Learn Herbalism Archives

How to store herbs and maximize shelf life

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 9, 2017March 7, 2022

Have lots of dried herbs on hand for your home apothecary? Here's a quick guide about how to store herbs and maximize their shelf life. Keeping dried herbs on hand...

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

Alcohol vs glycerin extract for the best herbal tinctures

Agatha NoveilleJune 3, 2016December 30, 2022

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...

Herbs Learn Herbalism passionflower

An herbalist’s guide to passionflower

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 6, 2016March 9, 2022

Passionflower is a beautiful and fascinating "weed" with a very rich tradition of use for the nervous system and as an antispasmodic. I've been a little nostalgic for it this...

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...

Emergency Preparedness Herbs and Immunity Learn Herbalism

What you need to know about antibiotic herbs

Agatha NoveilleMay 5, 2015May 3, 2022

You’ve probably seen lists like "Top (you name the number) Antibiotic Herbs" or "X Number of Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics" in magazines and online. They claim to list the antibiotic...

Emergency Preparedness Herbal Preparedness Learn Herbalism

An herbal survival skills overview

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 29, 2015June 22, 2022

Should herbalism have a place on your list of survival skills? I think so! My main interest in herbalism is actually mainly in community wellness in austere environments. These are...

Herbal Preparedness Learn Herbalism Peony

Peony benefits for wellness and emergency preparedness

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 11, 2015May 3, 2022

Peony for emergency preparedness? Peony for herbal first aid? Surely not! I can hear you laughing as you think about it. It's just a pretty garden flower, right? Read on,...

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Taking plant walks to learn herbs

Agatha NoveilleJanuary 6, 2015December 28, 2021

Plants are at the heart of what we do as herbalists, so it's important to gain a sense of connection to your local ecosystem. No matter where you live, or...