The most common thing I hear from people is, “I grew all these herbs, and I have no idea what to do with them!” Of course, you can dry them, jar them, or stick them in mylar and save them for later, but then at some point, you realize you have 300ish containers of herbs over the last 7 years, and you still have no idea what to do with them.
So let’s learn what to do with them…
An herbal preparation is what we call something that is made out of herbs. There are many types of them. You can make hot or cold tea (infusions), tinctures, glycerites, salves, oxymels, and the list goes on.
Each one of these preparations has a time and a place. Personally, I’ve found that having a good stock of the more simple preparations and recipes serves my family best. The best way to determine what works best for you is to make some and try them out. You may discover that you really don’t like tea and tinctures are your preference. Or that you love having herbal-infused honey that you can incorporate into teas, culinary recipes, or just enjoy eating a spoonful here and there.
Whatever herbal preparations you go with, it’s a wonderful way to incorporate the medicinal properties of plants into your daily life. Here’s a guide on how to create an herbal preparation recipe and some tips and techniques for making your own blends:
What Is Your Goal?
The first step in creating an herbal preparation is to identify what your goal is. Are you looking to support your immune system, soothe a sore throat, or calm an upset stomach? Knowing your goal will help you choose the right herbs and preparation method.
How To Select Your Herbs
While you can use the same herb in multiple preparations (ex: nettle tincture or nettle tea), several herbs behave better in one application than another. A good example is Mullein. Mullein leaf is excellent in a warm herbal tea (standard infusion), but it doesn’t pull as many of those good properties out of the leaf when tincturing. For that reason, using it in a tea blend would be the best option for Mullein. Choose specific herbs known for their properties related to your purpose. Research their medicinal uses, safety, and any contraindications. Here are some great herbs to consider:
- Holy Basil: Supports the body during changes and times of stress
- Lemon Balm: Calms the nervous system and the gut
- Marshmallow Root: Soothes sore throats and balances the gut
- Nettle Leaf: Rich in essential nutrients and helps to decrease inflammation
What Preparation Should You Use?
Different recipes call for different preparation methods. Some of the most common herbal preparations include:
- Herbal Infusions: Ideal for extracting water-soluble vitamins, minerals, and medicinal properties from dried herbs (making tea workshop)
- Herbal Tinctures: Concentrated extracts made with alcohol (making tinctures workshop)
- Herbal Salves: Topical preparations made with oils and beeswax (making salves workshop)
Supplies That You Will Need
Depending on your chosen method you’ll need to gather some necessary supplies:
- Herb: Fresh or dried herbs
- Liquid: Hot or cold water, or alcohol
- Container: Mason jar, tea cup, teapot, etc.
- Other Supplies: Strainer or reusable tea bag, measuring spoons…or eyeball it like I do because I cannot be bothered to measure anything ever
Example of supplies for Herbal Tea:
- 1 tablespoon dried holy basil
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm
- 1 teaspoon dried nettle leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile
- 2 cups of hot water
- Mason jar
Get Familiar First
Each preparation method has specific steps. It’s important to familiarize yourself with each step before you start the process. Some preparations like herbal tea are quite simple and straightforward. Others require multiple steps, temperature considerations, and specific order to when you use each ingredient. No one wants to waste their herbs because they didn’t do the prep work. Taking your time and preparing first will never steer you wrong.
How To Properly Store Your Herbal Preparation
Proper storage extends the shelf life of your herbal preparations. For teas, it’s best to consume them fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For all other preparations, be sure to store them in airtight containers that are cool and dry place. Temperature and humidity greatly affect the shelf life of your herbal preparations.
Remember To Label!
You’d think this one would go without saying…always label your herbs and preparations, but even the best of us forget to. Whatever you do, don’t forgo labeling because you’re SURE you’ll remember what it is late. Trust me, friend, you won’t. Label Label Label!
Be sure to include the name of your preparation, the ingredients, and the date that you made it.
Label Example:
- Immune Boosting Herbal Tea
- Ingredients: Holy basil, echinacea, elderflower, nettle leaf
- Prepared on: [Date]
Testing and Adjusting
Try your preparation and adjust the recipe if necessary. This is especially important when you are making teas. I mix a single cup of herbs together and drink a full cup of it before I mix a larger batch…herbs can’t unmix…so be sure it’s the combo you want before you commit.
Adjustment tips:
- If the tea is too strong, reduce the steep time or amount of herbs.
- If it’s too weak, increase the steep time or amount of herbs.
- If it’s too earthy or if it’s bitter, add herbs with milder flavors, fruity notes, or floral notes.
Ready to get started?
Dive in with the herbs you have on hand, or as a member you have access to all of my herbal workshops where you can take a deeper dive into herbal medicine making before you get started.
