10 ways to learn herbalism is as simple as it sounds. With a little bit of guidance you'll be on your way to expanding your plant knowledge just like that.
Sometimes I wish I could discover herbalism again for the first time. It was so arcane and such a rabbit hole moment for me, that feeling is so hard to recreate. I'd imagine it being similar to that of digging and finding a gem. But now I get the privilege of teaching people and living vicariously through their first moments of discovery and that's just as amazing.
Herbalism isn't hard, you're probably already using plants and you don't even know it. You just need the right tools and a push in the right direction.
10 Ways To Learn Herbalism
One: Researching and Learning
Have a library card? One of the easiest ways to start is heading to your nearest library and checking out as many books as possible about health, wellness, anatomy, herbs, gardening, meditation, etc. It's totally free and a perfect place to start your research and learning. You can find information online, in books, courses, youtube, podcasts, and valid courses. This step is crucial to building a strong foundation in herbalism. You need to learn about the different herbs, their properties, and how they can be used safely and effectively.
*I also created this Digital Materia Medica for easy learning and organization. It's one of the best things that I have EVER made hands down! Check it out here, I built it through Notion, plus recorded a tutorial to teach you how to use it too. It's extremely simple - promise!
Two: One Herb At A Time.. or a few
Choose one or two herbs to start with and learn everything you can about them. This will help you become more familiar with their properties and how to use them. Start with herbs that are easy to find and use, such as chamomile, lavender, rose, or peppermint.
Three: Apothecary Supplies
Having the right equipment is essential for making herbal remedies. A mortar and pestle is used to grind herbs, a strainer is used to strain herbal infusions, and glass jars are used to store herbal remedies. You can find the Apothecary Supply Checklist here complete with links. I took the guess work out of this part for you so that you can get back to what's important... your herbal studies!
Four: Curiouser and Curiouser
Staying curious is going to do you good in learning all things herbalism. A hands on approach is needed for understanding herbs, this means start making infusions, decoctions, tea, tinctures, and salves. Start with simple recipes and work your way up to more complex ones. Making your own herbal remedies is a great way to learn about herbs and their properties. You can find the Herbal Medicine Starter Guide here. Valuable information on recipes like tinctures, glycerites, oxymels, and more!
Five: 1 Herb 10+ Ways
There are so many different methods to prepare herbs, and each method has its own benefits. Infusions are used to extract the volatile oils from herbs, decoctions are used to extract the water-soluble compounds. Tinctures use an alcohol base while glycerites don't - this allows for many different walks of like to find their preference of herb and be able to enjoy the benefits however they see fit.
Six: Herb Garden
Start growing your own herbs. This will give you a fresh supply of herbs to work with and will also help you connect with nature. Growing your own herbs is a great way to ensure that you have a fresh supply of herbs to work with plus you'll get so fresh air! I don't have a huge space just yet, but I still manage to grow and use what I can. Saves me money on salad garnishes and makes for a beautiful way to share small gifts with friends.
Seven: How To Use Herbs
Herbs can be used through cooking (vinegar, syrup, oil), aromatherapy (volatile oils, sprays, smoked) skincare products (oils, creams, soaps, lotions, scrubs), and more. They are extremely versatile and it's important to know all the different ways they can be used which will help you be a more well rounded herbalist. Herbs prepared in these ways can help with stress, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Eight: Build Your Herbal Safety
Herbal safety is replacing all your OTC medicine with true medicine created straight from your hands! Building your own herbal medicine cabinet. This can include things like herbal teas, tinctures, and salves. It's a great way to have a supply of herbal remedies on hand for when you need them. Just like you would reach in the cabinet for Tylenol - you would then reach for a tincture of passionflower, turmeric, or rose hips. Start with a few basic replacements like digestion, fever, etc and work your way up.
Nine: Incorporating Herbs into Your Daily Routine
Drinking herbal teas is a great way to promote health and wellness, using herbal skincare products can promote healthy skin, and incorporating herbs into your cooking can add flavor and nutrition to your meals. Learn all the ways you can add herbs into your routine daily. For example, cup of tea in the morning, afternoon, and night. Calendula oil on the skin daily, adding cinnamon to food dishes and baked goods. The possibilities are endless.
Ten: Sharing Your Knowledge & Passion
Share your knowledge and passion for herbalism with others. This can include starting a blog, teaching classes, or simply sharing your knowledge with friends and family. Sharing your knowledge and passion for herbalism is a great way to inspire others to learn about herbs and their benefits and can even turn into something more like a business, passion project, and a way for you to make a living doing what you truly love! If you want to get started and are eager to learn more be sure to check out all our free resources linked and on the blog.
If you just want to dive into the deep end with starting a herbal business, you are going to want to check this out:
The Ultimate Herbal Business Start-Up Guide
With the help fo this guide, you'll be able to:
-
Start your own Herbal Business ASAP!
-
Be confident in what you are creating/selling
-
Understand the power of branding/marketing/sales/email
-
Expand your sales past a website
-
Comply with all regulations
-
Get organized and serious about your herbal business
-
Have a clear vision of what you want to do in your business & the future
-
Cultivate a strong community of like-minded people
+ much more
Luckily I answer and elaborate on all all of these topics!
Head to The Ultimate Herbal Business Start-Up Guide to get started, see you there!
