Yarrow Flower and Diabetes: Possible Benefits, Risks, and Safety Warnings

Yarrow flower, also known as Achillea millefolium, is an herb used in traditional medicine. Some people with diabetes ask whether yarrow can lower blood sugar, improve A1C, reduce inflammation, or help diabetic nerve symptoms.

At this time, yarrow is not a proven treatment for diabetes. Early research suggests possible effects on blood sugar, inflammation, liver enzymes, lipids, and neuropathy symptoms, but the human evidence is still limited.

If you are considering yarrow tea, capsules, tincture, or extract, speak with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take insulin, sulfonylureas, blood thinners, blood pressure medicine, or several prescription medicines.

If you are considering yarrow tea, capsules, tincture, or extract, speak with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take insulin, sulfonylureas, blood thinners, blood pressure medicine, or several prescription medicines.

What is yarrow flower?

Yarrow flower is a plant from the Asteraceae family. Its scientific name is Achillea millefolium. It has been used traditionally for digestive complaints, mild menstrual cramps, appetite loss, and minor skin wounds. Yarrow contains different plant compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, essential oils, and bitter substances. These compounds may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, and mild antispasmodic effects. However, traditional use does not always mean that an herb is proven safe or effective for diabetes.

Kingdom: Plantae Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Achillea Species: A. millefolium

Can yarrow lower blood sugar?

Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that yarrow may influence biological pathways related to blood sugar control. Researchers have explored its possible effects on glucose absorption, insulin activity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism.

However, these early findings do not prove that yarrow safely or effectively lowers blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Animal and laboratory studies can help scientists understand possible mechanisms, but they are not enough to recommend yarrow as a diabetes treatment. Diabetes care in humans is more complex. A person may also be taking prescription medicines, have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, be pregnant, or have an increased risk of low blood sugar.

For this reason, yarrow should not be used as a substitute for prescribed diabetes treatment or medical care.

What does recent research say?

The effect of yarrow flower (Achillea millefolium) on blood sugar control is not fully understood. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that yarrow may influence metabolic pathways related to diabetes, but the current evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a treatment for lowering blood sugar.

Several possible mechanisms have been discussed in research:

• Antioxidant activity: Yarrow contains plant compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds may help reduce oxidative stress, which is involved in the development of diabetes-related complications.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic low-grade inflammation is common in type 2 diabetes. Some compounds found in yarrow, including flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Possible effects on insulin sensitivity: Early experimental studies suggest that some bioactive compounds in yarrow may influence insulin-related pathways and glucose metabolism. However, this has not been proven well enough in humans.
• Possible effects on blood sugar pathways: Compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and sesquiterpene lactones have been studied for possible metabolic effects. Some laboratory research suggests that flavonoids may help protect insulin-producing beta cells, but this does not prove that yarrow lowers blood sugar safely in people with diabetes.
• Traditional use: Yarrow has been used in traditional medicine for digestive complaints, inflammation, and general wellness. However, traditional use is not the same as clinical proof, especially for a complex condition such as diabetes.

Recent human research on yarrow and diabetes remains limited.

• A 2025 randomized clinical trial studied Achillea millefolium in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy symptoms. The study reported improvement in neuropathy symptoms, but the difference in HbA1c compared with placebo was not statistically significant. This means yarrow should not be presented as a proven A1C-lowering treatment.
• Another 2025 randomized trial reported that Achillea millefolium capsules improved some liver enzyme and blood lipid markers in people with type 2 diabetes. These findings are interesting, but they do not prove that yarrow is a standard diabetes treatment or that it should be used to replace prescribed medicines.
• Several earlier studies in diabetic rats found changes in blood glucose, liver enzymes, and lipid levels after yarrow extract. These studies are preclinical, meaning they were not done in humans. Animal studies can help researchers understand possible mechanisms, but they should be interpreted carefully and cannot be used alone to recommend yarrow for diabetes care.

The safest conclusion is that yarrow may have possible metabolic effects, but there is not enough strong human evidence to recommend it for lowering blood sugar, improving A1C, or treating diabetes.

