I’ve always loved tea—it’s cozy and comforting. But for most of my life, I never thought much about what was actually in my cup. That changed when I started focusing on my gut health. The more I learned, the more I noticed how certain herbs played a role in healing. I didn’t dive in right away, though. Not until a friend suggested I look into herbalism. That little nudge was all I needed.

How Herbalism Became Part of My Burnout Recovery

Burnout didn’t just drain my energy, it wrecked my gut, my immune system, and my ability to function. I was constantly bloated, exhausted, and getting sick. I tried to push through, but nothing really helped. When I finally sought medical help, the only solution I was given was PPI blockers. But those didn’t fix the problem. If anything, they made things worse by throwing my gut even more off balance.

Eventually, I knew I had to take a different approach. I joined Healing Guts and Shakin' Butts by Hannah Aylward and started learning just how much food, stress, and digestion were connected. It was eye-opening. I had always thought I ate fairly well, but I hadn’t realized how much small imbalances in stress, digestion, and lifestyle could add up.

The more I learned, the more I saw how natural remedies could support my healing. Hannah introduced me to herbs, recommending things like aloe vera juice and marshmallow root tea for my gastritis. I was skeptical, but I gave it a try. I wasn’t going to take any more PPI blockers and destroy any progress I had made in the program, so I decided to trust her.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. It was the first time I saw how powerful plants could be, and honestly, it made me wonder why this kind of knowledge isn’t more common.

I don’t have a big plan to become an herbalist or turn this into a career. I just want to learn, experiment, and find out what actually works for me. And as I explore, I want to share that journey with you.

So here are a few herbs I’m currently curious about. The list keeps growing and changing as it does with these things.

The Herbs I’m Currently Exploring

I think it won’t come as a surprise to you that I’m drawn to herbs that support digestion and stress relief. Cause, ya know… gut issues and burnout. But a lot of these are good for far more than just stress and digestion. They also support overall wellbeing in a variety of ways.

Before diving into the herbs, here’s an infusion that brings them together.

Tulsi, Nettle & Cinnamon Infusion Recipe

One of my favorite herbal blends so far is this deeply nourishing Tulsi, Nettle & Cinnamon Infusion. It’s packed with minerals, supports adrenal health, and gently helps with stress relief.

Nettle provides iron, magnesium, and essential nutrients, Tulsi (holy basil) helps balance stress and energy levels, and cinnamon adds warmth, circulation support, and blood sugar balance.

It’s one of those blends that’s easy to make and feels good to drink regularly.

Ingredients (Per 3.5–4 Cups of Water)

• 1/4 cup dried nettle → Mineral-rich, supports energy, adrenal health & iron levels

• 1 tbsp dried Tulsi (holy basil) → Adaptogen, balances stress & supports mood

• 1 small cinnamon stick (about 2 inches) → Adds warmth, supports circulation & blood sugar balance

• (Optional) A splash of lemon juice → Enhances iron absorption & brightens the flavor

How to Make It

1. Add the dried nettle, Tulsi, and cinnamon stick to a quart-sized jar (or 3.5-cup jar).

2. Pour boiling water over the herbs, filling the jar to the top.

3. Cover with a lid and let steep overnight (or at least 4–8 hours).

4. Strain out the herbs using a sieve (or fine mesh strainer).

5. Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before drinking for extra flavor & nutrient absorption.

Drink warm or cold, and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

When to Drink It

• Morning: Great for steady energy & adrenal support.

• Afternoon: Helps prevent the midday slump & supports focus.

• Evening: Can be enjoyed in small amounts—test how it affects your energy levels.

What to Expect

A smooth, slightly earthy flavor with a hint of warm spice from the cinnamon. More even, sustained energy rather than a caffeine-like “kick.” Over time, you may notice better stress resilience, hydration, and mineral replenishment.

This blend has been a simple but powerful way to incorporate herbalism into my daily life, and I love how easy it is to prepare. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

If there’s one herb that’s totally underrated, it’s dandelion. This “weed” is a little powerhouse hiding in plain sight. First off, it’s a liver lover, helping to detox and keep things running smoothly. Got digestion issues or bloating? Dandelion’s got you covered there, too.

It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium, and is a natural diuretic that supports kidney health. Plus, it’s got anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting powers, so it’s like a mini health booster in every leaf.

And let’s not forget, every part of this plant is edible. Dandelion roots for a coffee substitute, flowers for making jam, and greens for your salad. Oh, and it’s a bee favorite, so you're helping the environment while you’re at it.

