There’s something comforting about keeping jars of herbs in your kitchen cupboard. You don’t need a whole shelf full of them to get started. Just a few well-chosen staples can go a long way.

In fact, my very first step into herbalism started with a packet of calendula seeds. I didn’t know much about them at the time, but they grew so abundantly that I had no choice but to learn how to use them. I dried those golden petals, brewed them into tea, infused them into oil, and eventually made my very first herbal salve. That simple seed packet became the gateway to a full herbal cupboard.

With just 10 key herbs, you can stock your home apothecary with everything you need for seasonal teas, homemade salves, skin care, and immune support. Whether you're looking for the must-haves for a beginner home apothecary or figuring out which herbs to grow and why, this guide will walk you through it.

Why Herbs are Safer, Simpler Alternatives to Pharmaceuticals

With more headlines raising concerns about the safety of everyday over-the-counter medications, it’s no wonder folks are starting to ask tough questions. The FDA recently proposed removing phenylephrine — the main decongestant in products like DayQuil, Sudafed PE, and Tylenol Cold & Flu — because it turns out it doesn’t actually work when taken by mouth. There’s also growing concern around Tylenol (acetaminophen), especially when used during pregnancy, and past recalls of heartburn meds like Zantac due to cancer risks.

For many families, this is a wake-up call — prompting a return to the gentler remedies their grandparents once trusted. Pharmaceuticals absolutely have a place, especially in emergencies. However, for everyday ailments such as the sniffles, a nervous stomach, or a scratchy throat, herbs often provide a gentler alternative. They tend to work with the body, not against it. Plus, when you grow or source high-quality herbs, you know exactly what’s in them — no hidden ingredients or surprise side effects.

Feeling overwhelmed by which herbs to use and why?

You’re not alone. A lot of folks want to use herbs more often but get stuck on where to start. There’s a dizzying number of options out there, and it can feel like you need a degree in herbalism to figure out which one does what. That’s why I put together this simple list. These ten herbs are time-tested, easy to use, and cover everything from immune support to skin care and relaxation. They’re the same ones I reach for again and again here on the farm.

If you’ve been asking questions like "what are the best herbs for cold and flu season at home?" or "how do I start an apothecary with kitchen herbs?" then you're in the right place. This post is for the beginners, the curious, and those looking to make simple herbal remedies at home without overwhelm.

My big “aha!” moment came when I realized that many of the plants I had overlooked as weeds were actually medicine. Dandelions, plantain, red clover—they were growing all around me, freely given, right where we live. God has a way of putting what we need right in our path.

Chamomile is Comfort in a Cup

Chamomile has been used traditionally for centuries to promote relaxation and support healthy digestion. It’s one of the gentlest herbs, making it a common choice for children and adults alike. Often used in bedtime teas and skin-soothing preparations.

Chamomile Flower Tea: How to Plant, Grow, Harvest, and Blend

Peppermint is Cool and Refreshing

Peppermint is traditionally used to help with digestion, occasional nausea, and head tension. It can also be invigorating and cooling, often added to teas, salves, and steam blends for a comforting effect.

Mint Majesty Tea (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

Calendula is Sunshine for the Skin

Calendula is a go-to herb for skin support. Traditionally, it's used in salves, oils, and washes to soothe minor irritations. Its petals are also brewed into tea for gentle internal support.

Simple Herbal Salve Recipes You Can Try

Elderberry is a Winter Wellness Staple

Traditionally used to support the immune system, elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have long been made into syrups and teas during the colder months. Elderflower, its floral counterpart, is also used for gentle seasonal support.

How to Make Elderberry Jam

How to Make Elderflower Tea for Immune Support

Ginger is Spicy and Warming

Ginger has a long history of traditional use for supporting digestion, circulation, and warming the body. Often made into tea or added to syrups and tinctures for seasonal wellness.

How to Make Ginger Tea from Ginger Root

Yarrow is an Old Folk Tradition

Yarrow is known in folk herbalism for its astringent and circulatory properties. Traditionally steeped into tea or added to salves and soaks during seasonal transitions or occasional skin needs.

The Tea Triangle: A Guide to Building Your Perfect Cup

Echinacea is a Modern Classic

Echinacea (or coneflower) is commonly used in tinctures and teas to support immune function. Traditionally harvested at peak bloom and used throughout the winter months.

Coneflower Care: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Echinacea

Sage is Aromatic and Earthy

Sage has a rich history as both a culinary and medicinal herb. Often steeped as tea for occasional throat support or added to winter spice blends. It’s also been used in folk remedies for clarity and cleansing.

How to Make Your Own Winter Spice Mixes

Licorice Root is Naturally Sweet

Licorice root is traditionally used to soothe the throat and support digestion. Its natural sweetness helps balance herbal blends, especially teas that are bitter or pungent.

How to Grow, Harvest, and Use a Licorice Root Plant

Rose Petals are Gentle and Uplifting

Roses aren’t just for beauty—traditionally, rose petals have been used in teas and oils to calm the heart and soothe the senses. Their gentle aroma and mild flavor make them a lovely addition to almost any herbal blend.

Edible Flowers: Using Roses in the Kitchen

Questions folks often ask around the table

How do I store these herbs?
Keep them in glass jars away from light and heat. A cool, dark cupboard is perfect. Label with the date and make sure to rotate them so they stay fresh.

Can I grow these myself?
Absolutely! Many of these herbs are easy to grow in pots or garden beds. Chamomile, mint, calendula, and sage are especially beginner-friendly.

What happens if I use the wrong herb?
Most culinary herbs are safe, but it’s always a good idea to learn about each plant first, especially to check for any precautions or contraindications with medications. Start with small amounts and observe how your body responds. We always recommend you read a full herbal monograph before using any herb medicinally.

How long do dried herbs last?
If stored properly, most dried herbs last 1–2 years. They don’t spoil but do lose potency over time.

Can I use these herbs for kids?
Many are safe for children, but dosages should be smaller and weight-appropriate, with the exception of licorice root, which should not be used beyond food amounts. Always double-check each herb and consult a trusted healthcare provider if you are unsure.

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Wrapping it up in the kitchen

With just these 10 herbs in your home apothecary, you’ll be well-prepared for everything from daily tea rituals to winter sniffles. During cold and flu season, we always have herbs around—lots of them. But the ones we reach for most are the simple ones: chamomile and peppermint teas, cayenne, garlic, onion, and ginger, along with an array of others.

Want help getting started? Download these Monograph Journal Pages to start documenting your herbal journey, one plant at a time.

Learn more about Herbs in Your Kitchen

• DIY Herbal Tea for Cold and Flu Season
• Headache Remedies and Best Herbs for Headaches
• How to Stock Your Kitchen Apothecary for Winter
• Simple Herbal Salve Recipes You Can Try
• DIY Herbal Allergy Tea Recipe
• Herbal Gummy Recipe Round-up