What are yarrow’s main drawbacks?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Since yarrow is a member of the Asteraceae family, anyone with allergies to other plants in that family (e.g., marigolds, ragweed, daisies) has a higher risk of having an allergic reaction to yarrow. Yarrow contains thujone, which is responsible for some of its antibacterial properties, but also runs the risk of neurotoxicity when consumed (at best estimate) in doses greater than 3–7 mg of thujone per day.[1][2][3] More clinical evidence is required to better understand the safety of consuming thujone-containing products. While skin rashes are the most frequently reported adverse response to yarrow (and are believed to be due to guaianolides), the majority of the few clinical studies have excluded participants who might experience herb-drug interactions, which would reduce the number of reported adverse reactions.[2]

    References

    1. ^Strzępek-Gomółka M, Gaweł-Bęben K, Kukula-Koch WSpecies as Sources of Active Phytochemicals for Dermatological and Cosmetic Applications.Oxid Med Cell Longev.(2021)
    2. ^Ali SI, Gopalakrishnan B, Venkatesalu VPharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A Review.Phytother Res.(2017-Aug)
    3. ^Pelkonen O, Abass K, Wiesner JThujone and thujone-containing herbal medicinal and botanical products: toxicological assessment.Regul Toxicol Pharmacol.(2013-Feb)