Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) was named Medicinal Plant of the Year 2025 – an award that reflects both a tradition spanning thousands of years and a promising scientific future. From wound healing in antiquity to current research approaches in liver disease and infections: yarrow displays a spectrum of activity that is increasingly attracting the attention of modern phytotherapy – and powerfully embodies European herbal knowledge.
A plant with mythological heritage and European roots
The botanical name Achillea refers to the Greek hero Achilles, who, according to legend, treated the wounds of his soldiers with yarrow during the Trojan War. The species name millefolium means “thousand-leaved” – a reference to the finely feathered, delicate leaves. The German name is derived from its occurrence on sheep pastures, while “Garbe” goes back to the Old High German garwan – “to make healthy”.
Achillea millefolium belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is native to Europe, North America and the temperate zones of Asia. As an undemanding, resilient plant, it thrives in sunny, dry locations and can even be found at altitudes above 3000 metres. Its white, sometimes pinkish flowers in corymb-like clusters shape meadows, roadsides and fallow land from early summer to late autumn.
Active compounds – why yarrow is so versatile
The therapeutic breadth of yarrow is explained by its complex phytochemical composition. The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) monographs the herbal drug made from the dried flowering shoot tips (Millefolii herba). The most important groups of active compounds at a glance:
| Compound group | Main representatives | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Essential oil (0.1–1.4%) | Pinene, sabinene, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D | Aromatic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic |
| Proazulenes | Achillicin → chamazulene (through heating) | Anti-inflammatory, similar to chamomile |
| Flavonoids | Apigenin, luteolin glycosides, rutin | Antispasmodic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory |
| Tannins | Tannins | Astringent, wound-healing-supporting |
| Bitter compounds | Sesquiterpene lactones | Digestive-supporting, bile-stimulating |
| Coumarins, phenolic acids | Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid | Antioxidant, antimicrobial |
Particularly noteworthy: the proazulene achillicin transforms into the anti-inflammatory chamazulene when heated – the same principle as in chamomile. This mechanism explains why yarrow tea and yarrow extract have traditionally been used for inflammatory complaints.
What current research from 2025 and 2026 shows
Recent scientific work on yarrow has produced notable findings that go far beyond its traditional areas of use.
Fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)
A study published in April 2026 in Computational Biology and Chemistry systematically investigated the potential of yarrow compounds against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its inflammatory form, NASH, for the first time. The research group from Manipal University used a network pharmacology approach and identified several flavonoids – especially luteolin glycosides, apigenin, rutin and vicenin-2 – that target key signalling pathways involved in disease development. Molecular docking analyses showed strong binding to key proteins such as PI3K/AKT1, EGFR and TNF-α. The findings are preclinical; human studies are still lacking.
Antiparasitic activity against malaria pathogens
A study published in February 2026 in Acta Parasitologica (Springer) investigated the antiparasitic activity of methanolic yarrow extracts against Plasmodium falciparum. The extract showed 94% inhibition at a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.52 mg/mL and a favourable selectivity index of 26.3 compared with human cells. These findings also come from laboratory experiments; clinical transferability has not yet been demonstrated.
Increasing active compound production through nanotechnology
A study in Scientific Reports (February 2026, Nature Publishing Group) investigated how the production of valuable secondary metabolites in yarrow cultures can be increased. Biologically synthesised nanoparticles – reduced graphene oxide and iron oxide nanocomposites – measurably increased volatile metabolite profiles when used as elicitors. This represents an approach for the more sustainable production of plant-derived active compounds.
Traditional areas of use – internal and external
Digestion and bile tract
The bitter compounds in yarrow stimulate the production of gastric juice and bile and help relieve loss of appetite, bloating and cramp-like abdominal pain. The antispasmodic effect of the flavonoids supports this action. Traditionally, yarrow is regarded as a bitter tonic for the entire digestive tract – from gastric secretion to bile function.
