Herbalism and Herbal Remedies for Natural Healing

Make herbal remedies to heal naturally.

Herbalism is the practice of using medicinal herbs to support health and well-being through simple preparations such as teas, tinctures, salves, and infused oils. This site offers beginner-friendly, educational guidance on medicinal herbs, herbal remedies, and their traditional use for common concerns, with an emphasis on safe and responsible use.

Beginner-friendly herbalism setup with medicinal herbs, tinctures, and a mortar and pestle

What Is Herbalism?

Herbalism is the traditional and modern practice of working with medicinal plants to create remedies, teas, tinctures, and salves that support everyday health. It combines plant knowledge, hands-on preparation skills, and an understanding of how herbs have been used historically for digestion, sleep, stress, skin, and immunity.

Herbs with medicinal properties for educational use in herbalism

Medicinal Herbs

Learn about the most common medicinal herbs and their traditional uses for everyday health.

Explore Medicinal Herbs

Herbs with preparation methods for making teas, tinctures, and salves at home

Herbal Preparations

Step-by-step guidance on creating teas, tinctures, salves, and other remedies at home.

Learn Herbal Preparation Methods

Herbal remedies in jars and teas for common ailments like digestion, sleep, stress, and immunity

Ailments and Remedies

Understand how herbal remedies support digestion, sleep, stress management, skin health, and immunity.

See Herbal Remedies for Common Ailments

Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses

Medicinal herbs are plants that contain natural compounds traditionally used to support health and well-being. Their properties depend on the plant species, the part used, and the way the herb is prepared.

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What Makes a Plant Medicinal?

A plant is considered medicinal when it contains bioactive compounds that have been traditionally used to support the body. These compounds may include essential oils, flavonoids, bitters, or alkaloids.

Plant Parts Used in Herbalism

Different parts of a medicinal plant are used in herbalism depending on where the active compounds are concentrated.

  • Leaves and flowers: often used for teas and infusions
  • Roots and rhizomes: commonly prepared as decoctions or tinctures
  • Seeds and fruits: used for oils, powders, or teas
  • Bark and resins: valued for concentrated herbal preparations

General Categories of Herbal Use

Medicinal herbs are commonly grouped by the type of support they have traditionally been used to provide.

  • Digestive support
  • Immune support
  • Relaxation and sleep support
  • Skin care and topical use
  • Respiratory support

Herbal Remedies and Preparation Methods

Herbal remedies are made by preparing medicinal herbs in specific ways to make their beneficial compounds available for use. Common preparation methods include teas, tinctures, salves, oils, and syrups, each suited to different herbs and purposes.

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Types of Herbal Preparation Methods

Herbal remedies are prepared using different methods depending on the plant material, the desired strength, and how the remedy will be used.

  • Teas and infusions: gentle preparations made with hot water
  • Decoctions: simmered preparations for roots and bark
  • Tinctures: concentrated extracts made with alcohol or glycerin
  • Salves and balms: topical remedies made with infused oils and wax
  • Infused oils: herbs steeped in oil for external use

What Is a Home Apothecary?

A home apothecary is a personal collection of herbs, remedies, and tools used to prepare and store herbal preparations at home. It typically includes dried herbs, jars, measuring tools, and basic supplies for making simple remedies.

Herbal Preparation for Beginners

Beginners often start with simple herbal preparations such as teas, infused oils, and basic salves. These methods require minimal equipment and allow new herbalists to learn safely while building confidence.

Understand the World of Herbal Medicine

What Is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is the practice of using plants and plant extracts to support health and wellness. Rooted in centuries of tradition, it combines natural remedies with modern scientific insights. From calming teas to potent tinctures, herbs offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits.

History & Tradition

Herbs have shaped healing practices across cultures, from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to Indigenous ethnobotany worldwide. Exploring these historical and cultural contexts deepens our understanding of herbal medicine's enduring role in wellness.

Modern Applications

Today, herbal medicine intersects with modern science through research on bioactive compounds, clinical studies, and evidence-based therapies. Herbs are studied for their roles in immunity, stress management, digestion, and overall vitality.

Explore Core Areas of Herbal Medicine

Medicinal Herbs

Discover our complete index of medicinal plants, from common kitchen herbs like ginger and turmeric to clinically studied botanicals such as ashwagandha and echinacea. Each profile explores traditional uses, active compounds, scientific research, and safe applications. Begin your journey by exploring the Medicinal Herbs Hub.

Medicinal Herbs Hub

Ailments

Learn how herbal medicine supports specific health goals. From calming the nervous system and promoting better sleep, to supporting digestive health, immunity, and skin balance, our condition-based guides connect symptoms to well-studied herbal remedies. Visit the Ailments Hub to explore natural options tailored to your needs.

Ailments Hub

Preparations

The way herbs are prepared affects their potency and benefits. Explore tutorials on making herbal teas, tinctures, salves, capsules, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced herbalist, our Preparations Hub will guide you through safe, effective, and traditional techniques and methods.

Preparations Hub

Explore The Most Used Medicinal Herbs

Urtica dioica

urtica dioica
Urtica dioica

Salvia officinalis

salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis

Camellia sinensis

camellia sinensis
Camellia sinensis

Hypericum perforatum

hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum

Matricaria chamomilla

matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla

Rosmarinus officinalis

rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis

Zingiber officinale

zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale

Silybum marianum

silybum marianum
Silybum marianum

Echinacea purpurea

echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea

Foeniculum vulgare

foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare

Rosa canina

rosa canina
Rosa canina

Vitex agnus-castus

vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus

Glycyrrhiza glabra

glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra

Mentha x piperita

mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita

Equisetum arvense

equisetum arvense
Equisetum arvense