Do I Need Dozens of Herbs to Get Started? Our Herbalist’s 3 Picks
Do you need a shelf full of herbs to start practicing herbal medicine?
Many people think so, and they are mistaken.
They imagine herbalists working with dozens of plants, complicated formulas, and jars covering every available surface.
Because of that, people often delay getting started.
They tell themselves they'll begin when they know more.
When they have more herbs.
When they feel confident.
As an herbalist, I've found that one of the biggest misconceptions about herbal medicine is that you need a large collection of herbs to benefit from herbal medicine. In reality, you are better off starting with a few herbs you are drawn to learn about, and work with.
After working with medicinal herbs for more than 25 years, I've learned that depth matters far more than variety. Think quality over quantity.
Why More Herbs Doesn't Always Mean Better Results
When people first discover herbal medicine, they get super enthusiastic and excited.
Every herb sounds interesting.
Every article recommends something different.
Before long, you have more herbs than jars for them, and very little experience working with any of them.
The problem is that when you work with too many herbs at once, it becomes difficult to learn:
• How each herb feels
• When it is the right one to support you
• How your body responds
• Which preparation works best
Herbal medicine is not about collecting plants.
Just like friendship isn’t about collecting people.
To have a good friendship and to a good relationship with herbs, we want to get to know each person and herb individually.
The Three Herbs I Often Recommend for Beginners
If someone asks me where to start, I usually recommend choosing a few simple herbs that
support different areas of wellbeing.
Nettle Leaf
Nettle is one of my favorite nourishing herbs.
Abundant in micronutrients nettles magnificently supports overall nutrition and vitality.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most versatile herbs in the herbal cupboard.
Chamomile supports relaxation, digestion, and a healthy evening routine.
Plantain
Plantain is my favorite first aid herb. It supports healing and comfort of our skin, making all of those annoying little booboos better.
Plantain demonstrates just how powerful a common and resilient weed can be to us.
Why These Three Herbs Work So Well
Together, these herbs cover a surprising amount of ground.
Nettle helps nourish.
Chamomile helps calm.
Plantain helps soothe.
You don't need twenty herbs to begin building a meaningful herbal practice.
You simply need a few new herbal friends to play with every day.
How to Get Started
Choose one herb.
Not three.
Not ten.
Just one.
Prepare it as a tea and use it regularly for a few weeks.
Pay attention to:
• Energy
• Mood
• Digestion
• Sleep
• Overall wellbeing
This is how herbalists learn.
Not from reading about herbs.
But from working with them.
What Can You Expect?
Herbs rarely create dramatic overnight changes.
Instead, most people notice gradual shifts over time.
You may experience:
• More stability
• Better balance
• Greater awareness of how your body feels
• Increased confidence using herbs
These small changes will become the foundation of a lifelong herbal practice.
Practical Takeaway
If you've been waiting until you know more about herbs, consider starting with less instead of more.
Choose one herb.
Use it consistently.
Learn from experience.
You don't need dozens of herbs to begin.
Sometimes three herbs are more than enough.
Related Reading
Not sure which herb is right for you? Read our article: Where Do I Start With Herbs? An
Herbalist's Guide to learn how herbalists choose herbs based on their current needs.
About the Author
This article was prepared by Jo Anne Richards, Certified Clinical Herbalist (CCH).
For more than 25 years, Jo Anne has been helping people explore the traditional use of medicinal herbs and natural wellness practices.
