Herbal DIY Archives

Herbs and alcohol extracts, elixirs, and cordials explained

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 17, 2017March 7, 2022

There are several different types of herbal alcohol preparations, the most common of which are extracts, elixirs, and cordials. So what's the difference? When working with herbs and alcohol, the...

Herbal DIY Learn Herbalism Thyme

How to make herbal infusions with thyme

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 16, 2017September 5, 2021

A simple brew of herbs and water is the most basic of herbal preparations. However, it's a staple for home herbalists for a reason! This effective style of preparing herbs...

Herbal DIY Home Herbalists Learn Herbalism

Herbal Safety Basics for Home Herbalists

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 6, 2017July 2, 2020

There is a common misconception that herbs are natural, so they must be safe. The truth is more nuanced, so let’s look at five areas of herbal safety so you...

Herbal DIY Home Apothecary Learn Herbalism

3 reasons to use dried herbs instead of fresh

Agatha NoveilleJune 27, 2016February 2, 2022

Dried herbs are easier to obtain than fresh, but are you missing out by not having access to fresh herbs? Not at all! For several reasons, dried herbs are usually...

Herbal DIY Home Apothecary Learn Herbalism

Glycerin vs. Alcohol for the Best Herbal Extracts

Agatha NoveilleJune 3, 2016May 21, 2018

Herbal extracts can be made with either alcohol or glycerin. Home herbalists often have lots of questions about the difference between these two types of herbal extracts. So what’s...

Herbal DIY Home Herbalists Learn Herbalism

Practical and creative herbal tea projects

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 1, 2016October 27, 2021

Personally, I don't think I will ever get tired of drinking herbal teas, but there are plenty of herbal tea projects that transcend the humble teacup. One of the benefits...

Herbal DIY Herbs Winter

Grow with Herbalist New Year’s Resolutions

Agatha NoveilleDecember 30, 2014September 24, 2020

One of my favorite traditions for New Year's is making a list of herbalist New Year's resolutions. My resolution list includes projects or activities I want to try in the...

Herbal DIY Violets Wildcrafting

Quick and easy violet syrup tutorial

Agatha NoveilleApril 11, 2014May 2, 2022

Violet syrup is a staple in my herbal pantry. Here's a very easy leaf and flower honey syrup that I like to keep on hand during dry cough and sore...

Herbal DIY Natural Wellness vinegar

Three flower vinegar recipe for herbal self care

Agatha NoveilleFebruary 6, 2014December 29, 2021

Combining three ingredients and some vinegar creates a surprising flower vinegar recipe that's useful for herbal self-care. As a bonus, it's alcohol-free! As usual, the formulas I prefer are the...

Herbal DIY Home Apothecary vinegar

Herbal vinegar projects for home herbalists

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 29, 2014July 4, 2022

Most people are familiar with the little bottles of alcohol-based herbal extracts available at health food stores. However, herbs can also be extracted in vinegar. Vinegar is a traditional carrier...