Herbalism, Uncomplicated
Quality, evidence-informed herbal knowledge for Aotearoa New Zealand
No jargon, no gatekeeping — just clear, practical guides from The Public Herbarium.
Welcome
Hey there, welcome.
If you’ve ever been curious about using plants for your wellbeing but felt put off by paywalls, practitioner-only language, or content that feels vague or mystical, you’re in the right place.
This website is built on a simple, practical idea:
Herbal knowledge should be free, accessible, and safe for everyone.
We believe that using herbs doesn’t have to be complicated or exclusive. It starts with clear explanations, realistic expectations, and an honest discussion of what we know — and what we don’t.
What Is a Public Herbarium?
Traditionally, a herbarium is a carefully maintained collection of plants, preserved and documented so they can be studied, referenced, and understood over time.
The Public Herbarium applies that same idea to information.
Instead of physical plant specimens, this site offers:
- Clearly written explanations
- Evidence-informed discussion
- Practical guidance focused on safety and everyday use
“Public” means this information is:
- Free to access
- Written for people without specialist training
- Shared transparently, including where evidence is limited or uncertain
Our Unique Approach: Learn Your Way
The Everyperson’s Guide
Quick, practical, and straight to the point
Perfect if you want to know what to do and how to do it, simply
The Deep Dive Guide
The ‘why’ behind the ‘how’
For the curious minds who want to understand the research and chemistry behind the plants
How This Site Is Written
Our guides are designed to be readable and practical:
- Plain language first – specialist or traditional terms are explained in brackets where helpful
- Science-informed – claims are grounded in current research and physiology
- Clear limits – uncertainty and gaps in evidence are stated openly
- Safety-focused – conservative guidance and clear cautions are included throughout
You don’t need prior herbal training to use this site.
Explore Our Guides
🌿 The Foundations
- Getting Started with Herbalism
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Herbal Identification Basics
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Budget Herbalism
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Kitchen Herbalism
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive)
🛡️ Safety & Knowledge
- Herbal Safety Guide
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Drug Interactions
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Poisonous Plants
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Understanding Labels
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Herbal Glossary
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive)
🗺️ Foraging & Connection
- Foraging in Aotearoa
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - NZ Native Plants
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Urban Foraging
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Seasonal Foraging
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive)
🌱 Growing & Preparation
- Harvesting Herbs
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Drying Herbs
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Storing Herbs
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Making Tinctures
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Making Teas & Infusions
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Making Salves & Balms
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Making Syrups
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive)
🌦️ Seasonal Wellness
- Herbal Support for Autumn
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Herbal Support for Winter
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Herbal Support for Spring
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Herbal Support for Summer
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive)
🎯 Health & Wellness
- General Wellness
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Digestive Support
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Immune Support
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Sleep & Relaxation
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Stress & Mood
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Energy & Focus
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Skin Health
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Aches & Pains
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - Headache Relief
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive) - First Aid
(Everyperson) (Deep Dive)
Not sure where to start?
We recommend beginning with our foundational guides.
⚠️ A Quick, Important Word on Safety
Herbs are not automatically safe just because they are natural.
This site is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, managing a medical condition, or considering herbs for children, please involve a qualified healthcare professional.
Correct plant identification, appropriate use, and personal responsibility matter. Safety first, always.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi & Rongoā Māori
We acknowledge the rich tradition of rongoā Māori — Māori traditional medicine — which has been practiced in Aotearoa for centuries. This knowledge belongs to Māori and is part of a living, breathing cultural practice.
The Public Herbarium does not teach rongoā Māori. We recognize that this knowledge should be learned from qualified rongoā practitioners within appropriate cultural contexts.
When we discuss New Zealand native plants that are also used in rongoā Māori, we do so with respect for traditional knowledge while focusing on general herbal applications. For authentic rongoā Māori guidance, we encourage you to seek out qualified rongoā practitioners.
The Public Herbarium 