Yarrow for Digestion
The Bitter Power of Yarrow
Yarrow’s bitterness is one of its most overlooked but powerful qualities. Bitters are essential for digestion—they stimulate digestive enzymes, bile flow, and overall gut health. Yarrow’s particular bitter profile makes it a fantastic herb for sluggish digestion, bloating, and appetite regulation.
Why Bitters Matter:
Prime digestion – Bitters kickstart digestive juices, helping to break down food efficiently.
Support the liver – Encourages bile flow, aiding fat digestion and detoxification.
Reduce bloating – Helps prevent sluggish digestion that can lead to discomfort.
Balance appetite – Bitters can both stimulate or regulate hunger, depending on what your body needs.
How to Use Yarrow as a Bitter:
Bitter Tea – Sip before meals to stimulate digestion.
Yarrow Bitters – A potent extract perfect for adding to water, cocktails, or herbal tonics.
Bitter Greens – Add fresh Yarrow leaves to salads for a digestive boost.
Yarrow Digestive Bitters Recipe
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp dried Yarrow (leaves & flowers)
1 Tbsp dried Dandelion root
1 Tbsp dried dandelion leaf
1 Tbsp dried Orange peel
2 tsp Fennel seeds
2 tsp Cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
1-inch piece fresh Ginger, sliced
250mL Vodka or Brandy (high-proof alcohol, ~40%)
Method:
Crush or blend the herbs into a coarse powder and place them in a sterilised glass jar.
Pour vodka or brandy over the herbs, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
Seal the jar and shake well. Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking every few days (you COULD get away with 3 weeks if you really have too)
After 4-6, strain through a fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth, pressing out all the liquid.
Transfer to a dark glass dropper bottle and store in a cool, dry place.
How to Use Digestive Bitters
Take 1–2 mL (20–40 drops) in a little water 10–15 minutes before meals.
For bloating, take after meals to support digestion.
Can be added to sparkling water as a herbal aperitif.
Can be added to cocktails
Customising Your Bitters
🌿 For a more aromatic blend: Increase orange peel & cardamom.
🌿 For a stronger bitter effect: try and get your hand on some rind Gentian and add a very small amount
🌿 For a non-alcoholic version: Use apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol (strain after 4–6 weeks).
This Yarrow bitters recipe is an excellent way to preserve bitter herbs and have them on-hand in a convenient way so you can take daily to support digestion naturally. You’ve got to try it!
*always make sure you are identifying yarrow properly if harvesting yourself! I have a guide to identification here
