Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is a European herb containing phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid and essential oils including nerol that provide antioxidant activity. The plant demonstrates significant free radical scavenging capacity through its polyphenolic constituents, with FRAP values reaching 58.52 µg TE mL⁻¹.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupEuropean
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordyarrow benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Achillea millefolium — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The aerial parts are processed via hydrodistillation or solvent extraction methods to obtain essential oils and phenolic compounds, with modern techniques like microwave-assisted hydrodistillation yielding oils rich in nerol (39.65%) and neryl acetate (34.52%).
“The research dossier contains no information about traditional or historical medicinal uses of yarrow. Studies focus solely on modern extraction and analytical methods without addressing cultural context.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for Achillea millefolium were found in the research dossier. Evidence is limited to in vitro antioxidant assays and chemical characterization studies without human data or PubMed PMIDs.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials have been conducted. Extraction studies characterize compounds like chlorogenic acid (~3 mg/g) but do not establish therapeutic doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Achillea millefolium (yarrow) nutritional composition is primarily documented through phytochemical analyses rather than standard nutritional studies. Bioactive phenolic compounds are the most characterized constituents: chlorogenic acid is present at 2.65–3.29 mg/g dry weight (identified as a dominant phenolic acid), alongside luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin glycosides at trace-to-moderate concentrations varying by extraction method and plant part. Total phenolic content ranges approximately 10–50 mg GAE/g depending on solvent and plant fraction, with hydroethanolic extracts yielding higher values. Antioxidant capacity is measurable: ABTS assay values up to 51.66 µg Trolox equivalents/mL and FRAP values up to 58.52 µg TE/mL under in vitro conditions. Essential oil fraction (typically 0.2–1.0% of dry aerial parts) contains identified monoterpenes including nerol and neryl acetate, plus camphor, borneol, and 1,8-cineole in variable proportions depending on chemotype and geographic origin. Sesquiterpene lactones (achillin, achillicin) are present in small quantities and are considered key bitter principles. Flavonoids including apigenin-7-glucoside contribute to the phenolic pool. Standard macronutrient data (protein, fat, carbohydrate) is not formally documented at culinary-use quantities, as the herb is consumed in very small amounts (herbal tea or garnish). Fiber content is present structurally but not quantified in isolation. Bioavailability of phenolic compounds is presumed moderate based on comparable flavonoid glycoside absorption data from related Asteraceae species, but no pharmacokinetic studies specific to yarrow phenolics in humans have been published. Micronutrient data (vitamins, minerals) is not established in peer-reviewed literature for this species.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Yarrow's antioxidant effects primarily result from phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid (2.65-3.29 mg/g) that neutralize free radicals through electron donation. Essential oil constituents including nerol and neryl acetate may modulate inflammatory pathways, though specific molecular targets require further investigation. The cumulative polyphenolic content contributes to ABTS radical scavenging activity up to 51.66 µg TE mL⁻¹.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for yarrow is limited to preliminary in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant capacity. ABTS assays show radical scavenging up to 51.66 µg TE mL⁻¹, while FRAP measurements reach 58.52 µg TE mL⁻¹. Extraction studies have quantified chlorogenic acid content at 2.65-3.29 mg/g dry weight. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.
Safety & Interactions
Yarrow may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family plants, including skin rash or respiratory symptoms. The herb may potentiate anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on blood clotting. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential estrogenic activity.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Achillea millefoliumCommon YarrowMilfoilThousand-leafSoldier's WoundwortNosebleed PlantDevil's NettleBloodwort
Frequently Asked Questions
How much chlorogenic acid is in yarrow extract?
Yarrow contains 2.65-3.29 mg of chlorogenic acid per gram of dried plant material. This phenolic compound contributes significantly to the herb's antioxidant properties measured in laboratory studies.
What is yarrow's ORAC antioxidant value?
While specific ORAC values aren't established, yarrow demonstrates ABTS radical scavenging up to 51.66 µg TE mL⁻¹ and FRAP activity reaching 58.52 µg TE mL⁻¹. These measurements indicate moderate antioxidant capacity in laboratory testing.
Can yarrow interact with blood thinning medications?
Yarrow may potentially enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin and other blood thinners, though clinical interaction data is limited. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should consult their healthcare provider before using yarrow supplements.
What essential oils are found in yarrow?
Yarrow contains essential oil compounds including nerol and neryl acetate, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. These volatile compounds are typically concentrated through steam distillation of the flowering tops and leaves.
Is yarrow safe during pregnancy?
Yarrow safety during pregnancy has not been established through clinical studies. Due to potential uterine stimulant properties and lack of safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid yarrow supplements.
What is the difference between yarrow extract and yarrow tea in terms of active compound concentration?
Yarrow extracts typically concentrate phenolic compounds and essential oils to higher levels than brewed tea, with standardized extracts containing 2.65–3.29 mg/g of chlorogenic acid compared to lower concentrations in infusions. However, the bioavailability and actual absorption of compounds may differ between forms, as extraction methods and digestive processing affect how your body utilizes these compounds. Tea preparations allow for gentler, more gradual consumption while extracts provide more concentrated doses in smaller volumes.
Does cooking or heating yarrow reduce its antioxidant potency?
Heat can degrade some of yarrow's volatile essential oils like nerol and neryl acetate, which are sensitive to temperature, though the thermal stability of its phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid has not been extensively studied in yarrow specifically. Traditional use of yarrow as a brewed tea suggests some biological activity survives heating, but fresh or cold-extracted preparations may retain higher levels of volatile compounds. Currently, direct comparative research on antioxidant retention across different preparation methods for yarrow is limited.
How does yarrow's antioxidant strength compare to other common herbal supplements on a per-gram basis?
Yarrow shows moderate antioxidant activity in laboratory testing with ABTS values up to 51.66 µg TE mL⁻¹ and FRAP values up to 58.52 µg TE mL⁻¹, though these are preliminary in vitro findings and direct head-to-head comparisons with other herbs under identical testing conditions are scarce. The clinical relevance of these antioxidant values to human health outcomes remains understudied, as laboratory antioxidant capacity does not always translate to meaningful physiological benefits. More standardized comparative research would be needed to definitively rank yarrow against herbs like green tea extract or turmeric in terms of practical antioxidant benefit.
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