Yarrow: 11 Health Benefits & How to Use (Tea, Capsules, Oil)

Daisy Oliveira
Created by: Daisy Oliveira Registered Nurse CNO #13564387
Key points
  • Yarrow contains natural compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.
  • Studies suggest yarrow may support digestion, menstrual comfort, metabolic health, and anxiety relief.
  • This plant can be used as tea, supplements, tinctures, essential oil, or topical preparations depending on the intended benefit.

Yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, is a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family that has been traditionally used for wound care, digestive discomfort, and menstrual symptoms. Its leaves and flowers contain phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and essential oils that contribute to many of its biological effects.

Research indicates that yarrow has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Studies also suggest possible benefits for digestive function, metabolic health, menstrual pain, and anxiety, which are linked to compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpene lactones, and volatile oils.

Yarrow has a wide range of uses that include evidence-supported benefits as well as traditional applications. It can be prepared in several forms, such as tea, capsules, tinctures, topical products, and essential oil. 

This content is solely for informative purposes and should not replace a medical consultation. Do not interrupt your current treatment without seeking medical guidance.

Health benefits

Yarrow can be used to achieve health benefits such as:

1. Anti-inflammatory effects

Yarrow contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids with strong anti-inflammatory activity. These compounds help modulate pathways involved in inflammation, including enzymes and inflammatory cytokines, and have shown beneficial effects in gastrointestinal, wound, and cell-based studies.

2. Antioxidant activity

Yarrow provides antioxidant effects through compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. These help neutralize free radicals, and research comparing different Achillea species shows high antioxidant capacity linked to their phytochemical makeup.

3. Wound-healing support

Yarrow essential oil and extracts can support wound healing by promoting collagen production and reducing microbial growth. Studies in animals and topical models indicate improved tissue repair and faster regeneration.

4. Antimicrobial properties

Yarrow extracts have demonstrated antibacterial activity against organisms such as Helicobacter pylori and Staphylococcus aureus. These effects are associated with aromatic compounds and terpenoids found in the essential oil.

5. Digestive support

Standardized yarrow extract has shown prokinetic effects that support gastric emptying and overall digestive comfort. This activity is linked to its natural choline content, and some studies indicate protection of gastrointestinal tissue under stress.

6. Menstrual symptom relief

Clinical research suggests that yarrow may reduce pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions may help ease menstrual cramps and pelvic discomfort.

7. Metabolic and glucose regulation effects

Studies in animals and humans show that yarrow may help reduce blood glucose, improve lipid profiles, and support liver function in metabolic conditions. These effects are thought to be related to antioxidant and enzyme-modulating mechanisms.

8. Anxiolytic and calming effects

Research in animal models indicates that yarrow may have calming and anxiolytic effects similar to commonly used anxiolytics. These properties are likely linked to the plant’s flavonoid content and its influence on neurotransmitter pathways.

9. Cardiovascular benefits

Some evidence suggests that yarrow may help lower blood pressure and provide mild vasodilatory effects. These actions may support cardiovascular function, although additional human research is needed.

10. Hepatoprotective effects

Yarrow may help protect the liver from oxidative stress by supporting liver enzyme balance and reducing damage from chemical exposure. These effects have been observed in experimental studies.

11. Antitumor potential

Laboratory studies have shown that yarrow extracts can slow the growth of certain tumor cells and support apoptosis. These findings are preliminary and based on in vitro research.

Traditional uses

Yarrow also has traditional uses that come from historical herbal practice, not modern clinical trials. These uses include supporting fever reduction, promoting sweating during colds or flu, helping with minor bleeding control, supporting urinary tract health, reducing mild headaches, easing general digestive upset, and contributing to traditional skincare practices.

How to use it

Yarrow can be used in several forms depending on the intended purpose:

1. Tea

Yarrow tea is typically prepared from dried leaves and flowers. A common method is steeping 1 to 2 grams of herb in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, up to three times per day. This preparation is traditionally used for digestive discomfort and mild menstrual symptoms.

2. Capsules or tablets

Studies have used yarrow capsules in doses of around 250 to 500 mg per day. Supplement instructions vary, so products should be taken as directed and with guidance from a healthcare provider.

3. Tinctures

Hydroalcoholic tinctures provide concentrated amounts of yarrow’s phenolic compounds. Because strengths vary between products, dosage recommendations should come from a knowledgeable healthcare professional.

4. Topical preparations

Yarrow can be applied to the skin through ointments, creams, or essential oil preparations. Research has used ointments containing standardized amounts of extract, such as 7.5 percent. These are applied to clean skin as needed to support wound healing.

5. Essential oil

Yarrow essential oil contains concentrated aromatic compounds with antimicrobial properties. It must be diluted in a carrier oil before skin application to prevent irritation.

Possible side effects

Yarrow may cause several side effects that users should be aware of. Some people may experience allergic reactions, especially those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Topical use can occasionally lead to skin irritation.

At high doses, animal studies have shown effects on reproductive parameters. Additional side effects may occur when used in combination with certain medications.

Contraindications for use

Yarrow should not be used during pregnancy because animal studies suggest potential uterine effects. Caution is also advised during breastfeeding due to limited safety data.

People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should avoid yarrow because it may increase bleeding risk. Individuals with known allergies to Asteraceae plants should also avoid yarrow, as cross-reactivity is possible.

Update History
We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information to maintain an exceptional level of quality.

References
  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) Plant Guide. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Accessed 18 Nov 2025 https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_acmi2.pdf
  • European Medicines Agency. Community herbal monograph on Achillea millefolium L., flos. European Medicines Agency. Accessed 18 Nov 2025 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-achillea-millefolium-l-flos_en.pdf
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