Everyday herbalism
& how to create an herbal apothecary at home
I like to call my style of herbalism I practice, everyday herbalism. It's a casual, intuitive way that fits into my lifestyle. Whether it’s sleepy tinctures, loose-leaf tea, immunity support with elderberry and oregano oil, or herbal tea infusions. I would bet that if you are reading this, you also incorporate an herbal practice in your life whether you know it or not. A cup of tea in the morning, bitters in a mocktail, and lavender oil on your wrist, all count as everyday herbalism.
So, let’s get into what my everyday herbalism looks like right now:
Before bed, I prepare my infusions using 1-3 herbs that my body is craving (typically I do red raspberry leaf, nettle, and chamomile), pour boiling water over (lid on to keep the oils in!), let it steep, and in the morning I strain it and put in the fridge to have throughout the day and the following day. Drinking herbal infusions, over just plain water, is a game changer in getting minerals in and staying hydrated, not to mention the many benefits of the unique plants used. This video gives a great tutorial.
I’ll also drop some tinctures directly into my mouth throughout the day depending on my needs; minerals for overall balance, energy boost, anxiety ally, cramp support.
Favorite tincture brands: Wooden Spoon, Earthely, Mountain Rose Herbs
*some of these are extracted and made with an alcohol base, but others use or have the option of vegetable glycerin
KIDS | My 2 year old son, Rowan, also finds the benefits of plant friends! He is always requesting “tea! mama! please.” which is either cinnamon apple tea or a chamomile.
Chamomile is especially calming for children. Lemon balm, elderberry, fennel seeds, ginger, dandelion, rose hips are all kid safe (but please do further research!)
I also give him a few drops of this on nights when he’s having a hard time sleeping. The brand Earthely makes amazing tinctures for littles.
Here’s the way I break down my kitchen herbal apothecary
Dried herbs, flowers, and loose leaf teas
Herbal tinctures & flower essences
Prepackaged teas
Tools to have on hand:
Wooden spoon with measurements
French press (great for brewing loose leaf tea)
Small stainless-steel funnels
Strainers of all sizes
Tips about getting into herbalism
Pick 1-3 herbs you are interested in, and go from there. Do research and introduce them in one by one.
Get very familiar with the herbs you are interested in. Spend time looking at the plant in the full form, try a bit at a time, and feel the energy from it.
Nervines are a very nice place to start. Nervines are types of herbs intended to nourish and support the central nervous system.
Examples of some nervines:
A few weeks ago, I found this antique wood hutch on FB marketplace and I instantly knew I needed it to create a nook in my kitchen that was dedicated just to herbalism.
Of course, you can dedicate any corner of your house to your plant medicine. Even a small metal tray like this would work, or a marble tray would be very chic.
Favorite books to learn about herbalism and plant medicine
Plants for the People: A Modern Guide to Plant Medicine
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide
Disclaimer: I am not an herbalist, please speak to a doctor, herbalist, or naturopath if you have any hesitation. And please, do your own research as some herbs and plant medicine can be potent.