Achillea millefolium
Scientific Name: Yarrow
Other Names: Achillea, Bloodwort, Green Arrow, Milfoil, Nosebleed Plant, Staunch Weed, Thousand-Leaf, Wound Wort, Yarroway
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription Drugs
Yarrow may increase the production of stomach acid, potentially interfering with Histamine-2 (H-2) receptor blockers such as:
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- famotidine (Pepcid)
- nizatidine (Axid)
- ranitidine (Zantac)
and proton pump inhibitors such as:
- Aciphex
- Nexium
- omeprazole (Prilosec)
- pantoprazole (Protonix)
- Prevacid
Yarrow may increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.
- Antiplatelets include clopidogrel and Ticlid
- Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin
Due to its mild ability to lower blood pressure, yarrow is believed to increase the effects of drugs that also lower blood pressure. Some blood pressure-lowering drugs are:
- ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, and lisinopril
- Beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol
- Calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, nifedipine, and verapamil
- Diuretics such as Dyazide, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide
When yarrow is used with prescription drugs that promote sleepiness, the effects of the drug may be exaggerated, resulting in sedation or mental impairment. Prescription drugs that can cause sleepiness include:
- Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam
- Drugs for insomnia such as Lunesta, Rozerem, zaleplon, and zolpidem
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin, and nortriptyline
Non-prescription Drugs
The possibility that yarrow can increase the production of stomach acid could interfere with the effectiveness of antacids and over-the-counter medications such as Pepcid AC, Prilosec OTC, and Zantac AR.
Yarrow can decrease the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also delay clotting, so yarrow should not be taken with aspirin.
The sleep-producing effects of over-the-counter products containing diphenhydramine or doxylamine may be enhanced by taking yarrow at the same time. Diphenhydramine or doxylamine is contained in many non-prescription sleeping pills as well as in some cough and cold products, therefore caution should be used when taking these medications with yarrow because excessive drowsiness may result.
Herbal Products
Theoretically, if yarrow is used with other herbs that affect blood clotting, bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting are:
- Danshen
- Devil's Claw
- Eleuthero
- Garlic
- Ginger (in high amounts)
- Ginkgo
- Horse Chestnut
- Panax Ginseng
- Papain
- Red Clover
- Saw Palmetto
Yarrow may cause excessive sedation if it is taken with other potentially sedating herbs such as:
- Catnip
- Hops
- Kava
- St. John's wort
- Valerian
Foods
No interactions between yarrow and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol at the same time as using yarrow by mouth may result in increased drowsiness.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how yarrow interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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What interactions should I watch for?