Dandelion’s also a symbol of resilience, pushing through cracks in the pavement, much like how we bounce back after burnout. It’s a little sunshine in plant form, bringing bright yellow flowers and a fresh start to spring, and it's totally worth adding to your herbal toolkit.

Why I’m Interested:

Dandelions are incredible for digestion, yet most people see them as nothing more than weeds. They help stimulate bile production, which supports digestion and liver health. Instead of yanking them out of the garden, we’d be better off adding them to salads or turning them into teas and tinctures.

How I’m Using It:

So far, I’ve been struggling to find dandelions here. I’ve tried foraging for them, but I couldn’t really find much. But I will continue looking, and I’m hopeful I’ll find some at the farmers market or on a hike soon. So far, I plan on putting them in salads and snacking on them before a meal to aid bile production. I think I can probably also make a bitter tincture that I can use before meals.

Slippery Elm & Marshmallow Root

Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root don’t get as much attention as some other herbs, but they’re absolute lifesavers for me. Both are packed with mucilage (aka the slimy, soothing stuff) that coats and calms irritated tissues—especially in the gut and throat. They’re perfect for heartburn, stomach irritation, and overall digestive support.

On top of that, they’re full of anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins, and minerals. They might not be the flashiest herbs out there, but they’ve earned a permanent spot in my herbal toolkit.

Why I’m Interested:

These two have been lifesavers for my chronic gastritis. Their mucilage is incredible at soothing flare-ups. Thankfully, those are pretty rare nowadays. I still keep them on hand, just in case. They’re also amazing to use as a preventative measure and are great for building gut resilience and helping to heal leaky gut.

How I’m Using It:

I’ve used both of these plants in the past. Marshmallow Root I’ve mostly used in tea, especially in Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Tea, which is one of my absolute favorites. Slippery Elm I use to make slurries and lozenges. I also add Slippery Elm Bark Powder to my teas, miso broths, and anything else I can think of.

Personal Experience:

This is hands down one of the most effective things I’ve ever used for gastritis. It’s become a staple for me. I’m particularly selfish with my Throat Coat Tea from Traditional Medicinals. No one drinks that except me, and only in emergencies—just because I can’t easily find it here. Otherwise, I’d love to share it because it’s absolutely delicious. My partner loves it, too.

The first time I made a Slippery Elm slurry, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had a gastritis flare-up and had heard it could help, so I figured it was worth a shot. It turned out to be one of the best things I’ve tried for soothing my stomach. My symptoms calmed down way faster than usual, and ever since, I’ve kept Slippery Elm on hand just in case.

These days, gastritis flare-ups are rare for me, and when they do happen, they don’t last long. I’ve come a long way from the days when I had H. pylori, and flare-ups would drag on for a week. Now, I can usually trace them back to stress or something I ate, and it’s reassuring to know I have natural tools that actually help.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

If there’s one herb that deserves a standing ovation, it’s Tulsi—aka Holy Basil, aka the Queen of Herbs. This powerhouse plant isn’t just your average tea ingredient; it’s a full-on wellness MVP.

Why Tulsi is Amazing

• Stress relief? Tulsi’s got your back with its adaptogenic magic, helping your body calm down and find balance.

• Feeling under the weather? It’s an immune-boosting, cold-fighting, lung-loving superstar.

• Gut health? Tulsi helps with digestion, bloating, and keeping things running smoothly.

• Detox & Hormonal Health? It’s a natural detoxifier, supports liver function, balances blood sugar, and even helps with hormonal health.

• Heart, Brain & Skin? Tulsi is great for your heart, brain, skin, and even oral health.

Oh, and did I mention it repels mosquitoes, purifies the air, and has been worshiped in India for centuries? If you haven’t tried Tulsi tea yet, it’s worth adding to your routine. It’s an absolute powerhouse herb.

Why I’m Interested

I’ve been researching herbs that support hormone balance, and Tulsi kept coming up. It’s known for reducing cortisol and helping with stress-related imbalances—perfect for someone recovering from burnout.

How I’m Using It

I’ve been drinking Organic India’s Tulsi Original tea every day for the past week. I’m loving it! It’s delicious, soothing, and has a bit of that deep flavor that black tea has, too.

Stinging Nettle

If there’s one herb that deserves a little more hype, it’s stinging nettle. Yes, the same plant that rudely stings your ankles on hikes. But don’t let its feisty exterior fool you.

This leafy powerhouse is one of the most nutrient-dense, wellness-boosting herbs out there.

• Packed with minerals: Iron, magnesium, calcium, and chlorophyll—nettle is like nature’s multivitamin, giving your body a serious mineral boost.

• Energy-boosting & adrenal-supporting: If you’re feeling run-down, nettle has your back.

