Best Herbal Preparations for Beginners

If you’re new to herbalism the number of ways you can work with plants may feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are really no rules (as long as your safe and take necessary precautions, i.e if you’re pregnant or have an autoimmune disease) as herbal preparations are incredibly adaptable. The “right” method for you depends on your current lifestyle, preferences, and the type of support you’re looking for. Outlined below is an approachable guide to the most beginner-friendly herbal preparations, designed to help you determine which method is best for you.

Herbal Teas

Tea is one of the simplest ways to work with herbs. It’s accessible (I bet your kitchen right now has a few plants that could made into teas), comforting, and easy to put together. Just need two ingredients: the plant and some water.

To dig a little deeper into the tea situation, there are two types:

Infusions are made by steeping delicate plant parts like leaves and flowers anywhere from 5-10 minutes. These are typically hot. Cold infusions require a bit more water and herbs, such as 1/3 cup of oatstraw in a 32oz mason jar and fill the jar up with cool water, leave overnight.

Decoctions simmer tougher plant material such ask roots, bark, and seeds for upwards of 15 minutes.

Teas are wonderful because the preparation causes you to slow down and be present. From a spiritual perspective tea is a great way to understand what wisdom a plant wants to share with you since water is medium for psychic activity.

Tinctures

Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made using alcohol. Alternatives to a tincture made with alcohol would be glycerin or vinegar, although the potency wouldn’t be as strong as herbs tinctured in alcohol.

This method of consuming herbs is recommended for those with busy schedules, fast-acting support, travel and for when you just don’t feel like making tea, especially when you’re sick.

Herbal Oils, Salves, and Balms

These topical preparations are ideal for herbs that shine when applied directly to the skin.

Best for:

• Dry skin
• Sore muscles
• Wound or scar support
• Inflammation
• Massage or self-care rituals
• Burns, cuts and bites

Examples include calendula-infused tallow for burns and cuts, arnica salve for sore muscles, and lavender oil for easing into sleep.

Herbal Steams

Herbal steams involve breathing in the vapors of hot water poured over aromatic herbs.

Best for:

• Sinus congestion
• Skin support
• Vaginal steams (when guided properly)
• Energetic clearing

Mint, rosemary, chamomile, and calendula are common steam herbs. Rosemary is excellent for sinus infections as it has antibacterial properties. It also feels sooo good when you inhale rosemary steam due to the volatile oils, it is very peaceful and relaxing.

Baths and Spiritual Preparations

Baths, floor washes, incense, sprays, and smoke cleansing are all valid and traditional herbal practices.

Best for:

• Stress and emotional release
• Spiritual cleansing
• Energetic grounding
• Ancestral connection

Florida water is a great spiritual protection tool. You can dote it on objects you want to protect, you can spray in your space, carry it with you to spray yourself when you’re in public, mop the floor with it, the list is endless. Baths are also great, after a long day just toss a sachet of herbs for either spiritual cleansing (lemon balm, lavender, chamomile, bay leaf) or if you’re feeling unwell (a simple ginger bath is one of my favorites).

Smoke is a great resource to clear energy and the plant you choose to burn will have its effect, too. Myrrh is great for protection, sage is good for clearing ALL energy out so you’ll want to burn palo santo or pine or rosemary to bring back the good energy for protection.

Discover Which Preparation Is Best for You

If one of these preparations caught your eye more than the others, start with that one! Simple is always best so I recommend starting with one herb to prepare one, or multiple ways, and work your way up to using more (or else you’ll end up with a cabinet full of herbs you most likely won’t use, trust me).

If you’re looking for deeper support then working with a clinical herbalist can help you figure out the best preparations that will suit your goals.