Pinterest Favorite Herbal Remedies for Beginners: The Complete Guide

Introduction: Your Gateway to Natural Wellness

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Pinterest, you’ve likely noticed the endless pins featuring beautiful mason jars filled with amber liquids, dried flowers in glass bottles, and lush herb gardens. Homemade herbal remedies are easier than you think, and most only require a few minutes of hands-on time before you’ve crafted powerful herbal medicine for your family’s medicine chest.

The desire for natural health solutions has led millions to Pinterest in search of guidance. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of growing your own medicine or simply want to reduce reliance on over-the-counter products, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start making your own simple, effective herbal remedies at home.

You don’t need a sprawling garden or expensive equipment. All you need is a kettle, a few quality herbs, and a little bit of curiosity.

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Important Safety Notes (Read This First!)

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s get one thing straight: herbs are natural, but they are not neutral. They can affect your body, interact with medications, and in certain situations—like pregnancy, nursing, chronic illness, or complex prescriptions—they deserve extra caution.

How to Start Safely

When trying something new, follow this simple rule:

• Check trusted reference books and sources

• Look up potential interactions with any medications you take

• Pay attention to how your body responds

• When something feels unclear, ask a medical professional who knows your history

Who Should Be Extra Cautious

Herbs can interact with medications. If you’re managing a health condition, taking prescription medication, or caring for a child, always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before using herbs regularly.

Important: This article is for educational purposes only. It’s meant to help you learn, not to replace medical care.

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The 10 Best Beginner-Friendly Medicinal Herbs

According to Pinterest’s most popular pins and herbalist recommendations, these are the top herbs perfect for the beginning herbalist:

1. Chamomile – The Gentle Calming Herb

Chamomile is practically synonymous with relaxation. It’s been a go-to herb for winding down after a long day and is one of the most beginner-friendly herbs available.

Best for: Relaxation, sleep support, digestive health, and mild anxiety
Plant part used: Flowers
How to use: Tea, tincture, sleep pillows

2. Peppermint – The Cooling Digestive Soother

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow and does quite well in pots. It’s excellent for making a relaxing drink and soothing digestive discomfort.

Best for: Digestion, upset stomach, nausea, gas, bloating
Plant part used: Leaves
How to use: Tea, tincture, infused oil

3. Lavender – The Calming Herb

This aromatic powerhouse does much more than keep moths away from your clothes.

Best for: Relaxation, sleep support, minor skin irritations
How to use: Sleep pillows, calming tea, skin soother

4. Calendula – The Wound Healer

Calendula has been used for centuries to promote healing. During the Civil War, surgeons packed calendula flowers directly into open wounds.

Best for: Cuts, scrapes, burns, skin irritation
How to use: Healing salve, soothing tea, first aid compress

5. Echinacea – The Immune Support Plant

Echinacea has been a go-to herb for immune support throughout cold and flu season for generations.

Best for: Cold season wellness, immune support
Plant part used: Roots and flowers
How to use: Immune tea, tincture

6. Lemon Balm – The Calming Digestive Aid

A beloved herb among herbalists for its gentle calming properties.

Best for: Calming, digestive aid
Plant part used: Leaves
How to use: Tea, tincture

7. Plantain – The Wound Healing Weed

This common “weed” is actually a powerful medicinal plant.

Best for: Wound healing, anti-inflammatory
Plant part used: Leaves
How to use: Poultice, salve, tincture

8. Ginger – The Warming Digestive Ally

A warming herb that supports digestion and immunity.

Best for: Digestion, nausea, cold and flu support
How to use: Tea, syrup, tincture

9. Elderberry – The Immune Booster

One of Pinterest’s most popular herbal remedies, elderberry syrup is a cold and flu season staple.

Best for: Immune support during cold and flu season
How to use: Syrup, tea

10. Tulsi (Holy Basil) – The Stress Reliever

Revered for its medicinal and spiritual value, tulsi is easy to grow and rich in healing properties.

Best for: Stress, digestion, mental clarity
How to use: Tea, tincture

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Essential Tools for Your Home Apothecary

Before making your first remedy, gather these basic supplies. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen:

• Glass jars with tight-fitting lids (mason jars work perfectly)

• Cheesecloth or muslin for straining

• Labels and a pen for dating and identifying your creations

• A small saucepan for heating

• Measuring cups and spoons

• A funnel for pouring into bottles

• Dropper bottles for tinctures

• Small tins or glass jars for salves

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Complete Recipe Guide: 5 Essential Herbal Remedies

Recipe 1: Herbal Tea – The Simplest Remedy

Herbal tea is the most accessible entry point into herbal medicine. With just a few ingredients like lavender, chamomile, or mint, you can create unique tea recipes that are soothing, energizing, or even healing.

Basic Herbal Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1–2 teaspoons dried herbs (or 2–3 tablespoons fresh herbs) per cup of water

• 8 ounces (240 ml) freshly boiled water

• Optional: honey, lemon, or cinnamon to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the herbs. If using fresh leaves, bruise them lightly between your fingers to release the essential oils. For dried herbs, measure them into your mug or teapot.

