Herbalism 101: Steps for the Beginner Herbalist

If you feel called to herbalism but don’t know where to begin, this episode is your starting point.In this solo episode with clinical herbalist, Elliott Brinkley, we return to the foundations- creating a soft landing place for beginner and budding herbalists alike. Elliott shares her early entry into working with plants, from the overwhelm of sitting with herbal books that felt like another language, to the shift that happened when she began tasting herbs, making medicine, and building direct relationship with the plants themselves.This conversation reframes herbalism as something lived and embodied, not just studied. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of where to start, how to work with herbs safely and relationally, and practices that help move you from curiosity into confidence. We explore the role of vitalist herbalism, the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and why beginning simply, often with just one plant, can be the most impactful way to root into this path.In this episode, we explore:• Why herbalism can feel overwhelming at first• Elliott's personal story of finding the plants• Knowledge vs. embodied wisdom• Vitalist herbalism + working with the body’s intelligence• Relationship as the foundation of plant medicine• How to choose your first plant allies• Herb-of-the-week / month practices• Ways to sit with, taste, and learn directly from herbs• The individuality of plant experiencesLinks & ResourcesIntroduction to Herbalism online class: https://dancingwillowherbs.com/collections/classes/products/introduction-to-herbalism-class-january-19th-in-person-virtual?variant=44172610371873Some good herb books for absolute beginners: Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary GladstarBody into Balance, Maria Noel GrovesThe Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook, James GreenWild Remedies, Rosalee de la Floret & Emily HanStay ConnectedIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share with others who would love it.Support the podcast by making a purchase with Dancing Willow Herbs!Website: www.dancingwillowherbs.comInstagram: @dancingwillowherbsco