YARROW Overview Information
Yarrow is an herb. The above ground parts are used to make medicine.
Yarrow is used for fever, common cold, hay fever, absence of menstruation, dysentery, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal (GI) tract discomfort, and to induce sweating.
Some people chew the fresh leaves to relieve toothache.
Yarrow is applied to the skin to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids; for wounds; and as a sitz bath for painful, lower pelvic, cramp-like conditions in women.
In combination with other herbs, yarrow is used for bloating, intestinal gas (flatulence), mild gastrointestinal (GI) cramping, and other GI complaints.
In foods, the young leaves and flowers of yarrow are used in salads.
In manufacturing, yarrow is also used as a cosmetic cleanser and in snuff. Yarrow oil is used in shampoos.
How does it work?
Yarrow contains many chemicals that might affect blood pressure and possibly have anti-inflammatory effects.
YARROW Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Fever.
- Common cold.
- Hay fever.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Bloating.
- Gas.
- Toothache.
- Other conditions.
YARROW Side Effects & Safety
Yarrow seems to be safe for most adults. In some people, yarrow might cause drowsiness and increase urination when taken by mouth. When it comes in contact with the skin, yarrow might cause skin irritation.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Don’t take yarrow by mouth if you are pregnant. It is believed to affect the menstrual cycle and might cause a miscarriage.It’s also best to avoid yarrow if you are breast-feeding. Not enough is known about its safety during nursing.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Yarrow may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking yarrow.
Surgery: Yarrow might slow blood clotting so there is a concern that it might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking yarrow at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
YARROW Interactions
Major Interaction Do not take this combination
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with YARROW
Large amounts of yarrow might slow blood clotting. Taking yarrow along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with YARROW
Yarrow might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking yarrow might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
- Sedative medications (Barbiturates) interacts with YARROW
Yarrow might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking yarrow along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
Minor Interaction Be watchful with this combination
- Antacids interacts with YARROW
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Yarrow may increase stomach acid. By increasing stomach acid, yarrow might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.
Some antacids include calcium carbonate (Tums, others), dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate (Rolaids, others), magaldrate (Riopan), magnesium sulfate (Bilagog), aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel), and others. - Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-Blockers) interacts with YARROW
Yarrow might increase stomach acid. By increasing stomach acid, yarrow might decrease the effectiveness of some medications that decrease stomach acid, called H2-Blockers.
Some medications that decrease stomach acid include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid). - Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors) interacts with YARROW
Yarrow might increase stomach acid. By increasing stomach acid, yarrow might decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to decrease stomach acid, called proton pump inhibitors.
Some medications that decrease stomach acid include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
YARROW Dosing
The appropriate dose of yarrow depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for yarrow. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
