What Are Herbs? An Herbal Guide

Posted by Lanna Calhoun on June 21, 2026

What Are Herbs?

The word "herb" is often used to describe plants that have traditionally been used for food, tea, wellness practices, skincare, cooking, and other everyday purposes. Some herbs are grown in gardens, while others grow wild in fields, forests, and along roadsides.

Herbs come in many forms, including:

Leaves (Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Nettle)
Flowers (Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender)
Roots (Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, Marshmallow Root)
Bark (Cinnamon, Slippery Elm)
Seeds (Fennel, Milk Thistle, Chaste Berry)
Berries and Fruits (Elderberry, Hawthorn Berry, Rose Hips)

Each part of a plant may contain different naturally occurring compounds, aromas, flavors, and traditional uses.

What Is Herbal Tea?

Herbal tea, also called a tisane, is a beverage made by steeping herbs, flowers, roots, fruits, or spices in hot water.

Unlike traditional tea, herbal teas typically do not come from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). This means many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, although some herbs may naturally contain stimulating compounds.

Popular herbal teas include:

Chamomile Tea
Peppermint Tea
Lemon Balm Tea
Hibiscus Tea
Nettle Tea
Lavender Tea
Rooibos Tea

Many people enjoy herbal teas simply because they taste good, while others appreciate their long history in traditional wellness practices.

Why Have Herbs Been Used for So Long?

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have incorporated herbs into daily life. Long before modern conveniences, people relied on local plants for cooking, bathing, wellness traditions, food preservation, and seasonal support.

Today, herbs remain popular because they:

Connect us with nature
Offer unique flavors and aromas
Can be incorporated into daily routines
Encourage mindful self-care habits
Have rich cultural and historical traditions

Many modern herbal enthusiasts enjoy learning about plants that have been valued across generations.

Common Ways People Use Herbs

Herbs are incredibly versatile and can be used in many different ways.

Herbal Tea

The most popular method is brewing herbs into tea.

Culinary Herbs

Many familiar kitchen herbs, including basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage, add flavor to foods while also providing beneficial plant compounds.

Herbal Infused Oils

Some herbs are infused into carrier oils and used in skincare products, salves, balms, lotions, and massage oils.

Bath and Body Products

Herbs are often incorporated into soaps, bath bombs, lotions, facial products, and body care items.

Herbal Tinctures and Extracts

Certain herbs are traditionally extracted into alcohol or glycerin to create concentrated liquid preparations.

Dried Herb Blends

Many people enjoy creating custom tea blends, bath blends, sachets, and potpourri from dried herbs.

How to Brew Herbal Tea

Brewing herbal tea is simple and requires only a few basic supplies.

Basic Herbal Tea Method

Heat fresh water until hot.
Place 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs into a tea infuser or tea pot.
Pour 8 ounces of hot water over the herbs.
Cover and steep for 5–15 minutes.
Strain and enjoy.

Different herbs may require different steeping times. Flowers and leaves often steep more quickly, while roots and bark may require longer brewing.

Understanding Infusions vs. Decoctions

As you learn more about herbs, you'll often hear these two terms.

Infusion

An infusion is created by pouring hot water over delicate plant materials such as:

Leaves
Flowers
Soft aerial parts

Examples include chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, and lavender.

Decoction

A decoction involves simmering tougher plant materials such as:

Roots
Bark
Seeds

Examples include burdock root, dandelion root, cinnamon bark, and astragalus root.

The simmering process helps extract compounds from these harder plant parts.

Building Your First Herbal Collection

Starting an herbal collection doesn't have to be complicated.

Many beginners begin with a few versatile herbs such as:

Chamomile
Peppermint
Lemon Balm
Nettle
Lavender
Calendula
Dandelion Root
Elderberry

As you become more familiar with herbs, you can gradually expand your collection based on your interests, favorite flavors, and wellness goals.

Remember: you don't need dozens of herbs to get started. Even a small collection can provide endless opportunities to explore.

A Few Important Safety Notes

While herbs have a long history of traditional use, natural does not always mean appropriate for everyone.

Certain herbs may not be suitable during pregnancy, nursing, childhood, or alongside medications. Individual responses can vary.

Always research herbs carefully and consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have questions regarding your personal health situation.

Final Thoughts

Learning about herbs is a journey that often begins with a simple cup of tea.

Whether you're interested in growing herbs, brewing herbal tea, creating natural skincare products, or building a home apothecary, there is always something new to discover. Start with a few familiar plants, stay curious, and enjoy exploring the fascinating world of herbs one cup at a time.

Explore Related Products

Interested in bringing these traditional botanical ingredients into your daily routine? Explore our collection of handcrafted products inspired by nature, including herbal body care, wellness products, teas, tinctures, soaps, lotions, and other small-batch creations. Each product is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and a commitment to simple, natural living.

Recommended Products & Resources

Building your knowledge is one of the best investments you can make in your wellness journey. Whether you're interested in herbal traditions, natural living, self-care, or women's wellness, there are many excellent books and tools available to help you learn more. Browse our recommended resources below.

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Continue Your Wellness Journey

If you enjoyed this article, you may also find these wellness resources helpful. Explore our growing library of educational articles covering herbs, natural skincare, self-care, women's wellness, herbal traditions, and natural living. Learning how plants, ingredients, and wellness practices fit into everyday life can help you create a routine that works for you.

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