temporary loss of appetite
    • Mild digestive problems, including bloating and gas
    • Minor belly cramps during periods
    • Small, shallow wounds (put on the skin)
    [3]Health agency

Research in people

  • In a 2025 Iranian trial, 60 people with type 2 diabetes took 500 mg of yarrow a day or a dummy capsule for 3 months. Yarrow lowered liver enzymes, triglycerides, LDL ("bad") cholesterol and total cholesterol.[4]Study

  • In a 1-year Iranian trial, 75 people with multiple sclerosis took yarrow extract (250 or 500 mg a day) or a dummy pill alongside their usual treatment. Both doses lowered the yearly relapse rate, and the higher dose reduced growth of brain lesions on scans. It's a single small trial.[5]Study

  • In a trial of 80 women with vaginal yeast infections, a yarrow vaginal cream used for 7 days reduced symptoms, but the standard antifungal cream (clotrimazole) worked better.[6]Study

In short

Don't use if you're allergic to plants in the daisy family; only for those over 12.

Sources

  1. [1] European Union herbal monograph on Achillea millefolium L., herba (Revision 1) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
  2. [2] Yarrow — Herban Herbalist materia medica — Herban Herbalist (herb shop)General reference
  3. [3] Millefolii herba (yarrow herb): herbal medicinal product summary — European Medicines Agency (EMA), Committee on Herbal Medicinal ProductsGovernment health agency
  4. [4] Achillea millefolium capsule improved liver enzymes and lipid profile compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind randomized clinical trial · DOI: 10.1186/s40795-025-01005-5Peer-reviewed study
  5. [5] Achillea millefolium is beneficial as an add-on therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial · DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.06.017Peer-reviewed study
  6. [6] The effect of Achillea Millefolium L. on vulvovaginal candidiasis compared with clotrimazole: A randomized controlled trial · DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102483Peer-reviewed study

This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.