Evidence supporting the use of: Fern-leaf yarrow
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) is traditionally used to support the healing of scratches and abrasions. This use is based on longstanding folk medicine practices, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, where various species of yarrow have been valued for their wound-healing properties. The genus name "Achillea" references the Greek hero Achilles, who, according to legend, used yarrow to treat the wounds of his soldiers, indicating a deep historical association with wound care.
Ethnobotanical records document that yarrow leaves and flowers were often applied as poultices or in salves to stop bleeding, promote tissue repair, and prevent infection in minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions. This is attributed to the plant’s content of compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and volatile oils, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties. Although modern scientific research has focused more on Achillea millefolium (common yarrow), these compounds are also present in Achillea filipendulina.
While there is some overlap with preliminary scientific findings—mainly in vitro and animal studies—most of the support for using fern-leaf yarrow in the treatment of minor skin injuries is traditional. Clinical trials specifically evaluating fern-leaf yarrow for scratches and abrasions are lacking, so the evidence rating is moderate but not high.
More about Fern-leaf yarrow
More about Scratches and Abrasions
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Fern-leaf yarrow
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insect Repellant
Itching
Labor and Delivery
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Scratches and Abrasions
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores