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Yarrow steeping in alcohol in a glass jar to make yarrow tincture.
Nico

How To Make Yarrow Tincture (DIY Healing Recipe)

Yarrow is used to support wound healing, ease menstrual pain, reduce inflammation, and more. Learning how to make yarrow tincture is a great way to easily be able to preserve and consume the plant’s medicinal benefits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 56 days
Total Time 56 days 15 minutes
Servings: 1 bottle
Course: Tinctures
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • .5 cups Fresh or dried yarrow here's an organic source
  • 1 cup 80-proof unflavoured alcohol If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. If you’re using fresh yarrow, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.

Equipment

  • An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal. - I use these
  • Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops - I like these - I use these
  • A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
  • A small funnel
  • A knife, food processor, or mortar and pestle – for chopping up fresh yarrow

Method
 

  1. Wash your fresh yarrow leaves, flowers, and stems and allow them to airdry overnight or pat them dry with a cloth.
  2. Use a knife, food processor, or mortar and pestle to chop up fresh yarrow. We do this to maximise the surface area of the plant that is exposed to the alcohol.
  3. Add the plant material to a clean glass mason jar. If you’re using fresh plant material, fill the jar ¾ of the way full. If you’re using dried yarrow, fill the jar ⅓ of the way full.
  4. Cover the yarrow with 80-proof or above alcohol - I tend to use unflavoured vodka. 
  5. Add a piece of parchment paper between the jar and the lid, and then put a lid on the jar. Shake the jar to make sure everything is covered in alcohol. Set the jar in a cool (room temperature is fine), dry place away from direct sunlight.
  6. If you used dried yarrow, top up your jar the following day to make sure everything remains below the alcohol.
  7. Add a label and date so you don’t forget what it is and when you made it.
  8. Let the jar sit for 6-8 weeks and try to shake it a few times a week to keep the yarrow submerged in alcohol.
  9. After 8 weeks, use cheesecloth or a strainer to strain off the tincture.
  10. Add the liquid extract to an amber glass dropper bottle. Don’t forget to date and label it so you don’t forget what it is.

Notes

How much yarrow tincture to take?

Digestive support - You can take 10-20 drops 1-2 times per day.
Menstrual pain relief - You can take 10-20 drops 2-3 times per day.
Immune support - You can take 20-30 drops 2-3 times per day.
You can start by taking small amounts and working your way up.

How long does yarrow tincture last?

Like many alcohol-based herbal tinctures, this tincture has a long shelf life. It will last a very long time if stored away from direct sunlight, in a dark place and the plant material has been completely strained off. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!