Yarrow uses go far beyond the garden. This hardy perennial (Achillea millefolium) is valued not only for its abundant blooms and vibrant colors but also for its versatility in herbal and home applications. From crafting with dried flowers to brewing soothing tea and preparing a healing tincture, yarrow is a plant with a long tradition of practical and medicinal benefits. Here are three yarrow uses that are perfect for a hobby farm.
1. Using Yarrow for Dried Flowers and Crafts
Yarrow is fantastic to use for pressing and drying. It’s especially easy to incorporate into fall crafting. The small, delicate flowers maintain their color (though you should expect fading) and keep their shape very well.
In the fall, dried flower bouquets can be displayed around the house, which include yarrow, strawflowers, lavender and other flowers, plus herbs and grasses.
2. Yarrow Uses for Herbal Tea
Dried yarrow flowers are good to have on hand for tea making.
To dry yarrow, simply harvest stems with the flowers in bloom. Remove the leaves from the stems and make small bundles. Use a rubber band or twine to hold the bundles together and hang them upside down, out of direct sunlight, in a space with good airflow – similar to how you’d dry other herbs.
Once completely dry, remove the yarrow flowers and store them in an airtight container, out of direct sunlight.
To make tea, in a heat-safe mug, simply pour hot water over 1 to 2 tablespoons of yarrow flowers (a tea ball or tea bag is ideal). Steep for at least five minutes. Strain out the yarrow flowers if you aren’t using a ball/bag. This tea can be enjoyed with fresh lemon and some homemade maple syrup, but those additions are up to personal preference.
3. Yarrow Uses for Healing Tinctures
Yarrow has a large list of medicinal and health benefits, which makes it an ideal candidate for making a tincture with.
A tincture is basically a concentrated liquid that can be used for medicinal purposes. It requires infusing fresh or dried yarrow in alcohol for a period of time, then straining the solids out of the alcohol and using the saved infused liquid for therapeutic reasons.
This tincture is typically used for small cuts, burns and scrapes to help clean and to stop bleeding.
Yarrow Tincture How-To
Supplies:
1 pint-size canning jar with lid and ring
Fresh or dried yarrow flowers
Vodka of your choice
Fine mesh sieve
Measuring cup with pour spout to collect infused liquid
Clean container with lid to store tincture, ideally a dark bottle with dropper or spray top.
Directions:
1. Clean your canning jar with hot, soapy water.
2. Fill the jar halfway with fresh or dried yarrow flowers.
3. Pour enough vodka over the flowers to completely cover them. If using dried yarrow, add a little extra vodka as the dried flowers do absorb more of the vodka than when using fresh flowers.
4. Place the lid on the jar and tightly screw on the ring. Place the infusion in a dark cupboard for at least one month. Occasionally, tip the jar upside down to mix up the ingredients.
5. Pour tincture into a clean bottle and screw on the lid.
Final Thoughts on Yarrow
Yarrow is both a beautiful perennial and a valuable herb. From simple dried flower crafts to soothing tea and powerful tinctures, yarrow uses are practical and accessible. Whether you grow it for its color in the garden or its healing qualities in the home, yarrow offers lasting rewards that make it well worth cultivating.
This article about yarrow uses was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
