The yarrow (Achillea millefolium), also known as “Venus’ eyebrow”, has been an integral part of European herbalism for centuries. Its name refers to its traditional use: it is said that Achilles gave it to his warriors to heal wounds. Today, yarrow is experiencing a resurgence in natural medicine, particularly in the form of yarrow tincture. This concentrated essence is a true powerhouse of healing ingredients that have a wide range of applications in the medicine cabinet. Especially now inside Herbstit makes sense to preserve yarrow. Their flowers can be found until late autumn.
The power of yarrow: ingredients and effect
Die yarrow impresses with an impressive variety of bioactive ingredients. These include essential oils such as cineole and chamazulene, flavonoids, bitter substances, tannins and the anti-inflammatory azuléne. This combination gives yarrow anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial and astringent properties. These active ingredients make them a valuable remedy for a variety of ailments, from digestive problems and menstrual cramps to wound healing and skin irritations.
Yarrow tincture – a versatile elixir
Yarrow tincture is a concentrated form in which the healing active ingredients of the plant are preserved and preserved. Due to its long shelf life and ease of use, it is an indispensable remedy in any well-stocked medicine cabinet. But not all dyes are the same: the choice of carrier plays a crucial role in the quality and application of the dye.
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6 plants you absolutely need to knowRecipe to read
In our current fall issue of Kräuterkeller magazine (available here), you can also find the recipe for yarrow tincture to read. There’s also lots of great content on edible wild herbs, wild fruits, and recipes to take you through the seasons. It also contains important health-related topics.
Various carrier substances for yarrow dye
- High-proof alcohol (ethanol): Ethanol is the classic carrier of dyes and offers the advantage of extracting most of the active ingredients of yarrow very effectively. High proof alcohol (at least 40%, ideally 70%) preserves the dye for years. These tinctures are particularly concentrated and are suitable for both internal and external use. They are ideal for applications where a strong effect is desired, for example for digestive problems or wound healing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative for people who want to avoid alcohol. In particular, it extracts the water-soluble components of yarrow, such as flavonoids and bitter substances. Vinegar tinctures are gentler than alcoholic extracts and are suitable for sensitive people or children. These tinctures can be taken internally or used as a facial toner for blemished skin.
- Glycerine: Vegetable glycerin is another non-alcoholic carrier particularly suitable for making dyes for children or people who cannot tolerate alcohol and vinegar. Glycerin mainly extracts the sweeter, more water-soluble components of the plant. It has a delicate and hydrating effect and is ideal for use on sensitive skin. However, glycerin tinctures have a shorter shelf life than alcohol tinctures and should be used within about a year
Wild herbs and medicinal plants in autumn – perfect to get started with our starter set!
Do you know about it? Are you missing the best time to pick or gather the plants you want to collect? This happens to many people! To prevent this, we have noted exactly when and which plants can be found in nature in recent years. Now in fall, for instance, the beautiful rose hips are ready to be picked. You can find our findings arranged on a clear and always useful page Seasonal calendar of wild herbs (available here). This calendar tells you the months in which you can find herbs – and the best part: you can use it every year! Even better: you can also use the seasonal calendar in a handy way Starter set for autumn (available here) that we offer. The set provides you with everything needed to explore the world of wild herbs and healing plants this fall. Visit our shop at and begin right away
Preparation of yarrow tincture
Making a yarrow tincture is not difficult. These instructions for preparing a classic tincture with ethanol can be wonderfully implemented now in the fall.
Ingredients:
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Natural incense cones and candles for difficult nights: DIY instructions- 100 g of fresh or 50 g dried yarrow flowers and leaves
- 500ml high-proof alcohol (e.g. 70% ethanol or vodka)
- A clean jar or bottle with a screw cap
- Dark glass bottle for storage
Directions:
- Coarsely chop the yarrow flowers and leaves and fill them into the jar with a screw cap.
- Pour alcohol over until parts of the plant are completely covered.
- Close the jar tightly and leave it to infuse in a dark, warm place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar regularly to better dissolve the ingredients.
- Once the infusion time has passed, filter the tincture through a fine strainer or a cotton cloth and pour it into dark glass bottles.
- Label and store in a cool, dark place. The tincture will last for several years if stored properly
A similar procedure can be used for vinegar and glycerin tinctures, but care must be taken to keep the vinegar content around 5-10% and the glycerin content at 60-70% to ensure optimal extraction and shelf life.
Discover wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round
You can also find other interesting tips about the world of wild herbs in our book “With wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round“(available here). We would like to bring the value of wild herbs and medicinal plants back into everyday life and take you on a seasonal tour through our local world of wild herbs and medicinal plants. The book combines traditional knowledge with new insights and our personal experiences. In over 160 pages you will find many portraits of the plants that we have photographed ourselves. Bring home our knowledge of wild herbs .
Advice for application and consumption
Yarrow tincture serves both internal and external purposes. When used internally, it aids in alleviating digestive issues, eases menstrual cramps, and supports liver health. To use, dilute 10–20 drops of the tincture in water or tea, preferably taken before meals. For external use, it can be directly applied to wounds, eczema, or inflamed skin. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties assist in wound healing and soothe skin irritations. For an added benefit, pairing yarrow tincture with chamomile and lemon balm tea enhances its calming and relaxing effects, making it particularly beneficial for gastrointestinal discomfort or as part of an evening routine to encourage restful sleep.
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