2. Pour water over the herbs. Use just-off-boiling water (around 200°F/93°C). Pour enough to cover the herbs by 1–2 times their height.

3. Steep. Cover and steep for 5–20 minutes, depending on the herb:

   • Delicate leaves and flowers (chamomile, lavender, mint): 5–10 minutes

   • Roots and barks: 15–20 minutes

4. Strain and enjoy. Strain out the herbs and sweeten if desired. You can re-steep herbs until the color and taste weaken.

Chamomile Relaxation Tea

Benefits: Promotes relaxation, supports sleep, aids digestion

Recipe:

• 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers per cup of water

• Steep for 5–8 minutes

• Drink an hour or two before bed for sleep support

Peppermint Digestive Tea

Benefits: Soothes upset stomach, relieves gas and bloating, aids digestion

Recipe:

• 8–10 fresh peppermint leaves or 1–2 teaspoons dried leaves per cup

• Steep covered for 5–10 minutes (covering is important so the volatile oils don’t escape)

• Drink after meals for digestive support

Tulsi + Peppermint Stress Relief Blend

Benefits: Supports stress response, digestion, and mental clarity

Recipe:

• 6 fresh tulsi leaves + 8 fresh mint leaves per cup

• Bruise leaves lightly, place in mug, pour hot water over

• Steep for 5–7 minutes

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Recipe 2: Herbal Tincture – The Concentrated Extract

Tinctures are one of the most powerful and long-lasting ways to preserve herbal medicine. Made by steeping plant materials in alcohol, tinctures concentrate medicinal compounds into a portable remedy that can last for years.

Why Choose a Tincture Over Tea?

Tinctures are ideal when:

• You don’t want to drink large amounts of liquid

• The herbs are too bitter for tea

• You want consistent dosing

• You need a longer shelf life

• You’re traveling or busy

Basic Tincture Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh or dried herbs of your choice

• 80–100 proof vodka (40–50% alcohol)

• Glass jar with tight-fitting lid

Ratio Guide:

• Fresh herbs: 1 part herb to 2 parts alcohol (1:2 ratio)

• Dried herbs: 1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol (1:5 ratio)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the herbs. Chop large leaves, flowers, or roots into small pieces. This increases the surface area for more extraction. Delicate leaves and flowers can be left whole.

Step 2: Fill the jar. If using fresh herbs, loosely fill the jar. If using dried herbs, fill the jar halfway.

Step 3: Add the alcohol. Pour the alcohol over the herbs until they are completely covered, leaving as little room at the top as possible. Make sure all parts of the herb are submerged.

Step 4: Seal and store. Place a piece of parchment paper over the mouth of the jar, then cap with a metal lid. Label with the herb name and date.

Step 5: Wait. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking every few days.

Step 6: Strain. Strain the tincture through cheesecloth into a clean glass or ceramic container, twisting the cloth to remove as much liquid as possible.

Step 7: Bottle. Pour into dropper bottles, label clearly, and store in a cool, dark place.

Beginner Tincture Ideas:

• Echinacea tincture for immune support

• Lemon balm tincture for calming and digestion

• Chamomile tincture for relaxation and sleep

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Recipe 3: Herbal Salve – The Healing Ointment

Herbal salves combine the skin-loving benefits of infused oils with the protective barrier of beeswax, creating a soothing, long-lasting balm. They’re perfect for dry, cracked skin, minor cuts, scrapes, burns, bug bites, and rashes.

Step 1: Make an Infused Herbal Oil

Before making your salve, you need an herbal-infused oil.

Quick Infusion Method:

Ingredients:

• Dried herbs of your choice (calendula, plantain, comfrey, or lavender work well)

• Carrier oil (olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil)

Instructions:

1. Fill a heat-safe jar halfway with dried herbs

2. Cover with carrier oil, ensuring herbs are fully submerged

3. Place the jar in a double boiler or slow cooker on low heat (100–120°F) for 4–6 hours

4. Strain the oil using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer

Alternative (Traditional Method):
Place herbs in a wide-mouth jar, cover with an inch or so of oil, cap with a lid, and leave in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking every few days.

Step 2: Make the Salve

Ingredients:

• ½ cup infused herbal oil

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax

• Optional: 5–10 drops of essential oil (lavender, chamomile, or tea tree)

Instructions:

1. Melt the beeswax. In a double boiler, gently melt the beeswax over low heat.

2. Add the infused oil. Stir in your herbal oil until fully combined.

3. Add essential oils (if using). Remove from heat and stir in essential oils.

4. Pour and cool. Pour into tins or glass jars and let cool completely before sealing.

Tip: Use one part beeswax to four parts oil for the ideal consistency.

