The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living

Episode Show Notes: Herbal Preparations 101
Teas, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves (Apothecary February)

In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re breaking down the most common herbal preparations I actually use at home—without overcomplicating things or pretending you need to become an herbalist overnight.

We talk through teas and infusions, decoctions, tinctures, oil infusions, and salves, when each one makes sense, and how to choose a preparation that you’ll realistically use for your family. This episode is especially helpful if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by herbal recipes or unsure which method to use for which herb.

In this episode, we cover:

Why the way you prepare an herb really matters

Herbal compliance: choosing preparations you’ll actually take

Teas vs. infusions vs. decoctions (and when to use each)

When tinctures are helpful—and when they’re unnecessary

Alcohol vs. glycerin tinctures

Why oil infusions are the foundation of so many herbal remedies

How salves and balms are made (and why they’re great beginner projects)

Common beginner mistakes (like tincturing everything)

How to choose the right preparation based on the herb and the body system you’re supporting

Herbal preparations discussed:

Herbal teas & water infusions

Decoctions for roots and tougher herbs

Tinctures (alcohol & glycerites)

Herbal oil infusions

Salves and balms

Helpful resources mentioned:

How to Brew Herbal Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-brew-herbal-tea-infusions-and-decoctions/

Herbal Bath Tea: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/bath-tea-with-comfrey/

Body Oil Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/lemon-balm-and-lavender-body-oil/

Lip Balm without Beeswax: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-infused-lip-balm-without-beeswax/

Wound Salve: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wound-salve/

Garlic & Mullein Ear Oil: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/garlic-mullein-herbal-oil/

Calm Heart Tincture: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/heart-tincture/

In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re talking through the best herbs to grow for a home apothecary—and where to plant them so they don’t take over your garden. We cover essential garden basics like annual vs. perennial herbs, direct sow vs. starting seeds indoors, and growing herbs in containers versus in the ground. You’ll learn which herbs are beginner-friendly, which ones self-seed or spread aggressively, which can be invasive in North America, and which herbs are often better to buy than grow in small spaces. This episode is a practical, realistic guide to growing medicinal herbs in any size garden, from raised beds to patio containers.

 

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/common-herbs-for-herbal-remedies/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity

In this first episode of Apothecary February, we’re setting realistic expectations for using herbs at home and building a strong, safe foundation for beginner and intermediate herbalists alike. This episode focuses on practical herbal education—without pressure to become an expert or “natural doctor” overnight.

In this episode, we cover:

What Apothecary February is (and what it’s not)

Why herbs are supportive tools, not standalone cures

Buying herbs vs. growing your own (and why both are valid)

Which herbs are best for beginners

Where to buy high-quality herbs online

Wildcrafted vs. organic herbs

Common beginner mistakes when buying herbs

Herbal safety basics and why contraindications matter

How to read herbal books and monographs without overwhelm

Why calendula and chamomile are “gateway herbs”

Different ways to prepare herbs (teas, infusions, tinctures, oils, salves)

Herbs Mentioned

Calendula

Chamomile

Echinacea

Feverfew

Mullein

Nettle

Dandelion

Resources & Links Mentioned
Supplies for Apothecary February: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brittanylgibson/list/2W4977LYCHIZU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_GEED11EVRXAZ61SSCS4W

 

Free Calendula Salve Ebook
Learn how to make calendula oil and salve—an easy, beginner-friendly first herbal project.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.kit.com/a9dc7c0be5

Herb Buying Guide: Wild Harvested vs. Organic
A deep dive into sourcing herbs and choosing between wildcrafted and certified organic options.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wild-harvested-vs-organic-herbs/

 

Herbal Safety Basics
Learn how to research herbs, understand contraindications, and use herbs safely at home.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-safety-basics/

Beginner Herbal Book List (Being Updated)
A curated list of trusted herbal books for beginners—without the overwhelm.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/7-best-books-on-herbalism-for-beginners-without-the-overwhelm/

Spring Gardening Summit (Free Online Event)
A free online summit covering gardening, herbs, fermentation, gut health, and more.
https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/

Recommended Herb Suppliers

Frontier Co-op

Mountain Rose Herbs

Starwest Botanicals

Final Note
This episode is about learning slowly, safely, and realistically. You don’t need to memorize everything, grow all your herbs, or feel perfectly confident to get started. Apothecary February is about building skills and confidence over time—without pressure or fear.

Winter can feel long and heavy, and sometimes leaning into “slow and cozy” just isn’t enough. In this episode, we’re talking about simple homesteading projects that bring spring energy into the dead of winter—like organizing seeds, fermenting, making jam from your freezer stash, growing microgreens and herbs indoors, and tackling garden-adjacent projects. These small, hopeful actions help beat the winter blues and remind us that growth doesn’t have to wait for spring.

https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'm planting in the garden in 2026 on my 1/4 acre homestead in the city and why these choices make sense for our real life, space, and season. We talk through what’s staying, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re planning a garden that feels nourishing instead of overwhelming. If you’re craving a more intentional, low-pressure garden plan this year, this one’s for you. 🌱

 

Sign up for the FREE Spring Gardening Summit: https://thehomesteadchallenge--audreyslittlefarm.thrivecart.com/gsk26-fast-action/679740ca1cb5c/