So You Wanna Be an Herbalist? Beginner's Guide 🌿

Well hello, new herbalist friend! If you’re here, that means the plant path is calling—and you’re ready to answer. Whether you’re just feeling curious, deeply called, or somewhere in between, this is your guide to getting started with herbalism in a way that feels grounded, empowering, and fun.

This is more than a kit list—it’s a complete beginner roadmap to help you:

• Understand what herbalism is (and isn’t)

• Get to know simple tools and supplies

• Learn safe and effective ways to use common herbs

• Try your hand at the most foundational herbal preparations: teas, syrups, tinctures, and salves

• Begin building confidence in your personal herbal practice

Let’s dig in, shall we?

🌿 What Is Herbalism?

Herbalism is the practice of working with plants for health, wellness, and vitality. That could mean sipping a calming chamomile tea after a long day, making an elderberry syrup during cold season, or crafting a salve for dry skin. Herbalism can be simple, spiritual, science-based, or somewhere in between.

Most importantly: Herbalism is about relationship with plants, your body, and the seasons. You don’t need to know everything to begin. You just need curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to learn.

📆 Herbalism for Beginners: What to Focus On First

Forget the overwhelm. You only need three things to start:

1. A few herbs

2. A handful of tools

3. Some beginner-friendly methods

Let’s take each of those step by step.

🪴 Simple Tools for Your Home Apothecary

You don’t need fancy gear. Just a few kitchen basics will get you started:

• Clean glass jars with lids (mason jars, recycled jars, etc.)

• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

• Small saucepan or double boiler

• Measuring spoons & cups

• Funnel (optional but helpful)

• Dropper bottles or small jars for finished products

• Labels (you’ll forget what’s in what, trust me!)

Optional, but lovely:

• A small notebook to track recipes and results

• A dedicated shelf or basket for your herbal supplies

🌿 Beginner Herbs to Know and Love

These herbs are safe, easy to work with, and incredibly useful. You don’t need all of them at once—start with what you can access.

• Chamomile – calming, digestive, gentle

• Peppermint – energizing, cooling, relieves nausea

• Lemon Balm – mood-lifting, antiviral

• Elderberries – immune-boosting, syrup-friendly

• Lavender – relaxing, aromatic, skin-soothing

• Calendula – topical healer, anti-inflammatory

• Rose Hips – vitamin C powerhouse, tangy in tea

You can build your herbal library slowly. Focus on 3–5 herbs to start and really get to know them.

🧼 Foundational Herbal Preparations

Here’s where it gets fun! These are the four most common (and easiest) ways to use herbs:

☕ Herbal Tea (Infusion)

Steeping dried (or fresh) herbs in hot water is the most traditional and accessible form of herbalism.

To make:

• Use about 1 tbsp dried herbs (or 2 tbsp fresh) per 8 oz cup

• Pour boiling water over herbs

• Cover and steep for 10–20 minutes

• Strain and enjoy

Try: Chamomile + lemon balm for calm evenings

🍼 Herbal Syrup

A blend of strong herbal tea (called a decoction) and sweetener like honey or sugar.

To make:

• Simmer herbs in water for 30–45 minutes (about 1 oz herbs per 2 cups water)

• Strain and return liquid to pot

• Add equal part honey or sugar (e.g., 1 cup liquid to 1 cup honey/sugar)

• Stir while warm to dissolve

• Bottle and refrigerate for up to 1 month

Try: Elderberry syrup for seasonal immune support

🍷 Tincture

A long-lasting herbal extract made using alcohol (or glycerin).

To make:

• Fill a clean jar 1/3 - 1/2 way with dried herb

• Cover completely with vodka or brandy (or glycerin for alcohol-free)

• Label, shake, and let sit 4–6 weeks in a dark place

• Strain and bottle in dropper bottles

Use: 1–2 droppers as needed, depending on the herb

Try: Lemon balm tincture for mood support

🛋️ Salve

An herbal oil blended with beeswax to make a semi-solid balm for skin.

To make infused oil:

• Fill a jar with dried calendula (or similar herb)

• Cover with olive oil and let infuse for 4–6 weeks OR warm gently for 4 hours (use a double boiler or a small pot just keep the jar from directly contacting the bottom of the pot)

• Strain well

To make salve:

• Melt 1 cup infused oil with 1 oz beeswax (or soywax for a softer consistency)

• Pour into clean tins or jars

• Cool and label

Try: Lavender + calendula salve for dry or irritated skin

🧬 Common-Sense Herbal Safety

• Start small: one herb, one remedy at a time

• Know allergies and contraindications (especially for kids, pregnant folks, or those on medications)

• Label everything

• Take notes

• Store herbs and remedies in cool, dark places

• When in doubt, research or speak with a qualified herbalist or doctor

Herbs are powerful and beautiful—respect and curiosity go a long way.

🔗 What’s Next on Your Herbal Path?

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to start exploring:

• Try a new herb each week and keep notes

• Practice your first syrup or salve

• Read beginner herbal books and blogs

• Join a local herbal meetup or online group

Most of all? Stay curious. Herbalism is a lifelong relationship, not a checklist.

📋 Recap & Resources

Beginner Steps:

1. Stock a few basic herbs

2. Get familiar with simple tools

3. Learn core herbal preparations

4. Keep notes and track your process

Popular Next Posts to Explore:

• Let's Make a Syrup

• 8 Things Rosemary Can Do for You

• A Little Ashwagandha Love

Ready to blend your first remedy? Go for it! You’re now on your herbalist path—welcome healer.