My apothecary shelves didn't happen overnight. They started with one jar of garlic and honey. You don't need a cabinet full of herbs to take care of everyday things at home.
Where I'd start
- Raw honey and fresh garlic, for fermented garlic honey.
- Dried elderberries, for syrup through cold season.
- Dried thyme, for steams and tea when you're stuffed up.
- Chamomile and peppermint, for sleep and upset stomachs.
Make one remedy, use it, and see how your family likes it. Then add the next jar.
Know when it's time for a doctor
Herbs are real medicine, and that cuts both ways. They can interact with prescriptions, and they don't replace a doctor for serious illness. Every recipe on my site has notes on who should be careful.
Find the recipes in my Home apothecary.