Blog Posts

How to Test a New Herb for Allergic Reactions

One of the most overlooked steps in herbalism is taking the time to test a new herb before using it regularly. Although herbs are natural, they can still cause unwanted reactions in some individuals. Just as people can be sensitive to certain foods, they can also react to specific plants. Fortunately, most herbal reactions tend…

Herbal Proportions, Storage & Reheating

When you first start working with herbs, one of the biggest questions is, “How much do I actually use?” The truth is, herbalism allows for flexibility, but having a few foundational guidelines can make everything feel a lot more approachable. Herbal Proportions for Infusions & Decoctions For most everyday teas made with dried herbs, a…

Tea Bags vs Loose Leaf Herbs: The Honest Conversation We Need in Herbalism

There’s been debate in the herbal community about herbal tea bags versus loose-leaf herbs and somewhere along the way, beginners are getting the message that tea bags “don’t work” or aren’t “real herbalism.” Let’s clear that up. Because the truth is much simpler, more grounded, and a lot more supportive than the arguments suggest. First,…

I’m Abbi!

The Colorful Herbalist is my journal of learning herbalism while raising three kids at home. I’m a homeschooling mama and a first-generation herbalist, slowly bringing plant wisdom back into our daily rhythm. Somewhere along the way my ancestors dropped the ball, so here I am picking it back up.

This space is my personal materia medica mixed with real-life reflections, plus a few affiliate links to things I genuinely use and love.

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