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In our book, we talk about how research shows that hands-on plant activities – like growing, mixing, and working with herbs – can lower stress, put you in a better mood, and support well-being by calming the nervous system and helping you feel connected.
This is why, when I feel rundown because of a cold or flu, disorganized, or just plain old stressed out from too much to do (like right now as I type this, lol!), I carve out a time to do what I love best, which varies by the season.
This season it’s been learning herbalism. It has truly been the most soothing activity for me. Why? I get to research and learn about herbs, mushrooms, and other things, and find recipes, figure out how to blend teas (still not good at this), and then try all of my creations. I can also help my family a bit, like when we all have allergies or a bad cough – I have been able to find one herb or another that will help soothe a throat or even help with nasal congestion (alongside regular meds of course!). I’m learning crazy things – like did dyou know shitake actually has some health benefits?? I thought it was just a pizza topping.
Sometimes at 5pm, I physically extract myself from my work or house cleaning, usually when I am really grumpy, and I completely pivot to my herbal studies. The difference in my mood is huge and an immediate breath of fresh air. Even better than meditation.
The easiest way to start? Pouring your own individual tecitos: loose leaf chamomile, mint, licorice, nettle, and so much more.
Here are some tools you can borrow:
Loose leaf teas in bulk from a place like the San Francisco Herb Company; I
60 oz pitcher that is heat resistant (but a large mason jar is fine)
A smaller teapot when you don’t need a lot of tea – this is the one I have but I got it on Amazon so I am not sure about quality.
Or you can try this tiny one
I don’t have this but I want it! It’s beautiful and can you imagine putting it on the table after Christmas break!
Of course, an electric kettle! avoid anything with plastic.
And it doesn’t have to be scary. You don’t have to become a full on herbalist. In fact, you are an herbalist when you pick up that bag of loose leaf tea or plant a seedling.
As leading herbalist Rosemary Gladstar says in her latest newsletter, “An herbalist is anyone who reaches for the plants with care.” It isn’t about mastering long Latin names or holding a clinical title. It’s the mother who brews chamomile, the gardener who brushes lemon balm with their fingertips, the person who notices the seasons shifting through the plants on their path. Herbalism begins not with expertise, but with relationship – with curiosity, with a cup of tea, with the simple desire to tend yourself or someone you love using what the earth offers. Whether you’re mixing a remedy in your kitchen or studying plant energetics in depth, you are practicing herbalism. All of it belongs.
I felt overwhelmed at first, but I started really slowly, learning about just a few key herbs:
- Chamomile – Calming, great for stress, sleep, and digestion.
- Lemon Balm – Mood-lifting, soothing for anxiety and tension.
- Lavender – Supports sleep and relaxation; great aromatically.
- Peppermint – Eases tummy aches
- Elderflower – Gentle support for when you feel under the weather.
If you want to dig in to learning too, here’s how I’ve been learning:
There are online courses, there are books, and there are free resources online. The pros of online courses and books is that you’ll get all of the info you need in one place; you may even get physical books you can use to study, and even a certificate. If you rely on YouTube, you’ll have to sift through a lot – and not all of it is correct.
However, YouTube has lots of really fun and beautiful content:
Here are some good places to start:
Rosemary Gladstar – she’s a legend in the space. Her books and courses are the clearest and easiest entry into herbalism I have found.
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginer’s Guide: this is the first book I ever picked up. It had me searching for leaves and weeds one weekend when I took the book on a camping trip. The easiest book to learn about herbs.
The Honey-stead: An accessible YouTube channel run by a mother-daughter team.
Hood Herbalism: Online classes that are rooted in ancestry, and focused on Black, Indigenous, and people of Color.
Growing Up Rooted: A lovely herbalist named Daniela (originally from Colombia) offers a lovely free class that leads to her $49 longer version, where you learn about one herb each day.
Herbal Academy – This is one of the most popular (and beautiful) herbalist courses out there. Classes are long, but thorough, and you’ll feel like you’re back in college learning biology. I took both the beginners and the intermediate courses, actually loved this company so much that I became an affiliate partner and they are helping us promote our book with their students! (look for us on one of their upcoming blogs in January).
You’ll not only find herbalism here, but foraging, making skincare and beauty, how to make your own perfumes, and more.
If you love taking structured classes this one is for you (it is on the pricey side). The Herbal Academy has just announced that they’re offering extended payment plans for new enrollments AND savings up to 40% off their online herbal courses through January 9. They’ve extended payment plans for everything listed below for a limited time.
Chai Spice Bath Melts – From Herbal Academy
Chai spices have been cherished for generations, and now you can incorporate them into your life in a whole new light. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a skin-soothing escape, the magic of chai spice bath melts will enhance your time in the tub. Creating these is actually a simple process, plus they make the perfect herbal holiday gift!
Ingredients
1 cup cocoa butter
½ cup shea butter
½ cup Epsom salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) bark, ground
1 tablespoon ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome, ground
1 tablespoon clove (Syzygium aromaticum) bud, ground
1 teaspoon star anise (Illicium verum) fruit, ground
1 teaspoon cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seed, ground
1 teaspoon black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit, ground
Directions
- In a double boiler, melt the cocoa butter and shea butter together, stirring regularly until fully melted. Do not overheat.
- Take off heat and stir in herbs and Epsom salt, mixing well.
- Carefully pour the mixture into silicone molds, preferably 1 to 2 ounces in size.
- Allow the molds to cool at room temperature. Remove from molds once fully solidified.
- Store your chai spice bath melts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.
And don’t forget, if this type of project is up your alley and you want to explore even more herbal recipes in the new year, then check out Herbal Academy’s lineup of herbal courses while they’re up to 40% off.