Start Here: Your Herbalism Journey Begins
Welcome to The Public Herbarium! Whether you’re completely new to herbalism or looking to deepen your practice, you’re in the right place. This page will help you find exactly what you need to begin your journey with confidence.
Who Is This For?
This site is designed for everyone interested in herbalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, whether you’re:
- Completely new to herbalism and don’t know where to start
- Someone who’s used a few herbs (like chamomile tea) but wants to learn more
- Looking for Aotearoa New Zealand-specific information about herbs and foraging
- Interested in growing your own medicinal herbs
- Seeking science-based information without confusing jargon
- Wanting to understand how herbs actually work
- A student, practitioner, or enthusiast building your knowledge
No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll find clear, accessible, evidence-based information here.
Choose Your Learning Path
We offer two formats for most content. Choose the one that fits your needs:
📖 Everyperson Guides
Best for: Beginners and those who want practical, accessible information
Everyperson Guides are written in plain language with simple explanations. They focus on what you need to know to get started safely and effectively, without overwhelming detail. Perfect if you want clear instructions and practical tips without diving into complex science.
What you’ll find:
- Simple, conversational explanations
- Step-by-step instructions
- Safety basics clearly highlighted
- Budget-friendly options
- Aotearoa New Zealand-specific sourcing information
- The “why” explained in everyday language
🔬 Deep Dive Guides
Best for: Those who want comprehensive understanding and scientific detail
Deep Dive Guides provide thorough explanations of how and why herbs work. They include mechanisms of action, phytochemical constituents, research evidence, and detailed preparation methods. Perfect if you want to truly understand herbalism from the ground up.
What you’ll find:
- Scientific mechanisms explained clearly
Not sure which to choose?
Start with an Everyperson Guide! You can always read the Deep Dive version later if you want more detail. Many people find it helpful to read both – the Everyperson Guide first for the practical overview, then the Deep Dive for deeper understanding.
📖 Everyperson Resources
Start here for accessible, practical herbalism education:
🌱 The Foundations
- Getting Started with Herbalism — your first steps into plant medicine
- Herbal Safety Basics
- Understanding Labels
- Herbal Terminology
📚 Learning the Basics
- Common Herb Identification
- Foraging Basics
- Budget-Friendly Herbalism
- Kitchen Herbalism – Using What You Have
- Common Mistakes in Herbalism
🧪 Making Your Own Remedies
- General Herbal Remedy Making
- Infusions & Decoctions – Making Herbal Tea
- Infused Vinegars
- Infused Honey
- Tinctures – Alcohol Extracts
- Glycerites – Glycerin Extracts
- Infused Oils – For Topical Use
- Balms & Salves
- Poultices
- Herbal Syrups
- Electuaries
🌿 Making Your Gifts and Scents
📚 Matching Guides
🍂 Seasonal Herbalism in NZ
💚 Support by Health Concern
- General Wellness
- Immune Support
- Lymph Support
- Digestive Support
- Sleep & Relaxation
- Headache Relief
- Stress & Mood
- Energy & Focus
- Muscle Pain & Tension
- Aches & Pains
- Skin Health
🗺️ Foraging & Connection
- Foraging for Medicinal Herbs
- Foraging in Aotearoa NZ
- NZ Native Plants
- Urban Foraging
- Urban vs. Rural Foraging
- Seasonal Foraging
🔬 Deep Dive Resources
For comprehensive understanding with scientific detail:
🌱 The Foundations
- Getting Started with Herbalism — your first steps into plant medicine
- Herbal Safety Basics
- Understanding Labels
- Herbal Terminiology
📚 Learning the Basics
- Common Herb Identification
- Foraging Basics
- Budget-Friendly Herbalism
- Kitchen Herbalism – Using What You Have
- Common Mistakes in Herbalism
🧪 Making Your Own Remedies
- General Herbal Remedy Making
- Infusions & Decoctions – Making Herbal Tea
- Infused Vinegars
- Infused Honey
- Tinctures – Alcohol Extracts
- Glycerites – Glycerin Extracts
- Infused Oils – For Topical Use
- Balms & Salves
- Poultices
- Herbal Syrups
- Electuaries
🌿 Making Your Gifts and Scents
📚 Matching Guides
🍂 Seasonal Herbalism in NZ
💚 Support by Health Concern
- General Wellness
- Immune Support
- Lymph Support
- Digestive Support
- Sleep & Relaxation
- Headache Relief
- Stress & Mood
- Energy & Focus
- Muscle Pain & Tension
- Aches & Pains
- Skin Health
🗺️ Foraging & Connection
- Seasonal Foraging
- Foraging for Medicinal Herbs
- Foraging in Aotearoa NZ
- NZ Native Plants
- Urban Foraging
- Urban vs. Rural Foraging
🌿 Herb Monographs
Detailed profiles of individual herbs with constituents, actions, preparations, dosage, and safety information:
Sample of Available Monographs:
See all herbal monographs here
We’re gradually adding comprehensive monographs for dozens of herbs. Check back regularly for new additions!
Ready to Begin? Your First Steps
If you’re completely new and feeling overwhelmed, here’s a simple path to follow:
- Read “Getting Started with Herbalism” (Everyperson Guide) – start to finish, take your time
- Choose ONE herb to work with – we recommend chamomile, peppermint, or ginger (all safe, effective, and easy to find in NZ)
- Read that herb’s monograph to understand it fully
- Buy or grow that herb and start using it in simple ways (tea is perfect)
- Keep a journal noting how you feel and what you observe
- Once comfortable with one herb, add a second herb
- Explore preparation methods – try making an infused oil or tincture
- Return to this hub page and explore other guides as your interests develop
Remember: You don’t need to learn everything at once. Start simple, go slow, and build gradually. Herbalism is a lifelong journey, not a race.
Important Reminders
⚠️ Safety First
- Always read the safety information for any herb before using it
- Consult your doctor before using herbs if you’re on medication, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition
- Start with small amounts and observe how your body responds
- When in doubt, ask a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider
🌏 Rongoā Māori
Many New Zealand native plants are also used in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine). We approach these plants with deep respect for Māori culture and knowledge systems. When we discuss native plants, we focus on Western herbalism approaches and direct readers to qualified rongoā practitioners for traditional Māori medicine.
Learn more: Cultural Respect & Rongoā Māori
Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re here to support your learning journey:
- Check our Disclaimer page for important information about what this site can and can’t provide
- Read our About page to learn more about our approach and values
- Contact us with questions, feedback, or suggestions for new content
You’re about to begin a wonderful journey of learning to work with plants. Take your time, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process. Welcome to The Public Herbarium!