Yarrow - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use yarrow?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use yarrow.

• Achillea millefolium
• Yarrow
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific yarrow products they stock.

What should I know about yarrow before using it?

Yarrow is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep yarrow out of the reach of children.

Yarrow naturally contains a chemical called thujone, which has been reported to cause neurological effects (such as seizures) when consumed in large amounts. The amount of thujone in yarrow products can vary. Do not take more yarrow than recommended on the product label. See the Side Effects section for more details.

Yarrow also contains sesquiterpene lactones and linalool, which can cause allergic skin reactions in some people. People who regularly handle plants in the daisy family (such as florists and gardeners) may be at higher risk. Some people have become sensitive to yarrow after using herbal remedies, massage oils, shampoos, or cosmetics containing yarrow or related plants.

Herbal products, such as yarrow, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific yarrow product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Yarrow may be made from different parts of the plant. For example, yarrow products can come from the flowers, the leaves, or the stems. Each of these plant parts contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. It is important to read the product label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.

Yarrow is available in many forms, including dried herb (for tea), dried and ground powder, capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures, and topical preparations (such as ointments, creams, oil macerates, compresses, and yarrow sitz baths). Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

If you are using a liquid yarrow supplement, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

If you are using a yarrow powder, use an appropriate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully, and measure the amount stated on the label. Mix the powder as instructed on the packaging.

Topical yarrow products are applied directly to the skin and should not be taken by mouth. If you are using a topical yarrow product, apply it only to intact or minor wound areas as directed, and watch for signs of skin irritation or allergic reaction. Stop using the product and contact your health care provider if you have redness, itching, swelling, or a rash at the application site.

The FDA has not tested yarrow products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using yarrow?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Related Plants. Yarrow belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae). People who are allergic to other plants in this family may also react to yarrow. Examples of other plants in this family include ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. Talk with your health care provider if you have known allergies to any of these plants before using yarrow.

Sensitive Skin. If you have a history of contact dermatitis or sensitive skin, you may be at higher risk for skin reactions to topical yarrow products. Consider testing the product on a small area of skin before applying to a larger area.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how yarrow could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if yarrow passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.