So You Wanna Be an Herbalist? Start Here.

Hey there, plant lover 👋 Thanks for dropping in to hear me ramble about herbs (and probably make a mess in the kitchen doing it).

When I first stumbled into herbalism, I went all in. No dipping toes. Just full cannonball into the world of tinctures, oxymels, syrups, salves—you name it, I made it. Beard balm? Sure. Fire cider? Of course. My kitchen looked like a witch's apothecary met a dishwashing nightmare. Honestly, the only downside to making your own remedies is the mountain of dishes. You've been warned 😅

A Quick Word on Safety (Because It Matters)

If you're planning to actually use your creations—for yourself, family, or friends—take it slow and smart. This isn’t just kitchen alchemy; it’s wellness work. And yes, that means:

• Know your contraindications. Some herbs don’t play nice with certain meds or conditions.

• Check for allergies. (Patch tests are your bestie.)

• Talk to your doctor. I know, I know—it’s not what most of us wanna hear. But a trusted healthcare provider can help you stay safe while you learn. Even if they don’t “get” herbs, they do know a thing or two about your body.

  
  

Syrups: The Gateway Craft

If you're just starting out, I highly recommend syrups. They’re sweet, forgiving, and wildly effective. My first-ever creation was an elderberry syrup. I probably overdid the elderberries-to-water ratio (whoops), but hey—it turned out delicious, and that winter I skipped the usual flu, just caught a light cold.

Fun fact I learned after the fact: elderberry doesn’t just support the immune system—it stimulates it. Which is great for most folks, but if you have an autoimmune condition, it can actually cause some issues. See what I mean about learning as you go?

Herbalism is a journey. You won’t know everything when you start, and that’s okay. Just stay curious, do your homework, and go gently.

Thanks for hanging out with me here 💚 May your day be cozy, creative, and just a little bit herbally.