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.