# Yarrow Leaf (Achillea millefolium)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/yarrow-leaf
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Herb
**Also Known As:** Achillea millefolium, Common Yarrow, Milfoil, Soldier's Woundwort, Nosebleed Plant, Thousand-leaf, Bloodwort, Knight's Milfoil

## Overview

Yarrow leaf (Achillea millefolium) contains [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) compounds like chamazulene and flavonoids that modulate immune responses. Clinical research suggests it may help reduce multiple sclerosis relapse rates and improve metabolic parameters.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce relapse rates in multiple sclerosis patients - one small study showed decreased annual relapse rate after one year of administration (preliminary evidence)
• Supports metabolic health and [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) - animal studies demonstrated improved fasting glucose levels and protection against hepatic steatosis with supercritical fluid extract (preliminary evidence)
• Promotes beneficial gut bacteria growth - in vitro TIM-2 colon model showed stimulation of Lactiplantibacillus and other [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) strains (preliminary evidence)
• Exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against foodborne pathogens - demonstrated effectiveness against Listeria innocua with 0.67 log reduction (in vitro evidence)
• Supports wound healing and hemostasis - in vitro studies showed potential as wound healing agent with hemostatic effects from hydroalcoholic extract (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Yarrow's bioactive compounds, including chamazulene, apigenin, and luteolin, inhibit [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s like TNF-α and IL-1β. The flavonoids activate PPAR-γ pathways, improving [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucose metabolism. Sesquiterpene lactones modulate [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) responses and may reduce autoimmune activity.

## Clinical Summary

A small human study in multiple sclerosis patients showed reduced annual relapse rates after one year of yarrow administration, though larger trials are needed. Animal studies demonstrate improved fasting glucose levels and [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) with yarrow extract supplementation. Most clinical evidence remains preliminary, with limited human trials and small sample sizes. Additional controlled studies are required to establish therapeutic efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

Yarrow leaf (Achillea millefolium) is not consumed in caloric quantities; it is used as an herbal infusion or extract. Its value lies in its diverse bioactive phytochemical profile rather than macronutrient content. Key compounds include: **Sesquiterpene lactones** (chamazulene, achillicin, achillin; ~0.1–0.3% dry weight) responsible for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. **Essential/volatile oils** (0.2–1.0% dry weight) containing 1,8-cineole (~10–20% of oil), camphor (~10–20%), borneol, β-pinene, sabinene, and chamazulene (which gives the oil a blue color; ~1–15% of oil depending on chemotype). **Flavonoids** (apigenin, luteolin, rutin, quercetin, and their glycosides; total flavonoid content approximately 0.5–1.5% dry weight) — apigenin and luteolin contribute anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects; bioavailability of flavonoid glycosides is moderate when consumed as tea. **Phenolic acids** (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acids; ~0.5–2.0% dry weight) acting as [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s. **Tannins** (condensed and hydrolyzable; ~2–4% dry weight) contributing astringent and hemostatic properties. **Alkaloids** (achilleine/betonicine, trace amounts ~0.02–0.05%) historically linked to its styptic (bleeding-stopping) reputation. **Coumarins** (umbelliferone, scopoletin; trace to minor amounts). **Polyacetylenes** (ponticaepoxide; trace amounts) with [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. **Minerals** present in modest amounts per cup of infusion include potassium (~15–30 mg), calcium (~8–15 mg), magnesium (~3–8 mg), iron (~0.2–0.5 mg), manganese, and zinc in trace quantities. **Vitamins**: small amounts of vitamin C (~2–5 mg per cup of strong infusion), traces of vitamin K and vitamin A precursors (β-carotene). **Fiber/protein**: negligible in tea preparations; dried herb contains ~10–15% crude protein and ~15–25% crude fiber by weight, but these are not meaningfully consumed in typical use. **Bitter principles** (achillin and related sesquiterpene lactones) stimulate digestive secretions. **Bioavailability notes**: Water-based infusions extract primarily flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids, tannins, and water-soluble alkaloids effectively. Essential oil components (terpenoids) are only partially extracted in aqueous preparations — hydroalcoholic tinctures or supercritical CO₂ extracts yield significantly higher terpenoid and lipophilic compound concentrations. Chamazulene is formed during steam distillation from matricine/proazulenes and is thus more concentrated in essential oil preparations than in teas. Flavonoid aglycones (apigenin, luteolin) have low oral bioavailability (~1–5%) but glycoside forms in the herb may be partially hydrolyzed by gut microbiota, improving absorption.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used 200-400 mg/kg body weight of extract administered intraperitoneally. Food-grade extracts are optimized at 1 hour extraction in 70% ethanol at 45°C, standardized by phenolic compound content. Human dosing for MS was not specified in available research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Yarrow is generally well-tolerated but may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family plants. It can enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications due to coumarin compounds. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid yarrow as it may stimulate uterine contractions. Common side effects include mild digestive upset and skin sensitivity with topical use.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for yarrow remains limited, with most research conducted in animal models or in vitro systems. One human study demonstrated reduced relapse rates in MS patients after one year of treatment, while animal studies using supercritical fluid extract showed metabolic benefits including improved [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and reduced hepatic steatosis. A 2025 in vitro study using the TIM-2 colon model found [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) effects on beneficial gut bacteria.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Yarrow has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries, with applications in European herbalism for digestive disorders, wound healing, and hemostasis dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. The plant is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for digestive and circulatory support, with folk medicine applications across temperate regions for gastric disorders and fever reduction.

