Herbalism 101: Getting Started with Natural Wellness

Getting started with natural herbs is one of the most beautiful and empowering ways to connect with your well-being. And trust, it is simpler than you think.

What is Herbalism?

Herbalism is the practice of using plants for healing, nourishment, and vitality. It is one of humanity's oldest forms of wellness, with roots stretching back thousands of years across every culture and continent. In fact, many modern medicines are derived from plant compounds first discovered by herbalists!

What Does It Mean to Be an Herbalist?

Being an herbalist does not mean you have to wear a big sun hat and forage in the woods (though you absolutely can if that brings you joy). It means becoming aware of the plants that surround us and learning how to work with them for our health.

It is about honoring nature’s gifts — understanding that food is medicine and that plants can nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Herbalism is both an art and a science: it combines ancestral wisdom with modern research to help us live more vibrant, balanced lives.

How Effective Is Herbalism?

Herbalism has been used for centuries to support wellness, and many scientific studies today back up what traditional healers have known all along. Herbs can support:

• Immune health
• Stress management
• Digestive balance
• Respiratory health
• Hormonal harmony
• Sleep quality
• Skin vitality
• ...and much more!

Of course, herbs are not meant to replace your doctor’s care, but they are a powerful complement to your wellness toolkit.

Herbal Wisdom in Plain Sight

Oftentimes, we bypass our kitchen cabinets, thinking of our herbs and spices as simple flavored boosters. But pause for a moment: How many rose bushes have you seen in your lifetime?

Roses — long a symbol of love — are used in the herbal world for opening the heart and lifting the spirit. We can experience their beauty not just with our eyes and nose, but also in teas, syrups, oils, and even tinctures that support emotional well-being.

And that jar of oregano? For years, I only used oregano for cooking. I never thought to brew it into tea or prepare it as a tincture. Now I know better: oregano is a powerful herb for immune support and respiratory health — perfect for the winter months or whenever you need an herbal ally.

The Whole Plant: How We Use It

When working with plants, every part of the plant can be used, each offering unique benefits. Here is a quick guide:

Each herb carries its own identity — a unique personality and purpose in your herbal cabinet.

My Herbal Journey

For me, this journey began out of necessity. When COVID-19 swept through our world, store shelves were empty. Herbal teas and wellness products were suddenly hard to find.

That is when something shifted in me. I did not just want to depend on store shelves — I wanted to grow my own wellness. I began gardening for the first time in earnest, planting herbs like mint, sage, and oregano in my own backyard.

At first, it was simple — a few pots, a few leaves clipped for tea or cooking. But as I watched those plants thrive and felt their energy in my hands, I knew I was on a new path.

From there, I began learning how to prepare herbal teas, infusions, and eventually tinctures. The more I learned, the deeper my love for this practice grew — and the more I wanted to share it with my family and community.

If you are curious about tinctures — what they are, how to make them, and how to use them — check out my blog post: "What Is a Tincture and How Do I Use It?”

Your Invitation to Natural Wellness

Herbalism invites us to reclaim a relationship with the natural world that many of us have forgotten. It is a journey of grace, beauty, and trust — and I welcome you to explore it alongside me.