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Essential Oils Of Yarrow

Also known as: Yarrow essential oil, Millefoil essential oil, Achillea umbellata essential oil, Achillea biebersteinii essential oil, Achillea talagonica essential oil, Achillea millefolium essential oil

Overview

Yarrow essential oil (EO) is derived from the aerial parts of various Achillea species, predominantly Achillea millefolium. It is classified as a phytotherapeutic aromatic oil, rich in volatile compounds such as azulene, camphor, piperitone, and 1,8-cineole. Traditionally, yarrow has been valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, spasmolytic, wound-healing, and gastroprotective properties. While preclinical research, including in vitro and animal studies, supports many of these traditional uses, human clinical trials specifically on yarrow EO are limited. The current evidence base is moderate in maturity, with varying quality, often comprising small-scale studies that may lack rigorous controls or sufficient sample sizes. This makes it challenging to establish definitive clinical efficacy and standardized dosing for human use.

Benefits

Yarrow essential oil exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It demonstrates weak to moderate antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, fungi, and yeast (e.g., Candida albicans), though its effectiveness can vary based on the specific Achillea species and extraction methods used. The presence of azulene and chamazulene contributes to its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, aligning with its traditional applications. Animal studies suggest potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antinociceptive (pain-relieving) effects, but these findings have not been replicated in humans. Furthermore, some evidence indicates that yarrow extracts may offer gastroprotective benefits by shielding gastric mucosa, although EO-specific data in this area are limited. The clinical significance and effect sizes of these benefits in humans remain largely undetermined due to the scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials.

How it works

The biological activity of yarrow essential oil is primarily attributed to its complex mixture of volatile compounds, including terpenoids like camphor, piperitone, and 1,8-cineole, as well as azulene derivatives. These constituents are believed to exert their effects through several mechanisms. They can modulate inflammatory pathways, potentially by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators. For its antimicrobial action, these compounds may disrupt microbial cell membranes, leading to cellular dysfunction and death. The anxiolytic and antinociceptive effects observed in animal studies might involve interactions with neurotransmitter systems, though the exact pathways are not fully elucidated. Absorption and bioavailability depend on the administration route, with topical application and inhalation being common, but systemic bioavailability is not well characterized.

Side effects

Yarrow essential oil is generally considered safe when used in traditional doses, but potential side effects and precautions exist. The most common adverse reactions are allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Oral consumption of yarrow has been reported to potentially interfere with iron absorption, suggesting caution for individuals with iron deficiency or those at risk. While no major drug interactions or severe adverse effects have been extensively documented in high-quality human studies, animal toxicity studies indicate that high doses of yarrow EO may contain toxic constituents, warranting caution. Due to the limited human clinical data, comprehensive safety profiles, including potential interactions with medications or specific health conditions, are not fully established. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Dosage

There are no established minimum effective or maximum safe dosage guidelines for yarrow essential oil in humans due to the limited number of clinical trials. Traditional use of dried yarrow herb suggests a dosage of approximately 4.5 grams per day in infusion or capsule form, but this does not directly translate to EO dosing. For essential oil, topical application and inhalation are the most common routes of administration. When applied topically, it is generally recommended to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil to minimize the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Oral consumption of yarrow essential oil should be approached with extreme caution and only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as its safety and appropriate dosing for internal use are not well standardized. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human EO use are currently undefined.

FAQs

Is yarrow EO effective as an antimicrobial?

Yarrow EO shows mild to moderate antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings against certain bacteria, fungi, and yeast, but it is not a substitute for conventional antibiotics or antifungals.

Can it be used for anxiety or pain?

Animal studies suggest potential anxiolytic and pain-relieving effects. However, there is insufficient human evidence to recommend yarrow EO for anxiety or pain management.

Is it safe to use topically?

Generally, yarrow EO can be used topically when diluted, but patch testing is highly recommended to check for allergic reactions, especially for individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family.

Does it affect iron absorption?

Oral use of yarrow may reduce iron absorption. Individuals with iron deficiency or those at risk should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider.

Research Sources

https://www.cropj.com/daniel_14_3_2020_545_550.pdf – This study analyzed the chemical composition of yarrow essential oil and evaluated its in vitro antimicrobial activity. It found weak to moderate antimicrobial effects and noted variability in EO content. The research provides chemical characterization but lacks clinical data.
https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/esp/aromatherapy.pdf – This systematic review from the Evidence Synthesis Program broadly examined essential oils for psychological and physical symptom relief. It indicated mixed evidence for essential oils in general, with yarrow EO not specifically isolated but included in broader aromatherapy analyses, suggesting low confidence in strong, specific effects.
https://www.auctoresonline.org/article/analysis-results-of-yarrow-medicinal-plant-used-as-gastroprotective-and-its-use-in-health – This review discusses yarrow's traditional use for gastroprotective and wound-healing properties. It highlights in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of yarrow extracts and essential oil, but notes the absence of robust randomized controlled trial data for clinical efficacy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22449535/ – This experimental study on Achillea umbellata essential oil demonstrated anxiolytic, antinociceptive, and antimicrobial effects in animal models. It identified key chemical constituents and cautioned about potential toxicity at high doses, emphasizing the need for human trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3232110/ – This article, likely related to the Radulović et al. (2012) study, provides further details on the anxiolytic, antinociceptive, and antimicrobial properties of Achillea umbellata essential oil in animal models. It contributes to understanding the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of yarrow species.