Yarrow, a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), has a long history of use in various cultures for healing wounds and treating conditions like inflammation and gastrointestinal distress. It can be consumed as tea or applied externally as lotions and ointments, and the leaves and flowering tops are the most commonly used parts.

Yarrow is primarily beneficial for wound healing and reducing localized irritations or infections when it is applied topically. Although there are promising studies on its use for menstrual and gastrointestinal issues, more research is needed to validate these effects.

Yarrow may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., marigolds, ragweed, daisies) and can lead to neurotoxicity if consumed in high doses due to its thujone content. Additionally, skin rashes are a common adverse response, but clinical studies often exclude people at risk for herb-drug interactions, which means that adverse effects are potentially underreported.

Yarrow contains various active compounds, such as apigenin and quercetin, which are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects that may support its traditional uses. However, more research is needed to fully understand the biological activity and bioavailability of these components when used together.