Herbal Safety Basics: How to Research and Vet Herbs for Your Family
Many of us are on a journey to live a more natural, “crunchy” lifestyle. A key part of that can be learning about and incorporating herbal remedies. While herbalism can sound intimidating, it’s been practiced for generations in various cultures—including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native American practices, and European folk traditions. In this post, we’ll talk about what herbalism is (and isn’t), share some herbal safety basics, and discuss how to research and vet herbs before using them with your family.
What Herbalism Is—and Isn’t
Herbalism is more than just “take this herb for that symptom.” True herbalism looks at the whole person and underlying causes. Yes, you’ll find teas, tinctures, and salves for common issues like headaches, nausea, cold and flu support, and even menstruation on my website, but a trained or experienced herbalist will also want to know:
- Why do you have a headache in the first place?
- Are you dehydrated, stressed, hungover, or experiencing hormonal imbalances?
- Do you have other underlying conditions that might affect which herbs are best?
While herbalism is not a magical cure for all of your ailments, I still believe that herbal medicine IS medicine and you should treat it as such.
Remember: Using herbs doesn’t mean rejecting modern medicine. Seeing a doctor for serious issues is still important—herbs can be used alongside professional medical care.
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Why You Should Double-Check Your Sources (Especially in the Age of AI)
Popularity Doesn’t Always Equal Accuracy
Social media is full of people with large followings who may not always share the correct methods or preparations. Even well-intentioned influencers can mix up certain steps or give incomplete information (Hello! I’ve even done it!). Before you adopt a new herbal practice, it’s wise to cross-reference different reputable resources.
The #1 Mistake I Made When Starting Herbal Tinctures: Choosing the Wrong Alcohol
This post will demystify what alcohols are best for making different types of tinctures.
Avoiding AI-Written or Poorly Researched Books
Online marketplaces are flooded with “herbalism” books that are entirely AI-generated or hastily pieced together by people who are not qualified. This can lead to:
- Incorrect dosage instructions
- Inaccurate claims (Nothing is the “magic” cure!)
- Potentially dangerous advice
How to Vet a Book or Author
- Look up the author online. Are they a real person with a presence beyond Amazon listings?
- Check social media or professional websites.
- Seek out reviews from trusted herbalists or reputable blogs.
Building a Solid Herbal Library
You don’t need to own every herbal book out there, but having at least two or three solid references is invaluable. That way, you can cross-check information about plant uses, preparation methods, and potential side effects.
Recommended Herbalism Authors and References
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7 Best Books on Herbalism for Beginners (Without the Overwhelm)
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with herbalism, these books are must-haves for your home library.
Other Resources
- Google Scholar for university-based research.
- Reputable Herbal Journals for peer-reviewed studies such as the Journal of Herbal Medicine.
Getting Started: Simple Preparations
There are two ways I recommended you starting with herbs as you dive in to this new and exciting world!
1. Single-Herb Teas or Infusions
Begin by working with just one herb at a time by making a tea (technically a tisane). Notice how it affects you:
- Does it warm or cool your body?
- Does it dry your mouth or help you feel more hydrated?
- Any subtle changes in mood or digestion?
This gentle approach helps you understand each plant individually before you start blending multiple herbs together.
How to Brew Herbal Tea: Infusions and Decoctions
Learning how to brew herbal tea is crucial to be sure you enjoy all the health benefits from your chosen blend of herbs.
2. Oil Infusions and Skincare
If you love DIY bath an body products, oil infusions and simple salves and lip balms are an easy way to get familiar with herbs that isn’t too scary! For instance, flower-infused oil can be used in lotions, creams, or bath products.
Sourcing High-Quality Herbs
While I think that even starting in your spice cabinet can be GREAT, I have a few recommendations for getting the best quality, sustainable sourced herbs.
Local or Homegrown
- Farmer’s Markets: Herbs grown in your region may be more potent and better suited to your local environment.
- Foraging: This is ideal if you know exactly how to identify plants safely. If not, learn foraging skills first or stick to purchasing herbs until you feel confident.
Trusted Online Suppliers
These companies are known for quality, consistency, and transparency. If you prefer smaller businesses, do your homework on Etsy or local shops, ensuring you trust the seller.
Wildcrafted vs. Organic Herbs
Check out my Herb Buying Guide before deciding whether buying wildcrafted or organic herbs makes more sense for you.
- Wildcrafted means it’s harvested from its natural environment. It can be more potent but sometimes less sustainable if not done responsibly.
- Organic ensures the plant is farmed without harmful chemicals and usually follows more sustainable methods.
Child Dosage and Safe Usage
Working with kids requires extra caution. Children’s bodies are smaller and more sensitive to herbal constituents. If you’re new to giving herbs to kids:
- Start with One Herb at a Time. That way, if they have a reaction (even something as common as diarrhea), you’ll know the source.
- Use Known and Gentle Herbs. Stick to popular, mild herbs like chamomile or peppermint at first.
- Follow a Dosage Rule. Many herbalists refer to Young’s Rule or Clark’s Rule, which provides calculations for adjusting adult dosages for children.
Safe and Effective Herbs for Kids (With Free Printable)
The very best herbs for kids common ailments with free printable chart!
Potential Interactions and Cautions
Drug Interactions
Herbs can interact with prescription medications by either enhancing or counteracting their effects. Check websites like Medscape or consult your healthcare provider if you:
- Already take prescription meds (e.g., blood pressure medication, antidepressants, birth control).
- Are uncertain whether a new herb might pose a risk.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always research an herb thoroughly or consult a practitioner if you’re in these stages.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Many people are sensitive to plants in the daisy (aster) family, for example. If you’re unsure, test a small amount of a new herb first to monitor any adverse reaction.
Learning More: Courses and Communities
If you want to dive deeper into herbalism—either casually or in pursuit of certification—check out the following:
- Rosemary Gladstar’s Online Course
- Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
- School of Evolutionary Herbalism (and their Plant Path Podcast)
- Herbal Academy: Offers various courses from beginner to advanced.
Tip: Not every instructor’s approach will resonate with you. Cross-reference new information across multiple resources or books to find what makes sense for you and your family’s needs.
FAQs About Herbal Safety Basics
1. Can I rely on social media influencers for herbal information?
Social media can be a great source of inspiration, but always do your own research. Even popular influencers can share incomplete or incorrect information. Use them as a starting point, then cross-check with reputable sources.
2. What if I can’t find the author of a herbal book online?
If an author seems to have no online presence or credentials, that’s a red flag—especially with the rise of AI-generated books. Opt for authors or publishers you can verify.
3. Is it okay to combine herbal remedies with prescription medications?
Proceed with caution. Some herbs can interact with medications by either enhancing or diminishing their effects. Always consult a knowledgeable healthcare professional or herbalist if you are on prescription meds.
4. Do I need a certification to use herbs for my family?
No. You can practice herbalism at home without formal credentials. However, education is key. Reading trusted books, cross-referencing different resources, and taking reputable courses can increase your safety and confidence.
5. How do I start herbalism if I don’t have a lot of time?
Focus on one or two herbs at a time. Experiment with teas, simple oil infusions, or familiar culinary herbs. This incremental approach helps you learn without feeling overwhelmed.
6. What’s the best way to introduce herbs to children?
Use one herb at a time and start with very small doses. Mild herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, or mint are usually well-tolerated by many kids. Observe carefully for any signs of discomfort or reaction.
7. Are there any herbs that are immediately dangerous for beginners?
Most commonly used culinary herbs and gentle medicinal herbs (like chamomile, peppermint, or calendula) are considered safe for beginners. However, some plants can be toxic or must be prepared in very specific ways. When in doubt, research heavily or consult a professional before using any unfamiliar herb.
8. How do I store dried herbs?
Store dried herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to preserve potency. Some herbs may lose their strength after about a year, so label containers with the date of purchase or harvest.
30 Gifts for Beginner Herbalists: A Wellness Gift Guide
These 30 gifts for beginner herbalists encompass everything you need to get started on your herbalism journey.
Herbalism can be an enriching part of a natural lifestyle. It’s about respecting plants, being mindful of preparation methods, and seeking accurate information. Whether you start with simple herbal teas, oil infusions, or reference books, remember to cross-verify claims and take it one step (or plant!) at a time.
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About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist for personalized recommendations, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have underlying health conditions.