What this means for patients:

Yarrow is being studied, but the evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as diabetes treatment.

Is yarrow proven to lower A1C?

No. Yarrow is not proven to lower A1C in people with diabetes.

A1C reflects average blood sugar over about 2 to 3 months. To lower A1C safely, most patients need a complete plan that may include nutrition changes, physical activity, weight management, glucose monitoring, diabetes medicines, sleep improvement, and treatment of other health conditions.

If your A1C is above target, do not rely on yarrow or any supplement. Speak with your healthcare provider about a safe treatment plan.

Could yarrow help diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy means nerve damage related to diabetes. It can cause burning, tingling, numbness, pain, or electric-shock feelings, often in the feet or legs.

One recent clinical study suggested that Achillea millefolium may improve neuropathy symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes. However, this does not mean yarrow is a proven neuropathy treatment.

Neuropathy symptoms can have several causes, including uncontrolled blood sugar, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, kidney disease, alcohol use, medication effects, and circulation problems.

If you have numbness, burning, pain, or loss of feeling in your feet, please speak with your doctor. Do not self-treat neuropathy with herbs.

Can yarrow replace diabetes medicine?

No. Yarrow should not replace diabetes medicine.

Stopping diabetes medication without medical supervision can lead to high blood sugar, dehydration, diabetic ketoacidosis in some cases, worsening A1C, infections, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye disease, and heart complications.

If your blood sugar is improving, that is good news, but medicine changes should be done with your doctor.

Is yarrow safe for people with diabetes?

Yarrow may not be safe for everyone.

People with diabetes often take several medicines. This increases the chance of interactions. Also, if yarrow affects blood sugar in some people, combining it with diabetes medicine could theoretically increase the risk of low blood sugar.

You should be especially careful if you take:

• Insulin
• Glipizide, glyburide, gliclazide, or other sulfonylureas
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Aspirin or anti-platelet medicines, if used regularly
• Blood pressure medicines
• Sedatives or medicines that cause drowsiness
• Lithium
• Several prescription medicines at the same time

Before using yarrow, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for your personal situation.

Who should avoid yarrow?

Avoid yarrow unless your doctor specifically approves it if you are:

• Pregnant
• Trying to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, chamomile, marigolds, or other Asteraceae plants
• Taking blood-thinning medicine
• Scheduled for surgery
• Having frequent low blood sugar
• Living with liver disease
• Living with kidney disease
• Using several prescription medicines
• Giving it to a child

Pregnancy warning

Yarrow should be avoided during pregnancy unless a qualified healthcare professional specifically advises otherwise. Some herbal references warn against yarrow in pregnancy because of possible effects on the uterus.

Allergy warning

Yarrow belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. People allergic to ragweed, daisies, chamomile, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or similar plants may be more likely to react to yarrow.

Possible side effects of yarrow

Possible side effects may include:

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Contact dermatitis
• Allergic reaction
• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight in some people
• Possible increased bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners

Could yarrow cause low blood sugar?

It is possible in theory, especially if yarrow is combined with diabetes medicines that can lower blood sugar. However, human evidence is limited.

Low blood sugar is usually considered below 70 mg/dL, or below 3.9 mmol/L.

Symptoms may include:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• Hunger
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Irritability
• Drowsiness

Severe low blood sugar can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or medical emergency. 

If you use insulin or sulfonylureas, do not start yarrow without medical advice.

Is yarrow tea safer than capsules or tinctures?

Not always.

Many patients assume that herbal tea is automatically safe because it seems gentle or natural. However, herbal teas can still contain biologically active compounds. The strength of these compounds may vary depending on the part of the plant used, the amount prepared, brewing time, product quality, and possible contamination or misidentification.

Capsules, extracts, and tinctures may be more concentrated than tea. Tinctures may also contain alcohol, which may not be suitable for every patient.

At this time, there is no approved medical dose of yarrow for diabetes, blood sugar control, or A1C reduction.

