Herbal Roots offers organic herbs, teas, and DIY remedy kits. They're known for their curated kits designed for specific remedies or health goals, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced herbalists looking for convenience.
Seed Savers Exchange (www.seedsavers.org): Heirloom herb seeds and gardening guides, focusing on preserving rare and traditional plant varieties.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (www.rareseeds.com): Unique and heirloom herb seeds, offering rare and exotic herbs for adventurous apothecaries.
Johnny's Selected Seeds (www.johnnyseeds.com): Organic herb seeds and gardening tools, trusted by professional growers and home gardeners alike.
International Herb Suppliers
Neal's Yard Remedies (UK)
Trusted organic herbs with global shipping
Austral Herbs (Australia)
Specializing in native Australian botanicals
Herb Pharm (Canada)
Sustainable herbal extracts and tinctures
Neal's Yard Remedies (www.nealsyardremedies.com): Organic herbs, essential oils, and apothecary tools. A trusted name in natural remedies with international shipping.
Austral Herbs (www.australherbs.com.au): Bulk herbs, seeds, and oils. Focused on Australian native and organic herbs.
Herb Pharm Canada (www.herb-pharm.ca): Herbal extracts, tinctures, and apothecary tools. High-quality products with a focus on sustainability.
Building Your Home Apothecary
Source Quality Supplies
Choose reputable vendors from our curated list to ensure you're working with the best ingredients and tools.
Organize Your Space
Create a dedicated area with proper storage for herbs, tinctures, and equipment to maintain potency and accessibility.
Start With Basics
Begin with common herbs and simple tools before investing in specialized equipment or rare botanicals.
Expand Thoughtfully
Gradually build your collection based on your specific interests and the remedies you create most often.
Getting Started Guide
What essential tools should I buy first?
Start with a quality mortar and pestle, a digital scale, glass storage containers, and a few amber bottles for tinctures. Mountain Rose Herbs and Bulk Apothecary offer starter kits that include these basics.
Which herbs are best for beginners?
Begin with versatile, gentle herbs like chamomile, lavender, peppermint, calendula, and elderberry. These are widely available from suppliers like Starwest Botanicals and Frontier Co-op.
Is it better to grow herbs or buy them?
Both approaches have benefits. Growing herbs ensures freshness and connection to your medicine, while buying dried herbs offers convenience and access to exotic varieties. Many herbalists do both, growing common herbs and purchasing rarer ones from quality suppliers like Pacific Botanicals.
How do I ensure I'm getting quality herbs?
Purchase from reputable suppliers listed in this guide. Look for organic certification, clear sourcing information, and companies that specialize in herbs rather than general retailers. Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Botanicals, and Banyan Botanicals are known for their quality standards.