Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
T Traditional useYarrow tea is traditionally used for loss of appetite, bloating and wind, mild period cramps and, on the skin, small superficial wounds.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA classes yarrow as a traditional herbal medicine for temporary loss of appetite, mild spasmodic digestive complaints, minor period cramps and small superficial wounds. It belongs to the daisy family, so people allergic to that family should not use it.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for temporary loss of appetite and mild spasmodic digestive complaints such as bloating and wind. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for minor cramps associated with menstrual periods. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used on the skin for small superficial wounds. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150–250 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4 g of chopped dried herb; drink between meals.
Amount: 3–4 times daily
[1]Tea
For period cramps, pour 250 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of herb.
Amount: 2–3 times daily
[1]Topical
For wounds, infuse 3–4 g of herb in 250 ml of boiling water and use as a warm compress.
Amount: 2–3 times daily
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Do not use if you are allergic to the daisy family (Asteraceae).
- Not recommended under 12.
- See a doctor if a wound shows signs of infection.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Skin hypersensitivity reactions (frequency unknown)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Yarrow tea is drunk between meals for digestion; a separate dose is defined for period cramps. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does yarrow help period pain?
The EMA accepts yarrow as a traditional remedy for minor menstrual cramps.
How do I make yarrow tea?
For digestion, pour 150–250 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4 g of herb; drink 3–4 times a day between meals.
Who should not use yarrow?
People allergic to the daisy family, children under 12, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Can yarrow be used on wounds?
Its infusion is traditionally used as a warm compress on small superficial wounds.
Sources
Cite This Page
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/yarrow/
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