Herbal Salve Ideas:

• Calendula salve for wound healing and skin repair

• Plantain salve for soothing irritation

• Comfrey salve for bruises, bumps, and joint pain (external use only, never on open wounds)

• Lavender salve for relaxation and skin soothing

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Recipe 4: Herbal Syrup – The Sweet Remedy

Herbal syrups are a delicious way to take herbal medicine, especially for children or anyone who dislikes the bitter taste of tinctures.

Basic Elderberry Syrup Recipe

This is one of Pinterest’s most popular herbal remedies.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup dried elderberries (or 1 cup fresh/frozen)

• 1½ cups filtered water

• ½ cup raw honey (add after cooking)

• Optional: 1 cinnamon stick, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine elderberries and water (and optional spices if using).

2. Simmer. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–45 minutes until the liquid is reduced by about half.

3. Mash and strain. Mash the berries with a spoon, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

4. Add honey. Allow the liquid to cool until warm (not hot), then stir in honey until dissolved. Adding honey while the liquid is too hot can destroy its beneficial properties.

5. Bottle and store. Pour into a clean glass jar, label, and refrigerate. Homemade elderberry syrup will keep for 2–3 months in the refrigerator.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon daily for maintenance, 1 tablespoon every few hours during illness.

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Recipe 5: Herbal Poultice – The Direct Application

A poultice is a fantastic way to administer herbs topically for localized issues like bruises, bites, stings, and minor wounds.

Basic Herbal Poultice Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh or dried herbs (plantain, comfrey, or calendula work well)

• Water

• Optional: flour, cornmeal, or clay to thicken

Instructions (Fresh Herbs):

1. Prepare the herbs. Pick leaves and brush off any insects and dirt. Chop or tear the herbs coarsely.

2. Crush to a pulp. Add a little water and crush and mash the herbs into a pulp or paste using a mortar and pestle. You can also use a blender.

3. Apply. Spread the paste directly onto the affected area, up to an inch thick.

4. Cover. Hold in place with gauze or muslin wrapped around the area.

5. Leave on. Leave for 15–30 minutes or as needed.

Instructions (Dried Herbs):

1. Mix dried herbs with enough water to make a paste

2. Add enough flour, cornmeal, or clay to make a thick, spreadable consistency

3. Spread onto a cloth square (about 6–8 inches) and apply to the affected area

For a simpler method: Place herbs in a reusable muslin bag, saturate with hot water, squeeze out gently, and apply to the skin.

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How to Store Your Herbal Remedies

Proper storage ensures your remedies stay potent and safe:

Always label your creations with:

• The herb or blend name

• The date made

• The ingredients used

• Any dosage information

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Growing Your Own Medicinal Herbs

One of the most satisfying aspects of herbalism is growing your own medicine. Medicinal herbs are easy to grow in your backyard or in pots on a balcony. Many of these herbs are also flowering plants that attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Easy Herbs to Grow for Beginners:

• Mint – Grows vigorously in pots (keep it contained!)

• Chamomile – Easy from seed, self-seeds readily

• Lavender – Drought-tolerant and beautiful

• Calendula – Grows easily, self-seeds

• Lemon balm – Hardy and prolific

• Basil/Tulsi – Thrives in warm conditions

Start with 5–10 herbs that suit your climate and gardening skills. Focus on easy-to-grow options like peppermint, chamomile, and echinacea.

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Getting Started: Your First Week

Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a simple week-by-week plan to begin your herbal journey:

Week 1: Start with Tea

• Choose one or two herbs (chamomile and peppermint are great starters)

• Make a cup of tea each day and notice how it makes you feel

• Research the herbs you’re using

Week 2: Make an Infused Oil

• Choose a simple herb like calendula or lavender

• Start the traditional infusion method (it takes 4–6 weeks, so start now)

Week 3: Try a Tincture

• Pick an herb like echinacea or lemon balm

• Start your first tincture (it also takes 4–6 weeks)

Week 4: Make Your First Salve

• Use the infused oil you started in Week 2

• Follow the salve recipe above

Week 5: Expand Your Knowledge

• Add elderberry syrup to your repertoire

• Try a poultice for a minor issue (like a bug bite or bruise)

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Final Thoughts

Embarking on your herbal medicine journey is both exciting and empowering. Homemade herbal remedies are easier than you think, and most only require a few minutes of hands-on time before you’ve crafted powerful herbal medicine for your family’s medicine chest.

Remember:

• Start small. Master one or two herbs and remedies before expanding

• Stay safe. Always research potential interactions and consult with healthcare providers when needed

• Be patient. Some remedies take weeks to prepare, but the results are worth the wait

• Trust your senses. Pay attention to how your body responds

• Keep learning. Herbalism is a lifelong journey

Whether you’re sipping a cup of calming chamomile tea, applying a healing calendula salve, or taking a few drops of echinacea tincture at the first sign of a cold, you’re participating in a tradition that has supported human health for centuries.

Welcome to the wonderful world of herbal remedies. Your medicine chest—and your family—will thank you.

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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.