The Art of Sneaking Herbs into Your Life
In which we accept that there is no perfect herbal method, only what you can actually commit to.
Herbalism is full of decisions you don’t think will stress you out until they do.
Do you want the gentle daily support of tea, the raw power of a tincture, the versatility of powders, or the convenience of capsules?
Are you afraid of the fact that some herbs taste like mud and some oils like engine fluid?
Do you care, that no matter what you choose, someone will tell you there’s a “better” way?
Better for whom, I’d ask. Your way can be the best way, because it suits your schedule and your needs.
Let’s break it down.
Herbal Teas: The Slow, Cozy Method That Makes You Feel Like You Have Your Life Together
Herbal tea is for people who like rituals, warmth, and romanticizing their life.
It’s not just hydration, it’s infused plant wisdom, delivering nutrients like polysaccharides, mucilage, volatile oils, tannins, and vitamins in a way that actually absorbs into the body.
Why I Love It:
Affordable: Less than a dollar per cup when made in bulk.
Nourishing: Slow, steady, long-term support.
Seasonally versatile: Warm and comforting in winter, refreshing as a cold infusion in summer.
A whole vibe: Ideal for self-care, contemplation, and staring dramatically into your mug.
Potential Downsides:
Not always travel-friendly (unless you’re willing to be that person carrying a thermos of homemade tea everywhere).
Some herbs taste like you licked a tree, and there’s no sugarcoating that.
Best For: Daily use, chronic health support, and people who believe in the healing power of a well-timed cup of passionflower.
Bonus wisdom:
Mucilaginous herbs (like marshmallow root) need cold infusions to preserve their soothing polysaccharides.
Mineral-rich herbs (like nettle or oatstraw) actually do better when steeped overnight.
Advanced move: I rotate my tea base weekly, like cycling through oatstraw, nettle, or red raspberry leaf, to catch subtle shifts in how the body responds over time.
Tinctures: The “I Need Results Yesterday” Method
Tinctures are what I reach for when I don’t have time to steep tea or measure powders.
Made by infusing herbs in alcohol (or glycerin or vinegar if you’re avoiding alcohol), tinctures extract nearly 100% of medicinal constituents, including resins, alkaloids, and chlorophyll.
Why I Love It:
Fast-acting: Works within days, ideal for acute issues.
Portable: Tiny bottle, big herbal power.
Shelf-stable: Lasts years. That four-year-old tincture in your cabinet? Still viable (if made with alcohol). The dandelion root in the freezer bag from 2021? Nope.
Potential Downsides:
Strong taste. Some tinctures burn like vengeance.
More expensive. (But you only need a few drops, so it evens out. And it certainly does if you make it yourself.)
Alcohol content. Some people prefer to avoid it, glycerin-based options exist (though they extract fewer compounds and their shelf life is much shorter.).
Best For: Almost immediate relief, high-potency herbal support, and anyone who wants to feel like they’re taking ancient medicine in a potion bottle.
Advanced move: Learn your solvent strengths. Some herbs prefer high-proof alcohol (like resins and roots), others do better in lower alcohol or glycerin. Once you know this, tinctures will actually work. (I’m writing another post about this.)
Herbal Powders: The Multi-Purpose Method
Powders are herbs in their most concentrated, versatile form, meaning you can throw them in smoothies, tonics, soups, milk, or anything you want to secretly turn into medicine.
They absorb well (since they’re basically food), but they oxidize quickly, so freshness matters.
Why I Love It:
Nutrient-dense: Provides full-spectrum herbal benefits.
Easy to mix: Works in smoothies, oatmeal, or even coffee (if you don’t mind some chaos).
Cost-effective: One bag of powder is sometimes cheaper than a tincture.
Potential Downsides:
Shorter shelf life. Once ground, herbs start losing potency faster.
Taste varies wildly. (Spirulina, for example, will make your smoothie taste like regret if you put even just a bit more than “a little”).
Requires creativity. You can’t just drink it with water unless you enjoy suffering.
Best For: People who love DIY herbal creations, want to blend herbs into food, or just like the idea of secretly boosting their nutrition.
