Build Your Herbal Knowledge & Skills

Whether you’re just beginning your herbal journey or deepening your existing practice, this section guides you through the knowledge and skills you need to use plants safely and effectively.

🌱 Getting Started

New to Herbalism?

Start Here:

• Getting Started Guide – Everyperson – Perfect introduction for beginners
• Getting Started Guide – Deep Dive – Comprehensive foundation

Your First Steps:

1. Learn 1-2 safe, accessible herbs thoroughly
2. Master one simple preparation method (like tea)
3. Start a simple herb journal
4. Connect with the local herbal community
5. Build knowledge gradually and confidently

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🔍 Plant Identification

Learn to Identify Medicinal Plants Safely:

• Herb Identification – Everyperson Guide
• Herb Identification – Deep Dive Guide

Essential Skills:

• Using field guides effectively
• Key identifying features
• Look-alike awareness
• Seasonal identification
• Tools and resources

Browse beginner-friendly herbs →

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🏔️ Foraging in New Zealand

Safely Harvest Wild Medicinal Plants:

• NZ Foraging Guide – Everyperson (Coming Soon)
• NZ Foraging Guide – Deep Dive (Coming Soon)
• Seasonal Foraging Guide (Coming Soon)

What You’ll Learn:

• Safe foraging practices
• Sustainable harvesting ethics
• NZ-specific foraging laws
• Best foraging locations
• Seasonal availability
• Processing and preservation

View all forageable herbs →

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🌿 Growing Medicinal Herbs

Cultivate Your Own Medicine Garden:

• Growing Guide – Everyperson (Coming Soon)
• Growing Guide – Deep Dive (Coming Soon)

Topics Covered:

• Easy-to-grow medicinal herbs for NZ
• Container gardening for small spaces
• Soil preparation and care
• Companion planting
• Harvest timing for maximum potency
• Seed saving

View easy-to-grow herbs →

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🧪 Preparation Methods

Learn How to Make Your Own Herbal Medicines:

Basic Preparations

• Infusions & Decoctions (Teas) (Coming Soon)
• Herbal Syrups (Coming Soon)
• Infused Honey (Coming Soon)
• Infused Vinegars (Coming Soon)

Intermediate Preparations

• Tinctures (Coming Soon)
• Infused Oils (Coming Soon)
• Herbal Balms & Salves (Coming Soon)
• Poultices & Compresses (Coming Soon)

Advanced Preparations

• Electuaries (Coming Soon)
• Glycerites (Coming Soon)
• Natural Incense (Coming Soon)
• Plant Based Scents (Coming Soon)

Matching Methods:

• Matching Solvents to Herbs (Coming Soon)
• Matching Methods to Your Goals (Coming Soon)

Browse herbs by preparation method → | More options →

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📖 Understanding Herbalism

Deepen Your Knowledge:

Herbal Actions & Energetics

• Herbal Glossary – Everyperson
• Herbal Glossary – Deep Dive

Kitchen Herbalism

• Kitchen Herbalism – Everyperson
• Kitchen Herbalism – Deep Dive

View all culinary herbs →

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🌏 Regional Focus

Herbalism in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Native Plants

• NZ Native Plants – Everyperson (Coming Soon)
• NZ Native Plants – Deep Dive (Coming Soon)

Topics:

• Respecting rongoā Māori
• Native plant identification
• Conservation considerations
• Cultural protocols
• Cultivation at home

View all native plants →

Urban vs Rural Herbalism

• Urban/Rural Foraging – Everyperson (Coming Soon)
• Urban/Rural Foraging – Deep Dive (Coming Soon)
• Urban Foraging – Everyperson (Coming Soon)
• Urban Foraging – Deep Dive (Coming Soon)

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💰 Budget-Friendly Herbalism

Practice Herbalism on Any Budget:

• Budget Herbalism – Everyperson
• Budget Herbalism – Deep Dive

Learn:

• Free herbs through foraging
• Growing your own medicine
• DIY preparations vs. buying
• Equipment alternatives
• Bulk buying strategies

View budget-friendly herbs →

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🎓 Skill Building Path

Suggested Learning Progression:

Level 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

• Learn 3-5 safe, accessible herbs thoroughly
• Master making herbal tea
• Start foraging 1-2 common plants
• Keep a simple herb journal
• Read 2-3 beginner herbal books

Level 2: Expanding (Months 4-9)

• Add 5-10 more herbs to your practice
• Learn to make tinctures and infused oils
• Grow 3-5 medicinal herbs
• Make your first salve
• Take a plant identification class

Level 3: Developing (Months 10-18)

• Build knowledge of 20-30 herbs
• Master multiple preparation methods
• Understand herb actions and energetics
• Create custom formulas
• Share knowledge with others

Level 4: Deepening (18+ months)

• Develop deep relationships with 30-50 herbs
• Advanced preparations and formulations
• Seasonal practice rhythm
• Teaching and mentoring others
• Continued study and research

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📚 Recommended Resources

Books:

• Available at your local library (free!)
• See our Resources page for full list

Online:

• YouTube plant identification videos
• NZ herbal forums and groups
• iNaturalist app for plant ID

Local:

• Community gardens
• Herbal guild meetings
• Plant walks and workshops
• Farmers markets

View all resources →

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🤝 Community & Practice

Connect with Other Herbalists:

• Join local herbal groups
• Attend plant walks
• Participate in herb swaps
• Share knowledge generously
• Learn from experienced practitioners

Build Your Practice:

• Keep an herb journal
• Photograph plants for ID practice
• Create your own herbal apothecary
• Experiment with preparations
• Document what works for you

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🎯 Practice Tips

For Effective Learning:

✓ Start simple – Master basics before advancing
✓ Be consistent – Regular practice builds skill
✓ Take notes – Document everything you learn
✓ Ask questions – Seek guidance when uncertain
✓ Stay curious – Herbalism is lifelong learning
✓ Practice safely – Never skip safety protocols
✓ Share knowledge – Teaching reinforces learning

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🔄 Seasonal Practice

Develop a Year-Round Rhythm:

• Spring: Foraging, planting, fresh herb preparations
• Summer: Harvesting, drying, solar infusions
• Autumn: Root harvesting, seed saving, preservation
• Winter: Study, planning, using preserved herbs

View seasonal guides →

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Remember: Herbalism is a journey, not a destination. Learn at your own pace, prioritise safety, and enjoy the process of building relationship with plants.