Yarrow, common

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 11.04.2023

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Synonym(s)

Achillea millefolium; Achillea millefolium L.; Yarrow herb

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

One of the oldest medicinal plants from the daisy family. The first records indicate that it was used as a medicinal plant by the Neanderthals 60,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages yarrow was considered a miracle cure, as the name suggests: "Garwe" in the Middle Ages is the word for health maker. The main ingredients are essential oils such as chamazulene (anti-inflammatory), camphor (antispasmodic) and flavonoids. As an antispasmodic, digestive and anti-inflammatory medicinal plant, yarrow is mainly used in the treatment of wounds and gastrointestinal complaints. Family: Asteraceae, Yarrow, Milfoi (see below Compositae).

The yarrow herb, Millefolii herba (dried, flowering shoot tips with leaves, flowers and stems) as well as the flowers, yarrow flowers: Millefolii flos, are used phytotherapeutically.

OccurrenceThis section has been translated automatically.

Europe, West Asia, Caucasus, Northern Iran. Naturalized in Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.

Anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, spasmolytic, secretion-increasing, appetite-stimulating, possibly anti-hepatotoxic.

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

In medicine, the herb and the flowers are officially available (Herba millefolii, Flores millefolii). Due to the spasmolytic effect used in nonspecific stomach complaints, dyspepsia and in stomach, liver, bile teas. The list of finished preparations lists more than 70 items in which yarrow extracts are included. Another important use is the use of yarrow in herbal shampoos, bath additives etc.

According to Commission E: loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints, gastrointestinal spasms, pelvipathia vegetativa.

In Erfagrzbfsheilkunde: chronic inflammatory liver diseases, inflammation of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract, vulvitis, inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, hemostyptic, menstrual cramps (external only).

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

2-4 g of drug to 150 ml of water, drink warm 3-4 times / day between meals. Seat or full baths: 100 g of yarrow to 20 l of water.

Clinical pictureThis section has been translated automatically.

The allergens are unknown. Although several sesquiterpenlactones have been found in the common yarrow, none of these STL has an exocyclic methylene group on the lactone ring or any other grouping that could indicate sensitizing capacity. Sensitizing potency: Weak to medium. Sensitization frequency: Occasional. Clinical: Contact dermatitis. Cross-reactions to the common yarrow (in the broader sense) are often seen in composite allergy sufferers, especially if they are primarily sensitised by chrysanthemums and feverfew.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

For epicutaneous testing in case of questionable Type IV sensitization a 1% short ether extract in vaseline is recommended. Alternatively testing with 0.1% peroxyachifolide in a vaseline base.

Individuals with a composite allergy should avoid sheep-yard-containing topicals such as herbal shampoos, herbal cosmetics and herbal sweets.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Aberer W (2008) Contact allergy and medicinal plants. JDDG 6:15-24
  2. Candan F et al. (2003) Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. (Asteraceae). J Ethnopharmacol 87: 215-220.
  3. Hausen BM, Vieluf K (1997) Allergy plants, plant allergens. Ecomed Verlag, Landsberg/Munich, pp. 85-87.
  4. Orth M et al. (2000) Enantiomeric monoterpenes in ether oil from Achillea millefolium s. I.--a taxonomically useful marker? Pharmacy 55: 456-459
  5. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 189-190
  6. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/schafgarbe.php
  7. https://plants.fnr.de/industrialplants/medicinalplants/plants-database

Authors

Last updated on: 11.04.2023

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles