Making Herbal Remedies at Home

Once you've grown your medicinal herbs, it's time to transform them into usable remedies. Here are simple recipes to get you started.

Medicinal Herb Tea

The simplest remedy—and often the most effective. Tea is perfect for gentle herbs like chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm.

How to make: Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb (or 2-4 teaspoons fresh) per cup of hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes, covered. Strain and enjoy.

Best for: Chamomile for sleep, peppermint for digestion, lemon balm for anxiety.

Herbal Tincture

A tincture is an alcohol extract that preserves herbs and concentrates their medicinal properties. It lasts for years and is easy to take.

How to make:

• Fill a glass jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herbs
• Cover completely with vodka or other high-proof alcohol
• Seal and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks
• Shake daily
• Strain and store in dark glass dropper bottles

Dosage: Typically 20-30 drops, 2-3 times daily.

Healing Salve

A salve is a topical ointment for skin conditions, wounds, and muscle aches.

How to make:

• Infuse 1 cup of dried herbs (like calendula or yarrow) in 1 cup of carrier oil (olive, coconut, or sweet almond) for 4-6 weeks in a warm place
• Strain the oil through cheesecloth
• Melt 1 ounce of beeswax pellets in a double boiler
• Mix 1 cup of herbal infused oil with melted beeswax
• Pour into tins or jars and let cool completely

Herbal Sitz Bath

Sitz baths are wonderful for soothing hemorrhoids, postpartum recovery, or urinary tract discomfort.

How to make: Steep 2-4 tablespoons of dried herbs (yarrow, lavender, or witch hazel leaves) in 2 cups of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain and add to a warm bathwater in a small tub or basin.

Gathering Your Ingredients

For detailed growing guides and complete remedy recipes, the Medicinal Garden Kit includes seeds for 10+ medicinal herbs plus detailed instructions for making dozens of natural remedies.