How to Use Dried Herbs for Wellbeing
By Neal's Yard Remedies: Natural & organic skin care beauty | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn practical ways to use dried herbs for wellbeing, including herbal tea recipes, bath soaks, and infusions. Simple steps for natural healing herbs.
Quick answer
To use dried herbs for wellbeing, steep them as a tea, add them to a warm bath, or create a simple infusion. Start with a single herb like Eyebright or Lemon Balm to see how your body responds.
Why choose dried herbs for daily wellness
Dried herbs offer a simple, natural way to support your wellbeing without relying on processed products. They are shelf-stable, easy to store, and can be used in multiple ways—from a calming cup of tea to a relaxing bath soak. Because they are concentrated, a small amount goes a long way, making them an affordable addition to your routine.
One trade-off is that dried herbs lose some volatile compounds over time, so it's best to use them within a year and store them in a cool, dark place. Also, not all herbs are suitable for everyone; always check for allergies or interactions with medications before trying a new herb.
Getting started with your first herb
If you are new to herbal remedies, start with a single herb that has a gentle reputation. Eyebright Dried Herb is traditionally used for eye health and can be made into a tea or used as a compress. Lemon Balm Dried Herb is known for its calming properties and makes a pleasant, mild tea that is safe for most adults.
Both herbs are available in 50g packs from Neal's Yard Remedies, and the packaging is designed to be reusable or compostable—so you can feel good about your choice from the start.
How to use dried herbs for wellbeing: step by step
- Step 1: Choose your herb and prepare it: Select a dried herb like Eyebright or Lemon Balm. Measure 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb per cup of water (for tea) or per bath (for a soak). If using a tea infuser or muslin bag, place the herb inside. For a bath, tie the herb in a muslin bag or sprinkle directly into the water. Common mistake: using too much herb can make the tea bitter or the bath too strong. Start with less and adjust to taste or preference.
- Step 2: Make an herbal tea: Boil fresh water and pour it over the herbs in a cup or teapot. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Strain or remove the infuser. Drink warm, optionally adding honey or lemon. Checkpoint: if you are using Lemon Balm, steeping longer than 10 minutes can make the tea slightly bitter. Stick to 5–7 minutes for a gentle flavor.
- Step 3: Prepare an herbal bath soak: Fill your bathtub with warm water. While the water is running, add the herbs (either loose or in a muslin bag). Let them steep in the water for 5 minutes before getting in. Soak for 15–20 minutes, then rinse off with clean water. Common mistake: adding herbs to very hot water can cause them to release too many compounds, making the bath irritating. Use warm, not hot, water.
- Step 4: Make a simple herbal infusion: Place 1–2 tablespoons of dried herb in a jar. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over it, cover, and let it steep for 15–30 minutes. Strain and use the liquid as a facial toner, hair rinse, or compress. Store any leftover infusion in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Checkpoint: infusions are more concentrated than tea, so always dilute them with water before applying to skin. Test on a small area first.
Products mentioned in this guide
- Eyebright Dried Herb 50g: Eyebright Dried Herb 50g is dispatched in bulk to reduce packaging waste, and the clear herb bag is made from renewable, plant-sourced Natureflex™ film that meets home composting standards. This means you can reuse the bag for storage or refills, supporting a zero-waste approach to your herbal remedies.
Eyebright Dried Herb 50g - Lemon Balm Dried Herb 50g: Lemon Balm Dried Herb 50g also comes in the same compostable Natureflex™ bag, and the herb is traditionally used for its calming properties. It is an ideal choice for a relaxing evening tea or bath soak, especially if you are looking for a gentle way to unwind.
Lemon Balm Dried Herb 50g
