three simple steps

The quickest way to an amazing apothecary is adding one herb at a time.

If you ask me, a big apothecary isn’t necessarily more impressive than a smaller apothecary. What seems important to me is if you have a relationship with the herbs in your home apothecary, and if you know how to work with your herbs safely from day to day.

I think simples are the quickest, funnest, and most fulfilling way to get there.

An herbal simple is an extract that contains only one herb, as opposed to an herbal formula which contains many herbs.

When we begin by investigating one herb at a time, we are able to develop a deep understanding of that plant, and we can begin to develop a relationship with it. We can look into different ways to make extractions from this one plant, as we research and explore all that this herb has to offer. This is such a fun and intimate way to begin with an herb.

And on a larger scale, as you take time to know each plant in your apothecary on a deeper level, your confidence as an herbalist grows. And your day to day relationship with your apothecary grows.

Your journey with herbal simples begins with three steps.

Step One: Research

A solid relationship with herbs always begins with good herbal research. This means having rock solid herbal resources that you know you can count on.

This step also includes checking in with your doctors and the rest of your healthcare team.

Your research can help you understand a lot about a plant you’re considering. And I don’t just mean basic stuff like extraction methods and dosing. You can find out about any potential problems and decide if you want to include this herb in your home apothecary.

And as you do your research, you’ll probably come across some recipes, which leads us to Step Two.

Step Two: Recipes

Once you’ve considered any safety issues, and you know the best extraction methods and

proper dosing for this herb, it’s time to get creative.

Would you like to try a traditional or a historical recipe? Or maybe you’d like to try something from one of your favorite herb books.

Maybe you’re feeling inspired, and you want to try something new.

It’s up to you!

Step Three: Relationship

It’s important to keep in mind that you’re not “using” these plants. You’re building relationships.

Instead, let’s “work with” these herbs.

Remember, we have a lot to learn from these plants. When we treat the herbs with respect, it creates a very special experience that feels a lot like friendship.

Open up your heart in gratitude to nature and to the herbs, and see what answers you.

What do you think?

Which of the three steps, listed above, seems easiest to you?

Which seems like the most fun?

Which seems the most challenging? What would you need to feel empowered?

Let us know in the comments.

We’d love to hear from you!