Yarrow

Achillea millefolium · Yarrow herb

Mechanism

Yarrow herb contains bitter compounds (sesquiterpene lactones), flavonoids and an azulene-containing essential oil. Traditionally it is used to stimulate appetite, mildly antispasmodic and soothing in the digestive tract as well as externally for skin irritations. The equine evidence is limited and mostly experiential. As a composite, yarrow can trigger cross-sensitisations.

Cautions

· Composite family (Asteraceae) — sensitisation/cross-allergy possible
· Use sparingly in pregnant mares because of bitter compounds/essential oil
· Photosensitisation possible with large amounts of fresh plant

Sources

PMID:38076118Farasati Far et al. 2023 (Heliyon) — Achillea millefolium: Wirkmechanismus, Pharmakokinetik, Verträglichkeit

PMID:27913788Becker et al. 2016 (Int J Toxicol) — Safety Assessment Achillea millefolium

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageapprox. 15–30 g dried herb/animal/day (large horse)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Products containing Yarrow

Magen

Ostpreußen-Kräuter

PerNaturam

Not orderable →

Magen

Essential No. 1 Gesunder Darm

Laurel Nature

Not orderable →

Leber

Meta Gloria

Velvet Naturel

Not orderable →

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.