## Synergistic Combinations

[Probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s, Turmeric, Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Artichoke Leaf

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage for yarrow leaf supplements?

Typical dosages range from 2-4 grams of dried herb daily or 2-4 mL of liquid extract three times daily. Clinical studies have used 400-800 mg of standardized extract, though optimal dosing requires further research.

### Can yarrow leaf interact with blood thinning medications?

Yes, yarrow contains natural coumarins that may enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin and other blood thinners. Consult your healthcare provider before combining yarrow with any anticoagulant medications.

### How long does it take to see benefits from yarrow leaf supplementation?

In the multiple sclerosis study, benefits were observed after one year of consistent use. For metabolic effects, animal studies suggest improvements may occur within 4-8 weeks of regular supplementation.

### Is yarrow leaf safe during pregnancy?

No, yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy as it contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid yarrow supplementation.

### What are the active compounds responsible for yarrow's health benefits?

Key bioactive compounds include chamazulene (anti-inflammatory), flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin (antioxidant), and sesquiterpene lactones (immune-modulating). Essential oils containing camphor and eucalyptol also contribute to therapeutic effects.

### What is the difference between yarrow leaf extract and whole yarrow leaf powder?

Yarrow leaf extract, particularly supercritical fluid extracts, concentrates the active compounds and may offer superior bioavailability for metabolic support compared to whole leaf powder. Whole leaf powder retains the full plant matrix but typically delivers lower concentrations of key constituents per serving. Extract forms are generally more potent for targeted health benefits, while whole leaf preparations provide a broader spectrum of plant compounds.

### Should people with autoimmune conditions other than multiple sclerosis consider yarrow supplementation?

While preliminary research suggests yarrow may support immune modulation in MS, evidence for other autoimmune conditions is limited and warrants caution. Yarrow's immunomodulatory properties could theoretically benefit certain autoimmune presentations, but individuals with autoimmune disorders should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing. The current body of research is insufficient to recommend yarrow as a general autoimmune support supplement outside of clinical research contexts.

### How does the quality of yarrow leaf sourcing affect supplement efficacy?

Yarrow grown in mineral-rich soils and harvested at optimal maturity tends to have higher concentrations of beneficial compounds like flavonoids and sesquiterpenes. Organic sourcing and proper drying methods preserve the integrity of active constituents, which can degrade through improper processing or storage. Choosing supplements from reputable suppliers who test for potency and purity helps ensure you receive yarrow with consistent bioactive levels.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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