The Public Herbarium

Herbalism, Uncomplicated

Quality, evidence-informed herbal knowledge for Aotearoa New Zealand

No jargon, no gatekeeping — just clear, practical guides from The Public Herbarium.

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Welcome

Hey there, welcome.

If you’ve ever been curious about using plants for your wellbeing but felt put off by paywalls, practitioner-only language, or content that feels vague or mystical, you’re in the right place.

This website is built on a simple, practical idea:

Herbal knowledge should be free, accessible, and safe for everyone.

We believe that using herbs doesn’t have to be complicated or exclusive. It starts with clear explanations, realistic expectations, and an honest discussion of what we know — and what we don’t.

What Is a Public Herbarium?

Traditionally, a herbarium is a carefully maintained collection of plants, preserved and documented so they can be studied, referenced, and understood over time.

The Public Herbarium applies that same idea to information.

Instead of physical plant specimens, this site offers:

  • Clearly written explanations
  • Evidence-informed discussion
  • Practical guidance focused on safety and everyday use

“Public” means this information is:

  • Free to access
  • Written for people without specialist training
  • Shared transparently, including where evidence is limited or uncertain

Our Unique Approach: Learn Your Way

The Everyperson’s Guide

Quick, practical, and straight to the point

Perfect if you want to know what to do and how to do it, simply

The Deep Dive Guide

The ‘why’ behind the ‘how’

For the curious minds who want to understand the research and chemistry behind the plants

How This Site Is Written

Our guides are designed to be readable and practical:

  • Plain language first – specialist or traditional terms are explained in brackets where helpful
  • Science-informed – claims are grounded in current research and physiology
  • Clear limits – uncertainty and gaps in evidence are stated openly
  • Safety-focused – conservative guidance and clear cautions are included throughout

You don’t need prior herbal training to use this site.

Explore Our Guides

🌿 The Foundations

🛡️ Safety & Knowledge

🗺️ Foraging & Connection

🌱 Preparing Herbs

🌦️ Seasonal Wellness

🎯 Health & Wellness

🌱 Herbal Preparations

🌱 Matching Guides

🌿 Herbal Gifts and Scents

Not sure where to start?

We recommend beginning with our foundational guides.

Browse Getting Started Guides
Explore the Herb Library

⚠️ A Quick, Important Word on Safety

Herbs are not automatically safe just because they are natural.

This site is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, managing a medical condition, or considering herbs for children, please involve a qualified healthcare professional.

Correct plant identification, appropriate use, and personal responsibility matter. Safety first, always.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi & Rongoā Māori

We acknowledge the rich tradition of rongoā Māori — Māori traditional medicine — which has been practiced in Aotearoa for centuries. This knowledge belongs to Māori and is part of a living, breathing cultural practice.

The Public Herbarium does not teach rongoā Māori. We recognize that this knowledge should be learned from qualified rongoā practitioners within appropriate cultural contexts.

When we discuss New Zealand native plants that are also used in rongoā Māori, we do so with respect for traditional knowledge while focusing on general herbal applications. For authentic rongoā Māori guidance, we encourage you to seek out qualified rongoā practitioners.

The Public Herbarium is built on a foundation of scientific integrity, transparency, and care. Research sources are referenced throughout the site wherever possible. Content creation is assisted by AI tools and carefully reviewed for accuracy.