A Beginner's Guide to Herbalism
Getting started with herbs does not have to be overwhelming. You do not need to memorize a hundred plants or invest in a cabinet full of jars. I have found that the best way to begin is by keeping it simple, learning by doing & experiencing, and taking good notes. Take small, meaningful steps toward understanding and using herbs in everyday life—whether that is through making a tea, an infused oil, or a simple salve.
Learn Just a Few Herbs at a Time
Start by choosing a small handful of gentle, versatile herbs to learn. Herbs like calendula, lavender, lemon balm, plantain, or chamomile are excellent first choices. Get familiar with how they look, smell, and taste. Learn how they work and how to prepare them in simple ways. Try it: steep 2 tsp dried lavender (or 1 Tbsp fresh) in a cup of hot water, covered, 10-15 minutes for tea. Or cold brew it overnight in the fridge—compare the two. Taste, smell, experience what each does, and take notes.
Culinary Herbs Count
Never forget that kitchen spices are medicinal. Keep your rack stocked with favorites like rosemary, thyme, and cinnamon, and refresh every 6-12 months for potency. Rosemary in potatoes for a memory boost. Thyme in soup can soothes a wet cough. Add cinnamon into your morning tea or coffee for a blood-sugar-friendly kick. Kitchen spices are not just flavors—they are wellness allies.
Make Something
Practical experience is a great teacher. Besides teas, one of the easiest and useful first projects is learning to make an herbal infused oil. It gives you a direct connection to the plant and a usable product you can apply right away—for skin care, salves, massage oils, and more.
Lavender Infused Oil
dried lavender buds and leaves
clean, dry jar with lid
carrier oil (i.e. olive, almond, avocado, etc.)
Fill a jar about 3/4 full with dried lavender, pour oil over top of the herbs so that they are well submerged, leaving about an inch of head space. Put the lid on the jar and swirl around gently to ensure that all surfaces of the herb is touching oil. Allow the herb to infuse into the oil for 4-6 weeks. Then strain off the herbs and bottle the oil in a labeled amber glass jar/bottle. Use the oil as a beauty oil, massage oil, base for homemade soap, or make a salve with it. Massage it on your feet and legs before bedtime for a restful night's sleep.
If you are new to the process or want a clear guide to follow, I have put together a Beginner’s Guide to Herbal Infused Oils—available now in my shop and also at my Etsy shop. It is a straightforward reference with methods, and helpful tips you can keep at your workspace or kitchen counter. Additionally, as a companion guide to that, I have created a beginner's guide to herbalism: Herbal Primer.
Take Notes
Jot down what you use, how you prep it, and what happens. Did that oil ease your irritated skin, did it help you sleep more soundly? Write it down! Notes turn experiments into understanding, building a foundation you can trust. It’s proof you can care for your family with natural remedies.
Keep It Simple and Keep Going
This is not about becoming an expert overnight. It is about building your knowledge step by step, in a way that is manageable. If you are just starting out, you will find plenty of helpful information in my blogs—along with the resources available in my shop to support you as you build a strong foundation.
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