How to Make Yarrow Tea

Learn how to make yarrow tea with fresh yarrow from your garden! This yarrow tea recipe is easy to make with only 2 ingredients!

Looking for a recipe on how to make yarrow tea from the plant? This herbal infusion is made from the freshly harvested flowers, leaves, and stems of a plant called Achillea millefolium. This herb has been used for centuries to treat many ailments due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Making yarrow tea is easy and requires just 2 ingredients: water and yarrow. Of course, you can always enhance your tea flavor with lemon, honey, or other flavorful herbs! Yarrow tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that can be served hot or cold depending on your preference, making it an ideal beverage for any time of day.

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What is Yarrow?

Yarrow is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in regions all over the world. It produces beautiful, small flowers and has feathery-like foliage. Yarrow has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries, and its medicinal properties are often attributed to its anti-inflammatory compounds as well as other chemicals found in the plant.

How to Prepare Yarrow for Tea

Start by harvesting fresh yarrow leaves from your yarrow plant. (If you are using dried yarrow, it is most likely prepared and ready to steep.)

After harvesting your yarrow, wash it thoroughly with cool water to remove any dirt or debris that may be present on the leaves and stems. After rinsing, pat dry with a paper towel and your yarrow is ready to use.

How to Make Yarrow Tea

This recipe is for making yarrow tea from fresh yarrow but you can also use it to make tea with dried yarrow as well. Yarrow is an easy herb to prepare, and the process can be done in just a few simple steps!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Kitchen scissors
• Teapot
• Kettle

Ingredients for Yarrow Tea

• Yarrow
• Filtered Water
• Honey to taste (optional)
• Lemon to taste (optional)

Yarrow Tea Recipe

After rinsing and cleaning your yarrow, place in the bottom of a mug or teapot. (NOTE: you can use a tea infuser or tea ball if desired)

Pour the hot water over the herb.

Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes. You can adjust the amount of time based on your personal preference. (NOTE: Yarrow tea can taste bitter. For a milder tea, try steeping only 3-5 minutes or use fewer herbs)

Once your tea has finished steeping, strain out the herbs.

Add honey or lemon to taste.

Tips and Tricks

• Clean the yarrow thoroughly to remove dirt, bugs, and any other unwanted debris in the plant.
• Yarrow can be bitter. Young leaves are often more tender and sweeter.
• Sweeten with honey.
• Add zest with a squeeze of fresh lemon or add a slice of dried lemon.

How to Dry Yarrow for Tea

Yarrow flower tea is a healthful and flavorful herbal infusion. The flowers and leaves of the yarrow plant are often used to make tea- using either fresh or dried. If you have an abundance of fresh yarrow, drying this herb for future use is a great option!

Drying herbs like yarrow to make tea is a fairly simple process that can be done in your own kitchen either by air drying or using a food dehydrator. Once the herb is dry, store them in an airtight container and they’ll be ready to use in this yarrow tea recipe.

Origin and History

It is said that the legendary Greek hero Achilles used yarrow to heal his wounds. Achilles treats his wounds with a potion made of yarrow and other herbs. He then wraps the mixture in a piece of cloth and applies it directly to the wound. This treatment was believed to be effective due to yarrow’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has been used for centuries as a healing herb and for culinary purposes. Native to many regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America, the plant was known by many names – nosebleed, old man’s pepper, and soldier’s woundwort among them – and was often used to treat wounds, colds, and sore throats. Today, yarrow tea is a well-known herbal beverage with many potential health benefits.

There are many different varieties of yarrow and look alike! Be sure to use organic edible yarrow for your tea.

Common Uses

Yarrow is a beautiful plant with many uses. Tea made from yarrow has been used in traditional folk remedies for centuries, due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Yarrow is also used in essential oil, salve, or balm form, and as a poultice for wounds. 

Yarrow tea has many potential health benefits and may help reduce inflammation in the body. It is also said to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help to treat anxiety and insomnia. Yarrow tea is also believed to be beneficial for digestion and immunity.

How does Yarrow Tea Taste?

Yarrow tea has an earthy herbaceous taste. I think it also has a mild yet distinctly astringent taste to it. I like adding a little honey and lemon to my prepared tea to help mask the slight bitterness of it as well as add a pleasant flavor. 

Yarrow Tea Benefits

Yarrow tea has many potential health benefits that have been studied over the years. It is known for its anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Some studies suggest that yarrow may even have a calming effect on the nervous system. Yarrow tea may also help improve digestion and boost the immune system.

While more research is still needed on yarrow, there are many potential health benefits that are worth considering. 

As always, make sure to check with your trusted medical professional before making any changes to your health routines.

Yarrow Tea Side Effects

Yarrow tea has the potential to cause side effects in some individuals, especially those with allergies or sensitivities. If negative side effects occur the tea should be immediately discontinued and medical attention should be sought. Additionally, yarrow tea should not be consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

Overall, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before consuming any herbal teas, including yarrow tea. With their guidance, you can decide if this is the right tea for you and how much of it to consume each day.

FAQs

Can you Make tea from Fresh Yarrow?

Yes, you can make tea from fresh yarrow! Fresh yarrow leaves and flowers are easy to prepare for tea, simply rinse with cool water and pat dry with a paper towel before use.

Where to Buy Yarrow Tea?

Yarrow tea is often available for purchase online or at your local health food store. 

How Often Should you Drink Yarrow Tea?

Yarrow tea can be a very beneficial herbal infusion that can be consumed safely and regularly. However, the amount of tea will vary from person to person. It is important to talk with your doctor before drinking this tea or making any changes to your health routine.

I hope you enjoy this herbal tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect! If you try this recipe, please come back and leave a 5-star review!