How To Start Your Own Herbal Apothecary at Home

When I first began exploring herbalism, I wanted to learn every recipe for every ailment (still do)- which led me to buying more herbs and supplies than I realistically needed when I started to build my own apothecary.  Through trial and error (and being realistic about what my actual goals were), I scaled things back and clarified how I truly wanted to support my family, and eventually, my customers. 

If you’re just getting started, here are a few simple suggestions to help you build a home apothecary that feels intentional, approachable and sustainable:

1.     Determine Your Focus:                                                     

Clarify your goals: 

Are you looking to support your family’s immune health, create a simple first-aid kit or focus on a particular concern like digestion, stress or skin care?

Choose your herbs: 

I recommend starting with 5 certified organic herbs that align with your goals (ex. relaxation, digestive support, cold/flu support, skin support, etc.). 

A few starter herbs include:

·      Chamomile

·      Calendula

·      Lavender

·      Mint/Peppermint

·      Rosemary 

If you are looking for a more robust starting point, Herbal Academy has recently restocked their Herbal Starter Kit which can be a great option for beginners. * 

Note:  It’s important to educate yourself on the herbs you choose to ensure there are no interactions with medications or existing medical conditions.  Always consult with a qualified medical professional prior to selection and/or use.

2.     Select you supplies:

Containers: 

I love using mason jars to store my dry herbs as they provide an airtight seal.  For finished infused oils or tinctures, amber bottles help slow oxidation and preserve freshness.

Storage: 

Any cool, dry space will work – ex. shelves, cabinets or pantries. I store my dried herbs on open shelves and keep finished products in a dark cabinet to maintain quality.

Labels (don’t skip this step!): 

Label your jars with:

·      The common name (and botanical name, if you’d like)

·      The date stored

·      The vendor source - this helps track freshness and troubleshoot issues like pests or spoilage.

Tools:

Use what you already have in your kitchen - measuring spoons and cups, bowls, strainers (cheesecloth or coffee filter).  Glass or stainless steel are ideal - just be sure everything is sanitized before use.

3.     Educational Resources:

Books: 

Depending on how deep you’d like to go, these are great foundational reads.

·      Medicinal Herbs:  A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar

·      The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier

·      The Healing Garden by Juliet Blankespoor

Online Resources:

These platforms offer a wealth of trustworthy herbal education:

·      Herbal Academy – accessible, well-researched herbal learning

·      The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine –founded by Juliet Blankespoor, with a strong focus on plants and place  

·      Anima Mundi Herbals – their blog has great information across herbal support categories along with spiritual and energetic perspectives

There’s truly no better time to begin as we close this year.  Start small, stay curious and let your apothecary grow.

I would love to see the beautiful home apothecaries you create!

Con amor,

Christina

* Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to Herbal Academy.  Opinions shared are entirely my own. If you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your supporting my work!