At Carolina Holistic Tea Farm, herbs are more than just plants, we see them as nature’s medicine cabinet.
From a simple cup of tea to homemade herbal salves, we use these natural remedies daily to support our family’s health. Over the years, we’ve found different ways to prepare and use herbs, depending on what we need. Some methods are quick and easy, while others take a little more time, but each one connects us to the land and the traditions of herbal healing.
We wanted to share some of our favorite ways to use herbs, starting with the easiest methods and moving toward more advanced preparations.
1. Herbal Tea: The Easiest & Most Enjoyable Remedy
Tea is the simplest way to enjoy herbs, and honestly, it’s a part of our daily routine. Whether we’re winding down in the evening with a cup of Organic Relaxing Tea or sipping Lung Support Tea when the weather turns cold, herbal infusions are our go-to remedy.
How We Make Herbal Tea at Home
1. We boil water in our kettle (nothing fancy, just enough to get a rolling boil).
2. We pour it over dried or fresh herbs and cover the cup to keep the beneficial oils from escaping.
3. We let it steep for 5-15 minutes, depending on the herb.
4. We strain it and enjoy, sometimes with a little raw honey from a local beekeeper.
Some of Our Favorite Herbal Teas:
• For Relaxation & Sleep: Lemon balm, chamomile, valerian root (like our Organic Relaxing Tea!)
• For Digestion: Peppermint, ginger (like in our Minty Fresh Fusion Tea!)
• For Immune Support: Elderflower, echinacea (like in our Anti-Inflammatory Tea!)
If we’re using roots or bark (like valerian root), we simmer them for 15-30 minutes instead of steeping. This is called a decoction, and it’s how we get the most out of the tougher plant parts.
2. Herbal Steams: A Natural Remedy for Congestion
When one of us comes down with a cold, we don’t immediately reach for over-the-counter medicine, we turn to an herbal steam. We first started using these for the kids when they were younger, and now it’s a family favorite for clearing congestion and easing coughs.
How We Do an Herbal Steam
1. We bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. We add dried mullein or thyme (both grow beautifully here on the farm).
3. We lean over the pot, cover our heads with a towel, and breathe in the steam for a few minutes.
It’s a simple trick, but it works wonders, especially with herbs like mullein for lung support (one of the key herbs in our Lung Support Tea).
3. Herbal Oils: A Soothing Treat for Skin & Muscles
One of our favorite things to make is herbal-infused oils. We use these for sore muscles, dry skin, and even for the kids scrapes.
How We Make Herbal Oil (Cold Method)
1. We gather dried herbs from the farm (like calendula for skin or peppermint for sore muscles).
2. We pack them into a clean glass jar and cover them with olive oil.
3. We let the jar sit in a warm, sunny spot for 4 - 6 weeks, shaking it daily.
4. After straining, the oil is ready to use as is or as a base for salves.
Favorite Herbal Oils on the Farm:
• For Dry Skin: Calendula, chamomile
• For Sore Muscles: Peppermint, arnica
4. Herbal Salves: The Go-To for Cuts, Bruises & Aches
Salves are just an extension of herbal oils, once we have a good infused oil, we turn it into a healing balm by adding beeswax.
How We Make Our Herbal Salve
1. We melt 1/4 cup of beeswax (from local bees, of course!) in a double boiler.
2. We stir in 1 cup of herbal oil.
3. We pour it into small tins and let it cool.
These little tins of salve are a staple in our home. Whether it’s a boo-boo salve for bug bites or an arnica salve for sore muscles, we always have some on hand.
5. Herbal Tinctures: A Potent Extract for Long-Term Use
Tinctures are one of the strongest ways to use herbs because they pull out the plant’s medicinal properties using alcohol or glycerin. We started making tinctures years ago when learning about herbal medicine, and now we keep a small collection of them for different needs.
How We Make a Simple Herbal Tincture
1. We fill a jar halfway with dried herbs.
2. We cover them with alcohol (usually vodka) or vegetable glycerin.
3. We let it sit in a dark place for 4 - 6 weeks, shaking it daily.
4. We strain it and store the liquid in dropper bottles.
Tinctures We Keep on Hand:
• For Sleep & Stress: Valerian root, lemon balm
• For Immune Support: Elderberry, echinacea
A few drops of tincture under the tongue or in tea can make a big difference, especially during cold and flu season!
6. Herbal Syrups: A Kid-Friendly Way to Use Herbs
One of the best ways to get the kids to take their herbs is by making a sweet herbal syrup. Elderberry syrup is a staple in our home during winter, and it’s something we love making together as a family.
How We Make Elderberry Syrup
1. We simmer dried elderberries in water for 30 minutes.
2. We strain the liquid and mix it with raw honey.
3. We store it in the fridge for up to three months.
The kids love it, and we love knowing they’re getting immune support in every spoonful.
7. Herbal Poultices & Compresses: First Aid from the Garden
Sometimes, the best remedy is as simple as crushing up fresh herbs and putting them on the skin.
How We Use Poultices & Compresses
• For bruises and swelling, we mash up fresh comfrey and wrap it in a cloth.
• For bug bites, we use crushed plantain leaves (which grow wild all over our farm!).
• For muscle aches, we soak a cloth in a strong tea made from ginger and peppermint, then lay it over sore areas.
These remedies may seem old-fashioned, but they work and we love passing this knowledge on to our kids.
Bringing Herbal Remedies into Your Home
Herbs have been part of our daily life for years, and we love sharing these traditions with others. Whether you’re just starting with a simple cup of tea or experimenting with tinctures and salves, there’s a method that fits your lifestyle.
At Carolina Holistic Tea Farm, we grow and handcraft our herbal teas with care, ensuring you get the highest quality ingredients for your wellness journey. If you’re looking for a great place to start, check out our tea blends, each designed to support a different aspect of health.
How do you use herbs in your home? Let us know in the comments!
When making herbal oils do they sit in clear glass bottles or dark bottles? Thanks so much for the above information