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What should I include in my own homemade herbalist starter kit?
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Nutrition
Question #22138
69 days ago
111

What should I include in my own homemade herbalist starter kit? - #22138

Genesis

I am trying to dive into herbalism, and, honestly, it’s kinda overwhelming! I have this idea of creating my own herbalist starter kit because I want to start growing and using plants for health. I neeed to know what are the essentials? Like, should I focus on certain herbs first, or is there a specific blend of things I should have? I've been looking at some online lists, but they all seem to vary, and I can't figure out what's really needed! I keep thinking about things like dried herbs, tinctures, maybe a mortar and pestle? But how much is too much for a beginner? I don’t wanna go overboard and buy things I won’t use. Plus, what if some herbs don't even grow well in my area? Am I supposed to prioritize ones that I can find locally or are there must-haves that can be used just about anywhere? I'm really curious about a good balance between fresh and dried herbs too! So should I focus on easy ones to grow at first or is it better to just buy dried versions for starters? Anything you all can suggest for a solid herbalist starter kit would really help me out! This whole journey is super exciting but also a bit scary. How long does it usually take to feel comfortable using them in daily life?!

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Doctors’ responses

You're right—starting with herbalism can be quite daunting, but focusing on a few foundational elements might make it easier. First, consider herbs that suit your local climate. Easy-to-grow herbs, like peppermint, chamomile, basil, and calendula, are excellent for beginners. They provide multiple uses, from teas to tinctures, and can be grown outdoors or in pots. A mortar and pestle is indeed essential for grinding herbs, but also think about having some glass jars for storage. It helps to start with small amounts and expand as you feel more comfortable. Dried herbs are really practical as they have a longer shelf life and are easier to dose, whereas fresh herbs are often more potent and connect you with the plant's essence directly, but they aren’t always available. Tinctures are great, but creating them requires both practice and patience—start with simple ones like lemon balm or echinacea. Remember, working with herbs is about observing your body's reactions. Don't rush, it's a learning process. Focus on one or two preparations and try them for a few weeks, allowing yourself to understand how they affect you. Balancing fresh versus dried versions also depends on your space and time—you might prefer dried ones if you’re short on space or if your local climate isn’t plant-friendly. And its always best to start with ones that can be easily sources locally so you dont end up investing in something hard to maintain. Lastly, becoming comfortable could take weeks to months; everyone learns at their own pace. You're looking to harmonize these natural products with your body's needs, which is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process, make notes about what works for you, and explore sources like books or community workshops to deepen your practice.
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