Evidence supporting the use of: Yarrow
For the body system: Bladder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, including for urinary and bladder health. Folk medicine across Europe, Asia, and North America has employed yarrow for its diuretic properties, meaning it may promote urine flow and support the urinary tract, including the bladder. Traditional herbalists have used yarrow to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, and inflammation of the bladder, often as a tea or tincture. Its purported benefits are attributed to its content of flavonoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils, which are believed to have mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent effects.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting yarrow for bladder health is limited and largely based on in vitro or animal studies. Some research suggests antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, but well-designed clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, while yarrow’s use for bladder support is rooted in tradition and there is some pharmacological rationale, robust scientific validation is insufficient. For this reason, yarrow’s role in supporting the bladder is best described as traditional, with a low-to-moderate level of evidence (2 out of 5).

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