Sourcing Herbs for the Home Apothecary - Fresh & Dried

Regardless if we are aware of it or not, we have all worked with herbs. Every single one of us - everyone including those who consider themselves avid herbal folks to those who wonder “what even is herbalism”. 

Chances are, simply due to the fact that you’re here reading this, you fall closer into the first category than the second.

You’re in very good company 😉 I appreciate you being here.

Something so many of us experience when learning about herbs and working with herbs, is how easy it can be to overcomplicate it and/or pigeon hole it depending on our own relationship with the plants.

Cooking with herbs or adding herbs into meals.

Brewing teas or long infusions.

Working with tinctures.

Applying herbal infused products onto the skin - hydrosols, lotions, salves, etc.

Sitting or standing next to a particular plant that draws you in.

Smoking or burning herbal blends.

Working with flower essences.

… All of these (and so many others) all count as working with herbs!

Herbal medicine, at its root, is truly people’s medicine.

It is the medicine of the home and of the individual.

Herbs, not so unlike us humans, shine in daily relationship.

And like with a close friend, the relationship does not have to be complex nor elaborate.

It could be as simple as your daily cup of tea,

Adding a generous pinch of herbs into your evening meal,

Or brewing a strong tea to add to the bath.

Herbs love to be included into the everyday, the routine, the mundane.

They add interest through aroma and/or taste.

They offer incredible benefits to the body - mental/emotional body and physical body.

It seems one of the hardest parts about incorporating herbs into one’s everyday life is simply having the herbs on hand. (More on this below.)

Of course, having some basic understanding of the herbs is the next step.

That way, you can decide where, when, and how much of the herb you might decide to work with.

Building a basic understanding of the herbs you choose to stock in your home apothecary can be done any number of ways - through books, online blogs/websites, in person or online classes, friends/family… Lots and lots of ways! Choose which makes the most sense for you.

Sourcing herbs might feel a little more challenging for some, understandably!

So, today I thought I’d offer some resources in case you are someone who would love to create a home apothecary (no matter how big or small).

Please note, I won’t be listing everyone/every shop here. There are so many incredible herb growers and apothecaries located all over. If you have a favorite (or several) and I didn’t list them, please let me know!!

Some favorite fresh and/or dried herb sources local(ish) and within US:

• Under the Sun Herbs, Mankato (Farmers Market primarily)

• Rhubarb Botanicals, Iowa

• Present Moment, Minneapolis

• Red Clover Apothecary, WI

• Sweet Fern Apothecary, WI

• Oshala Farm, OR

• Herbal Revolution, ME

• Among the Oaks, KY

  
  

Worldwide sourcing of herbs:

• Mountain Rose Herbs 

• Starwest Botanicals

• Frontier Coop

And, since many have asked, I do sell some herbal products - herbal tinctures, salves, some select others (such as Fire Cider, seasonally). At this time, I don’t have a shop on my website so until I do, feel free to reach out if you’re looking for a specific remedy!

Happy abundant herb harvest season! Now is a beautiful time to stock your apothecary and kitchen cabinets with your favorite herbal allies.

Be well,

Kara