Methods of Herbal Preparation
Step-by-step guides for making teas, tinctures, salves, infused oils, and more in your own kitchen, with basic equipment and clear safety notes.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe (and How to Make Any Herbal Syrup)
Elderberry syrup recipe from University of Maine Extension, compared with Illinois and Oregon State. Cook the berries; don't can this recipe.
How to Dry Herbs: Air Drying, Dehydrator, and Oven Methods
How to dry herbs by air drying, in a dehydrator, or in the oven, then tell when they're dry and store them for your homemade teas and salves.
How to Make an Herbal Compress
Learn how to make warm or cool herbal compresses in your own kitchen using simple tools and herbs from your garden. No special equipment needed.
How to Make an Herbal Decoction
Learn to make herbal decoctions that draw flavor and plant compounds out of roots, bark, and seeds by gently simmering them, using equipment you already have.
How to Make an Oxymel (Plus a Fire Cider Recipe)
Make an herbal oxymel from vinegar and honey, plus a fire cider recipe with steps from University of Minnesota Extension.
How to Make Cold Herbal Infusions
Cold herbal infusions – no heat, no fuss, just herbs and time. Draw flavor from chamomile and silky mucilage from marshmallow root with simple kitchen tools.
How to Make Herbal Creams & Lotions
Make herbal creams and lotions in your kitchen for a fraction of store prices. No fancy equipment: just a pot, a stick blender, and 45 minutes hands-on.
How to Make Herbal Infusions (Herbal Teas)
Learn how to make herbal teas from garden herbs with just a kettle and a jar—no fancy equipment needed. If you can boil water, you can master this in minutes.
How to Make Herbal Liniments
Learn to make herbal liniments—liquid herbal extracts made only for the skin—in your kitchen with mason jars and vodka or apple cider vinegar.
How to Make Herbal Salves and Balms
Learn to make herbal salves and balms in your kitchen with ingredients like olive oil and beeswax. Save money with homemade salves for dry, hardworking skin.
How to Make Herbal Tinctures
Skip the $20 bottles at the store and learn to make your own herbal tinctures using just a mason jar, vodka or glycerin, and herbs from your garden.
How to Make Herbal Vinegars at Home
Learn how to make herbal vinegars at home with herbs, vinegar, a saucepan and a sterilized jar, following extension food-safety steps. Perfect for beginners.
How to Make Herbal-Infused Oils
Make herbal oils with just a jar, dried herbs, and patience. Two simple methods – slow and sunny or quick and warm – for calendula, lavender, and rosemary.