Advanced move: Invest in a coffee grinder and powder your own dried herbs in small batches. You’ll get way more potency than anything that’s been sitting in a warehouse, or your pantry shelf, for a year. (Always check when the powder you’re buying was actually processed, if that info is available.)
Herbal Capsules: The “Just Give Me the Benefits Without the Experience” Method
Capsules are the least romantic but most efficient way to take herbs on the go.
They’re pre-measured, tasteless, and travel-friendly, making them ideal for people who want the benefits but have no interest in the taste, texture, or process.
Why I Love It:
No taste. (This alone makes it a win for strong-flavored herbs like turmeric.)
Standardized dosing. No measuring, no guesswork.
Convenient. Take them anywhere, no prep required.
Potential Downsides:
Slower absorption. Capsules take longer to digest, meaning slower effects.
Less sensory experience. I and many other herbalists argue that tasting herbs helps you remember them and can even assist the body in recognizing and processing them better. Flip that gut to brain connection.
Can be pricey. Making your own can save money, but that requires a capsule machine, motivation and the ability to deal with your kitchen looking like a lab. And of course. Knowing exactly how much to put in a capsule. Think of the internal organs!
Capsules can be made with isolates, not whole herb powders. You may be getting curcumin, not turmeric. (This matters if you’re in it for synergistic plant chemistry.) See my post about propriety blends.
Standardized extracts are a double-edged sword, they give consistency, but may lack the complexity of whole-plant support.
Best For: Long-term support, chronic conditions, and anyone who wants the benefits but is not interested in spending too much time learning about it.
So, Which One is Best?
It depends on your lifestyle and what you’ll actually use.
Like rituals & warmth? Tea.
Need fast results? Tincture.
Want herbal support but hate effort? Capsules.
Trying to sneak herbs into your life? Powders.
The best method is the one you’ll stick with. Because at the end of the day, your herbs only work if you actually take them.
Until next time, don’t ignore the signs, or your herbal cabinet.
If you’ve made it this far, perhaps you’re ready for the next step.
That’s where The Shit No One Tells You About Tea comes in.
It’s the field guide I wish someone had handed me when I was staring into a cupboard full of roots, leaves, and good intentions.
Think of it as your slightly snarky, deeply practical companion to herbalism.
If you’re ready to go from “I have no idea what I’m doing” to “I made this tea on purpose and it’s actually good.”
—> Grab the book here. Your herbs will thank you.
Don’t forget the 30-Day Herbal Challenge kicks off May 2nd.
Follow the new Instagram @TheMinimalistHerbalist to join (I just created an Instagram account specifically for this because we deserve a corner of the internet that feels like a cozy herb shop, not a confusing Google rabbit hole)
One herb per week. A new recipe each day.
A community so you don’t feel like you’re googling alone at midnight.
Rose on Monday might be tea. On Tuesday, it might be a mist for your skin. On Wednesday, it might be something you whisper to yourself while it steeps.
It’s not all about formulas. It’s about rhythm, attention, and actually remembering what you learned.
Dosage and Safety Considerations
The information provided in this book is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Herbal practices and uses discussed are not a substitute for professional healthcare.
While herbs are natural, they are also bioactive substances, and proper dosage, preparation, and use are important. Always follow reputable dosing guidelines for each herb and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, have known allergies, or have existing medical conditions.
Anyone experiencing severe symptoms or managing chronic health issues should seek professional guidance before using herbs.
Individual responses to herbs may vary, and no outcomes are guaranteed. The author makes no claims regarding the effectiveness, safety, or suitability of any herb for any particular person.
Readers assume all responsibility for their personal health decisions based on the information presented. The author disclaims all liability for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from the use or application of the information in this newsletter.
Camille Charles is the voice behind The Minimalist Herbalist. Herbal researcher. Best-selling author. Consumer advocate. Professional over-doer of tinctures.
You’ll find her distilling rose water in an Instant Pot, repurposing olive jars for cacao butter, and making overnight nettle infusions like it’s a sacred ritual. She talks way too much about womb health, nettle, and why your juicer is probably lying to you.
If there’s an herb for it, she’s tried it. If there’s a marketing scam about it, she’s calling it out.
Tea’s brewing. Grab a cup.
Love this! Thank you for sharing!
I love the way you broke this down. It was easy to read. Great info. Thank you.