BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SEVEN EASY HERBS

A Biweekly Series for Gentle, Everyday Herbal Living

WEEK 1 — Welcome to Your Herbal Journey - Guest Blogger Debbie

Why Herbs? Why Now?

When I first started learning about herbs, I’ll admit I felt a little overwhelmed. There were so many names, so many supposed benefits, and so many ways to use them. But the more I explored, the more I realized something comforting: herbs don’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most powerful herbs for everyday wellness are the easiest to bring into your routine.

What surprised me most was how naturally herbs fit into things I was already doing — drinking tea, cooking dinner, winding down at night. I didn’t need fancy equipment or hours of free time. I just needed curiosity and a willingness to start small. 

Herbs have been used for thousands of years across cultures for one simple reason — they work gently, consistently, and in harmony with the rhythms of everyday living. They support digestion, soothe stress, brighten meals, and help us reconnect with our bodies in a world that often pulls us away from ourselves. What I love most is that herbs don’t demand perfection or expertise. They simply ask you to begin.  I did just that. I began and so loved the beauty and benefits of herbs that I decided to dedicate myself to becoming an herbalist.

This series is designed for people who want to explore herbs without overwhelm. Every two weeks, we’ll focus on one beginner‑friendly herb — what it does, how it feels, and how to use it in simple, enjoyable ways. You won’t need special tools or complicated recipes. Just curiosity, a mug, and a willingness to try something new.

Before we dive into the herbs themselves, let’s talk about something every beginner wonders: Where do I buy herbs, and how do I choose good ones?

How to Buy Herbs (and Where to Find Them)

Buying herbs is easier than you might think. You can start with whatever feels most accessible:

1. Grocery Stores

Most supermarkets carry herbal teas, fresh herbs like mint and basil, and dried spices such as turmeric and ginger. This is the simplest place to begin.  It’s affordable, familiar, and convenient.

2. Health Food Stores or Co‑ops

These shops often have higher‑quality herbal teas, loose‑leaf herbs, and organic options. They may also carry tulsi, lemon balm, lavender, and other herbs that aren’t always available in standard grocery stores.

3. Online Herbal Shops

If you want a wider selection, online herbal apothecaries offer high‑quality dried herbs, teas, and blends. Look for shops that emphasize organic sourcing, transparency, and freshness.

Start small. Buy one herb at a time. Get to know how it tastes, how it feels in your body, and how it fits into your routine.

What to Look For

• Organic when possible

• Vibrant color and aroma (dull herbs are often old)

• Minimal additives (especially in teas)

• Reputable brands or shops

What to Expect from This Series

Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore seven herbs that are gentle, accessible, and deeply supportive: peppermint, lemon balm, ginger, turmeric, basil/tulsi, lavender, and rosemary. Each installment will offer simple ways to use the herb, approachable explanations of its benefits, and ideas for weaving it into your daily rhythm.

By the end of this journey, you’ll have a small herbal toolkit — not just of plants, but of life-long habits, comforts, and moments of connection.

Your herbal journey begins here, and it’s meant to be simple, joyful, and deeply nourishing. I hope you join me in this introduction into the wonderful world of herbs.