• A natural antihistamine: Struggling with allergies? Nettle helps you breathe easy.

• Supports digestion, skin health, hair growth, kidney function.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Perfect for soothing achy joints and calming an overworked immune system.

And if you’re into herbal infusions, nettle tea is one of the easiest ways to flood your body with deep nourishment.

Nettle is one of those herbs that does it all—nourishing, strengthening, and supporting your body in ways you don’t even realize until you start using it. Whether for energy, digestion, or just overall wellness, it’s the kind of herb that effortlessly becomes part of your routine.

Why I’m Interested

One thing I’ve learned is how important it is to get enough minerals. Modern food and water don’t always provide what we need, and I love the idea of getting minerals from herbs instead of supplements.

That’s why I got excited when I found a mineral-rich syrup recipe that uses nettles. I’ll be making it soon!

How I’m Using It

I haven’t yet! But I want to:

• Make a nettle syrup to use in teas and soups.

• Experiment with nettle infusions for a mineral boost.

Kawakawa

I’m especially interested in Kawakawa because it’s a staple in New Zealand herbal medicine. Being new here, I want to learn about native plants, and this one keeps coming up. It feels like a steady and reliable companion on this journey.

This native New Zealand plant has been a staple in Māori medicine for centuries, offering gentle yet powerful support for the body—inside and out.

• Skin healing: Kawakawa’s soothing, anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to for everything from dry patches to bug bites.

• Digestive support: A warm cup of kawakawa tea can settle the gut and support liver function.

• Pain relief & circulation: Traditionally used to ease pain, boost circulation, and support the immune system.

And beyond its physical benefits, kawakawa carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. It’s a plant of protection, respect, and connection. Whether you’re brewing tea, making a balm, or simply admiring its beautifully nibbled leaves, kawakawa reminds us that nature heals.

Why I’m Interested

Since moving to New Zealand, I’ve been fascinated by native plants, and Kawakawa keeps coming up. It’s deeply respected in Māori medicine, used for everything from skin healing to digestion support.

It feels like one of those must-learn plants for anyone interested in herbalism here.

How I’m Using It

I’m currently collecting dried Kawakawa leaves to make my first-ever Kawakawa balm for skin healing.

Personal Experience

I’m so excited to make my first salve with this—it’ll be the first balm I’ve made myself.

The best Kawakawa leaves to pick are the ones with caterpillar holes. They actually contain more active medicinal properties!

Foraging for them has been a blast. New Zealand’s bush is stunning, and I even tried a fresh leaf. It left me feeling… pleasantly woozy.

How I’m Learning Herbalism

I’m taking a slow, intentional approach to learning herbalism. There’s a ton of information out there. Instead of rushing to learn it all like I might’ve in the past, I’m focusing on a few key resources that feel approachable and exciting.

Books I’m Loving:

• The Everyday Herbalist by Jane Wrigglesworth (great for herbal recipes)

• Know Your Native Plants by Lawrie Metcalf

• The Forager’s Treasury by Johanna Knox

Foraging & Experimentation:

• Learning to identify plants around me and how to use them.

• Drying herbs and experimenting with herbal teas and simple infusions.

• Planning my first herbal salve (Kawakawa!) and a nettle syrup.

Online Learning:

• I’m attending the Herbalism Conference by The Herbal Academy in February.

• Following herbalists on Instagram, and also some aromatherapists like @scienceofessentials.

• Keeping an eye out on The Herbal Academy for affordable herbal courses that are trustworthy and packed with great information.

What I’ve Learned So Far as a Beginner

• Herbs are powerful, but you don’t have to know everything at once. Start with what’s around you.

• Foraging teaches patience. You can’t rush nature. Learning herbalism is a slow, intentional process, and that’s part of its beauty.

• Making herbal remedies is easier than I expected. Even simple herbal teas and infusions can have powerful effects.

• Nature provides more medicine than we realize. The plants we often overlook (like dandelions!) are some of the most beneficial.

• Herbs are powerful, but they’re not magic fixes. They work best as part of a bigger wellness picture, supporting a balanced lifestyle that includes real food, rest, and stress management. True healing comes from balance, and herbs are one of many natural tools that help along the way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re curious about herbalism, start with herbal tea. It’s an easy way to incorporate herbs into your daily routine without feeling overwhelmed. Pick a tea you already love and research its benefits. You might be surprised by what you find!

As for me, I’ll be making my first herbal salve and nettle syrup soon, and I can’t wait to see where this herbal journey takes me. If you want to follow along, subscribe to my email list for more updates on my herbalism explorations!