For this reason, I do not recommend self-prescribing yarrow for diabetes. If you are considering yarrow or any herbal product, discuss it first with your doctor, especially if you take diabetes medication or have kidney, liver, heart, or pregnancy-related concerns.

What should I do if I already drink yarrow tea?

If you already drink yarrow tea occasionally, do not panic. But if you have diabetes, it is wise to review it with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take medicine.

Bring the product label or a photo of the package to your appointment. Tell your doctor:

• How often you drink it
• How much you use
• Whether it is tea, capsule, tincture, or extract
• What diabetes medicines you take
• Whether you have low blood sugar episodes
• Whether you take blood thinners or aspirin
• Whether you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Do not hide supplement use from your doctor. It is part of your medical safety.

How do you use yarrow flower for diabetes?

Yarrow  can be used in various forms to potentially support diabetes management, including: 

Tea: You can make yarrow tea by steeping dried yarrow flowers in hot water. Drinking this tea is a common way to potentially benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties and other bioactive compounds that may support overall health.

Tincture: Yarrow tincture, an alcohol-based extract, can be taken orally. Tinctures are concentrated forms of yarrow and can provide a more potent dose of its beneficial compounds.

Capsules or Tablets: Yarrow supplements in capsule or tablet form are available in some markets. These are convenient for those who prefer standardized doses.

Topical Use: While more commonly used internally, yarrow has been used topically for wound healing and skin conditions. Some herbalists suggest its anti-inflammatory properties could potentially benefit skin health in individuals with diabetes-related skin issues.

What is the safest advice for a person with diabetes?

The safest advice is:

• Do not use yarrow as diabetes treatment.
• Do not stop prescribed medicine.
• Ask your doctor before using yarrow.
• Monitor your blood sugar if your doctor allows any supplement.
• Avoid yarrow if pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to Asteraceae plants, taking blood thinners, or having surgery.
• Focus first on proven diabetes care.

When to call your doctor

Doctor’s practical advice

As a doctor, I understand why many patients look for natural options. Diabetes is a daily condition, and people want to feel that they are doing something extra to help their health.

But with diabetes, safety comes first.

Yarrow is an interesting herb, and researchers are studying it. However, it is not a proven diabetes treatment. It should not replace your medications, glucose monitoring, nutrition plan, or medical follow-up.

If you are interested in natural support, start with the foundations that have much stronger evidence:

• Balanced meals with enough protein and fiber
• Smaller portions of refined carbohydrates
• Regular walking or other safe physical activity
• Weight management if needed
• Good sleep
• Not smoking
• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Regular A1C testing
• Foot, eye, kidney, and heart checkups

Herbs may seem simple, but diabetes care must be individualized. What is safe for one person may not be safe for another.

Related pages

• Blood Sugar Levels by Time of Day
• Acceptable Blood Glucose Level
• Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels
• HbA1c to Average Glucose Calculator
• Diabetes Medications
• Natural Remedies for Diabetes
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Low Blood Sugar Symptoms
• High Blood Sugar Symptoms

What people are asking about yarrow and diabetes

Final message

Yarrow flower is a traditional herb with some early research interest, but it is not a proven diabetes treatment.

If you have diabetes, please do not use yarrow to replace your prescribed treatment. If you are thinking about using it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first. The safest diabetes plan is one that is personalized, monitored, and based on reliable medical evidence.

References

1. Basirat E, et al. The effect of Achillea millefolium on hemoglobin glycosylate and neuropathy symptoms in type 2 diabetic patients: randomized clinical trial. Journal of Medicinal Plants. 2025.
2. Daneshvar-Ghahfarokhi S, et al. Achillea millefolium capsule improved liver enzymes and lipid profile compared to placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. 2025.
3. Rezaei S, et al. Hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium improved blood glucose, liver enzymes and lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. BMC Endocrine Disorders / Lipids in Health and Disease. 2020.
4. European Medicines Agency. Millefolii flos: herbal medicinal product information.
5. Far BF, et al. Achillea millefolium: mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic, clinical drug-drug interactions, and tolerability. 2023.

Medical Disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always speak with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before changing your diabetes medication, diet, supplement use, or treatment plan.