How to Build Your First Herbal Apothecary at Home

Setting up your own herbal apothecary is one that should be done with intention and making sure “all your bases are covered”. Creating an at-home apothecary isn’t about acquiring all the herbs all at once. It is about intentionally picking a few from each broad category, learning about them, using them, and then slowly adding more. 

Why have an herbal at home apothecary?

Using herbs at home can create a deeper connection to plants and traditional herbal practices. Building your own home apothecary gives you an opportunity to explore different botanicals, learn how they have been traditionally used, and incorporate them into everyday rituals.

Creating a ritual of drinking your nightly tea, or using certain simmer pots during different times of the year, can help with connecting to your herbs. 

What should I have in my at-home apothecary? 

A basic herbal home apothecary consists of teas, tinctures, salves, and, of course, essential herbs. 

Herbs for Relaxation

Chamomile, Lavender, and Lemon balm are popular choices for herbal teas and evening rituals. Each brings its own distinctive flavor and aroma and can be enjoyed individually or combined into custom herbal blends.

Herbs for Tea & Culinary Use

Peppermint, Ginger, and Fennel are versatile herbs to keep in a home apothecary. Their distinctive flavors make them great additions to herbal teas and blends, and they can also be incorporated into a variety of culinary recipes.

Versatile Herbs to Keep On Hand

Elderberry, Echinacea, and Thyme are three well-known botanicals with long histories of traditional use. They're versatile additions to a home herbal collection and can be explored in teas, tinctures, and other botanical preparations.

Herbs for Botanical Skincare

Calendula, Plantain, and Comfrey are popular botanicals used in handmade salves and other topical preparations. They can be infused into oils and incorporated into a variety of botanical skin care recipes.

More Herbs to Explore

Nettle, Rose hips, and Red Raspberry Leaf are other popular additions to a home herbal collection. Each has its own unique botanical characteristics, flavor, and history of traditional use.

How to use herbs? 

The most common ways to use herbs are in a tea, tincture, salve, simmer pot, smoking them, or infusing them in oils. Not all herbs can be used in each modality, and it is recommended to check with your local apothecary on the best way to use them. 

When learning about a new herb, it is best to keep an herb journal. What does it smell like? How does it taste? How do you use it? What does it pair best with? Once you learn a few, it will help you build confidence in learning more. 

There is always more to learn about herbs, and everyone's preferences and experiences are different. We recommend starting with a good herbal reference book, choosing a few common herbs that interest you, and taking the time to learn about each one.

Orion’s Apothecary is always here for any questions that you have and we love to hear your insights about what you have learned about herbs!