Welcome to the Growing Up Herbal Journal where you'll find information on herbal education, recipes, tutorials, natural living tips and tricks, and behind the scenes glimpses of how I live life naturally.
So far in the “How To Start Using Herbs” series we’ve talked about the basic, need-to-know things like purchasing quality herbs, storing then correctly, herbal safety, determining appropriate dosages, and tools to have on hand. We’ve also tackled making and using herbal preparations that are made with water such as teas, infusions, decoctions, washes, compresses, and fomentations. […]
I love a good hot bath, don’t you? To me, it’s a great way to wind down from a stressful day. Being a homeschooling mom with four little boys all under the age of 6 means I have my fair share of stressful days so a long hot bath, a good book, and glass of […]
Herbal teas, infusions, and decoctions are some of the easiest ways to use herbs. If not the easiest, they’re certainly one of the most nutritious! Today I’m going to walk you through each of these preparations, as well as give you step-by-step directions on how to make them yourself. Let’s start at the beginning. What […]
When it comes to making your own homemade herbal preparations, there are some “tools of the trade” that you need to have on hand that should not be mixed between your herbs and your food. This can cause cross-contamination and can cause problems with how well and how long your preparations store. For your convenience, […]
For most first-time herbal users, herbal dosage is a big deal and feels like a complicated matter. It can make you feel stuck and many times discourage you from moving forward using herbs. Don’t worry though. You are not alone. The more you use herbs and the more familiar you become with them, the less […]
When you’re new to herbs, many things can be intimidating. One of the most uncertain areas for many new herbalists is when it comes to understanding herbal safety. Today I want to touch on this concern by talking about the safety track records of herbs vs. modern medicines, as well as how to ensure that you’re […]
Are you interested in learning how to use plants to support your health in as natural a way as possible — plants that grow in your backyard or in the forest behind your home or can be found in the local herb shop? If so, here's how you can become an herbalist!