Menstrual discomfort and cycle regulation
As a classic “women’s herb” in European herbal knowledge, yarrow has been used for centuries for cramp-like lower abdominal pain and cycle irregularities. Its balancing effect is noteworthy: traditionally, it has been used both for weak and for heavy menstrual bleeding. Sitz baths with yarrow herb can help relax cramp-like tension in the pelvic area and have a soothing effect.
Heart and circulation
In traditional European herbal knowledge, yarrow is also mentioned in connection with heart health. Its flavonoids and essential oils complement classic heart herbs such as hawthorn, lemon balm and rosemary in established European formulations.
Wound healing and external use
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of yarrow make it suitable for the treatment of small, superficial skin injuries. The combination of essential oils, tannins and flavonoids supports healing and helps prevent infections. Compresses with yarrow tea or diluted extracts can also be used for skin inflammations and insect bites.
Quality, dosage and safety
The herbal drug Millefolii herba is monographed in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and must meet defined quality standards. The recommended dosage for internal use is 2–4 g of the herbal drug as a tea infusion, up to four times daily. For sitz baths, 100 g of the herbal drug is used in 20 litres of water.
Please note: allergic reactions may occur in people with known hypersensitivity to plants of the daisy family, such as chamomile, arnica or calendula. Caution is required when collecting the plant yourself – yarrow has poisonous lookalikes such as poison hemlock and giant hogweed. Medical advice is recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as in cases of regular medication use.
Yarrow in four Natura Nova formulations
Herz essentia – hawthorn, olive leaf, lemon balm, rosemary, lavender and yarrow, with vitamin B1, which contributes to normal heart function.
Digest essentia – gentian, dandelion, yarrow, fennel and caraway. A classic bitter compound combination for the digestive tract.
Leber essentia – milk thistle, artichoke and yarrow. A traditional European formulation for the liver and bile tract.
Zyklus essentia – lady’s mantle and yarrow. Traditionally used for cycle regulation and well-being.
Conclusion
The selection of common yarrow as Medicinal Plant of the Year 2025 honours a medicinal plant that combines thousands of years of empirical knowledge with modern scientific findings. Its broad spectrum of activity – from supporting digestion and relieving menstrual discomfort to supporting wound healing – is well explained by its complex phytochemical composition.
Current research from 2025 and 2026 expands this picture with fascinating preclinical perspectives: potential in fatty liver disease, antiparasitic activity and new approaches to active compound production. This once again shows that traditional European medicinal plants are not fully explored relics of the past – but living sources for future knowledge.
This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet.
Selected studies and sources
Medicinal Plant of the Year 2025 & overview
- Glasl-Tazreiter S et al. (2025). Medicinal Plant of the Year 2025 – Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 46, 139–142. — Gelbe Liste
- Simonsohn B (2025). Die Schafgarbe – Alleskönnerin unter den Heilpflanzen. Mankau Verlag.
- Medical Tribune (October 2025). Yarrow herb – effects, use, risks. — medical-tribune.de
Liver research (NAFLD/NASH)
- Vithalkar MP et al. (2026). Phytochemicals from Achillea millefolium target NAFLD and NASH: A network pharmacology integrated bioinformatics and molecular docking investigation. Computational Biology and Chemistry, 121, 108839. — DOI 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2025.108839
Antiparasitic activity
- Singh K et al. (2026). In Vitro Antiparasitic Activity and Phytochemical Profiling of Rhaponticum repens and Achillea millefolium Methanolic Extracts Against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania major. Acta Parasitologica, 71, 39. — DOI 10.1007/s11686-025-01211-y
Nanotechnology & active compound production
- Jafarirad S et al. (2026). Effect of the biologically synthesized rGO NPs and Fe₂O₃/rGO NCs on phytochemical assay, toxicity, and metabolism of Achillea millefolium plant. Scientific Reports, 16, 9113. — nature.com
Regulatory basis
- European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). Monograph Millefolii herba.
