New to herbal products? Learn the basics of dried herbs, including the different plant parts, common forms, traditional preparation methods, and tips for choosing quality botanicals.
Walking into the world of herbs for the first time can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of different plants available in whole, cut, sliced, powdered, and dried forms, it's easy to wonder where to begin.
The good news is that you don't need to know everything at once. Once you understand a few basic concepts—such as the different parts of a plant, how herbs are prepared, and why they're sold in different forms—you'll feel much more confident choosing herbs that fit your interests.
Whether you're exploring herbal teas, building a home apothecary, or simply curious about traditional botanicals, this guide will help you understand the fundamentals.
What Is a Dried Herb?
A dried herb is simply a plant or part of a plant that has been carefully dried to help preserve its quality for long-term storage.
Depending on the species, the usable portion of the plant may be the:
- Leaf
- Flower
- Root
- Bark
- Seed
- Berry
- Fruit
- Mushroom
- Resin
- Rhizome
- Stem
Each plant part has its own texture, appearance, and traditional preparation method, which is why you'll see herbs sold in many different forms.
Understanding the Different Parts of a Plant
One of the easiest ways to learn about herbs is by understanding which part of the plant you're actually purchasing.
Leaves
Leaves are among the most common herbal products and are often light, fragrant, and easy to prepare.
Popular examples include:
- Peppermint
- Lemon Balm
- Raspberry Leaf
- Mullein Leaf
- Nettle Leaf
Leaves are commonly used for herbal infusions because they release their flavor quickly in hot water.
Flowers
Flowers are appreciated for their aroma, color, and delicate appearance.
Some of the most popular flower herbs include:
- Chamomile
- Chrysanthemum
- Lavender
- Hibiscus
- Calendula
- Rose Petals
Many flowers are prepared as herbal teas or blended with other botanicals.
Roots
Roots are dense, fibrous, and often require longer preparation than leaves or flowers.
Examples include:
- Ginger Root
- Licorice Root
- Burdock Root
- Angelica Root
- Dandelion Root
Because of their density, roots are traditionally simmered rather than simply steeped.
Bark
Tree bark has been used in traditional herbal preparations for centuries.
Common examples include:
- Cinnamon Bark
- Pau d'Arco Bark
- Magnolia Bark
Bark is typically prepared using longer simmering methods.
Seeds
Seeds vary greatly in size and appearance, but many have long histories in culinary and traditional herbal practices.
Examples include:
- Fennel Seed
- Milk Thistle Seed
- Coriander Seed
- Psyllium Husk
Some seeds are brewed as teas, while others are used in recipes or ground into powders.
Berries & Fruits
Many herbs are actually dried fruits or berries.
Examples include:
- Elder Berry
- Goji Berry
- Hawthorn Berry
- Rose Hips
- Jujube
These botanicals are commonly used in teas, decoctions, and traditional recipes.
Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have become increasingly popular among herbal enthusiasts.
Examples include:
- Reishi
- Turkey Tail
- Lion's Mane
- Shiitake
- Cordyceps
Most dried mushrooms are traditionally simmered because of their firm texture.
Resins
Unlike leaves or flowers, resins are hardened plant sap collected from certain trees.
Examples include:
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Copal
These botanicals have been valued in cultural and ceremonial traditions for thousands of years.
Why Are Herbs Sold in Different Forms?
You may notice that the same herb is available as:
- Whole
- Cut
- Sliced
- Chopped
- Powdered
- Granules
These forms aren't just for appearance—they affect how the herb is prepared and used.
For example, whole flowers are often chosen for loose-leaf tea because they retain their natural beauty. Powdered herbs can be convenient for recipes or smoothies, while sliced roots are easier to measure and simmer than whole roots.
Choosing the right form depends on how you plan to use the herb.
What's the Difference Between an Infusion and a Decoction?
This is one of the most common questions beginners ask.
Infusion
An infusion is made by pouring hot water over delicate herbs like:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Soft stems
The herbs steep for several minutes before being strained.
Think of an infusion as similar to preparing traditional tea.
Decoction
A decoction is used for tougher plant materials such as:
- Roots
- Bark
- Dense berries
- Some mushrooms
These herbs are gently simmered in water for a longer period to help extract their flavor and traditional constituents.
Learning the difference between these two preparation methods is one of the first steps toward understanding herbal traditions.
How to Choose Quality Dried Herbs
When shopping for herbs, look for products that:
- Have a natural color appropriate to the plant
- Retain their characteristic aroma
- Are free from excess moisture
- Are clearly labeled with both the common and botanical name
- Are packaged to help protect freshness
Whole herbs also make it easier to visually identify the plant material before use.
Start Small and Learn as You Go
One of the biggest misconceptions about herbalism is that you need to own dozens of herbs before getting started.
In reality, many experienced herbal enthusiasts began with just a few favorites.
Choose several herbs that interest you, learn how they're traditionally prepared, and gradually expand your collection over time.
The more familiar you become with individual herbs, the easier it becomes to understand how different botanicals fit together.
Continue Your Herbal Journey with LA Herb
At LA Herb, we believe learning about herbs should be just as enjoyable as using them.
Our collection includes hundreds of dried herbs, flowers, roots, mushrooms, berries, seeds, bark, resins, and traditional botanicals sourced from around the world. Whether you're brewing your first cup of herbal tea or building a well-stocked herbal pantry, we're here to help you discover quality ingredients and timeless traditions.
Explore our collection and continue learning—one herb at a time.