To mitigate surgical bleeding risks associated with its effect on blood coagulation, how long before a procedure should yarrow use be discontinued?
At least two weeks prior
Because yarrow contains the alkaloid Achilleine, which is known to prolong the time it takes for blood to form a clot, there is a serious concern regarding its effect on surgical bleeding control. Surgeons and anesthesiologists must ensure that a patient's natural coagulation cascade is not compromised by herbal supplements prior to an invasive procedure. To adequately address this risk, a specific prophylactic withdrawal period is recommended. Individuals scheduled to undergo surgery are strongly advised to stop using yarrow entirely for a period spanning at least two weeks immediately preceding the scheduled procedure date. This recommended timeframe aims to allow the systemic effects of the herb on blood chemistry to subside sufficiently, thereby minimizing the potential for excessive or difficult-to-control bleeding during or after the surgery is performed.
