A Beginner’s Guide To Herbal Remedies

Herbal medicine is a gift of the earth - one that belongs to everyone, just as healthcare should.

Somewhere along the way, our connection to nature and its healing wisdom has grown a little fuzzy - at risk of slipping away entirely. The beauty of herbalism lies in its quiet strength in preventative healthcare, its gentle energetic qualities, and its deep roots in tradition.

You should have access to this knowledge, which is why I’m sharing some simple herbal remedies that you can introduce into your home.

For my Aussie friends, when sourcing your herbs (if you’re not growing them yourself!), I recommend Mudbrick Cottage, Southern Light Herbs or Austral Herbs.

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Calendula Infused Oil

Infused oils are medicinal oils that have been made by macerating and digesting plant material into a suitable fixed oil for a certain period of time. It’s the perfect way to extract oil-soluble constituents, which means that only particular herbs are suitable for oil infusions.

Chickweed, calendula, st john’s wort and mullein are the perfect candidates for medicinal oil infusions.

Dried herbs are easier for beginners, as the risk of rancidity is greatly reduced.

Uses:

Calendula oil is a deeply hydrating, anti-inflammatory remedy, perfect for soothing eczema, psoriasis, and dry, dull skin.

Materials:

• 20g dried calendula flower heads

• 500mL sterilised glass jar

• 200mL cold-pressed almond or olive oil

• Brown paper bag

• Muslin cloth or nylon netting

• Amber glass bottle

• Herb press (optional)

Method:

1. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the calendula flowers to a small size.

2. Add the calendula to your glass jar and top with your oil of choice, ensuring the plant matter is completely immersed.

3. Place the jar in a brown paper bag to protect it from light, and keep it in a warm place (it can be kept in the sun as long as the paper bag ensures no light penetrates).

4. Shake the jar multiple times a day to assist with infusing.

5. Infuse for at least 2 weeks, but optimally 4-6 weeks.

6. Strain the oil through a muslin cloth or nylon netting. You can use a herb press to get the most out of the oil, but squeezing with your hands is just fine.

7. Bottle your oil in an amber jar - be sure to label with the date and ingredients, and store in a cool, dark place!

How to use:

Applied topically to the skin directly, or mix into your favourite moisturiser/body butter.

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Sleepy Time Tea

Teas are one of the most accessible forms of incorporating herbal medicine into our daily lives. Most people start or end their days with a herbal infusion, so it’s a really great place to start introducing some more targeted support.

This herbal tea contains ingredients that help our mind and body unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Ingredients:

• 1g dried passionflower

• 1g dried chamomile

• 1g dried skullcap (lateriflora not baicalensis!)

• 1g dried oat straw

• 0.25g dried lavender

Method:

1. Mix the herbs together in a small bowl.

2. Add them to a teapot and fill with boiling water.

3. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.

4. Strain and enjoy 1 hour before bedtime.

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Immune-Boosting Elderberry Syrup

Syrups are a delicious yet powerful way to enjoy plant medicine. Loved by both adults and kids, syrups make it easy to get some herbal medicine magic into the little ones in your life.

Uses:

This elderberry syrup soothes sore throats and other irritated mucous membranes and provides the immune system with a little boost - making it perfect for when you first feel the beginning symptoms of the common cold.

Ingredients:

• 200g dried elderberries

• 900mL water

• 200g honey

• muslin cloth

• funnel sieve

• 1L measuring jug

• sterilised glass bottles

Method:

1. Bring the elderberries and water to a boil in a small saucepan, then simmer on low for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Mash the berries with the back of a wooden spoon

3. Strain the mixture through the strainer lined with muslin cloth, into the measuring jug. Squeeze out as much as possible.

4. You should be left with 560mL. You can top it up with boiling water if needed.

5. Let it cool to at least 35°C before mixing in the honey

6. Pour into sterilised glass bottles, and allow to completely cool before sealing.

7. Label with the date made and ingredients, then store in fridge for 1-2 months.

Dosage: 10mL for adults (5mL for children), 3 times daily.

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Incorporating herbal medicine into our daily lives doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple, natural remedies like these, we can easily tap into the magic of traditional healing. Whether it's through a soothing syrup, a calming tea, or a nourishing oil, plants have the power to support our health in gentle and meaningful ways.

Let me know if you try any of these recipes, or comment below your favourite ways to incorporate herbal medicine into your daily life.

Sources and credits:

I drew from the book Herbal Manufacturing: How to Make Medicines from Plants by Jenny Adams and Eleanor Tan, as well as my herbal manufacturing notes from my bachelor’s degree, to help guide the creation of the recipes and content shared here.