Learn how to make herbal powders from flowers, roots, and leaves and use them to enhance food, make beauty products or natural remedies.
To me, herbal powders are the most versatile form of herbal medicine and the one I rely on most. Whether used internally in smoothies, baking or capsules, or externally in homemade cosmetics, herbal powders offer incredible versatility.
I’ll guide you through the process of making herbal powders and share the many ways I incorporate them into my daily routine.
What are herbal powders?
Herbal powders are finely ground forms of dried herbs, made from the leaves, flowers, roots, or seeds of plants. They are versatile substances that retain the natural properties of herbs and their powdered form makes them easy to store, measure, and use in daily life. Simple to mix into smoothies, teas, capsules, or DIY products.
how to make powdered herbs
First step: Harvest or Source
Use fresh herbs from your garden or purchase dried, organic herbs. Alternatively, you can forage, especially for plants like nettle or rosehip.
If you are collecting leaves, such as for nettle powder, gather them before the plant starts blooming, which typically happens in spring or early summer.
When collecting flowers, like roses for rose powder, avoid washing them with water to preserve the pollen, which carries their scent. Instead, gently remove any damaged petals or insects. Always ensure the flowers are organic and free from chemical treatments.
For roots like beetroot or turmeric, wash, peel, and grate them. Using a food processor can help create evenly sized pieces so they dry evenly during the drying process.
Second step: Dry the Herbs
Ensure herbs are fully dried to prevent mold. There are two methods of drying herbs:
Air-dry:
If you are not in a hurry you can chose air-drying method where you place the leaves on parchment paper, baking tray or cooling racks and let them dry for 3-4 days
Hang them to dry with a stem tied with a string just make sure they don’t lose their green color during the drying process as they might turn brown or black and this is not desirable.
use a dehydrator
Spread the leaves on the dehydrator’s drying trays and set the dehydrator to the lowest temperature setting or around 95F. Allow drying about 12-15 hours
check if they are dry enough so they crumble easily when rubbed. Be careful as they still can sting at this stage.
Grind the herb
Use high power blender and grind them into the finest bright green powder. Avoid using a coffee grinder as it will affect its taste
Once powdered, transfer the powder to the sterilized jar and store it.
how to use herbal powders
1) In Food
Herbal powders can enhance both the flavor and medicinal benefits of your dishes, but the methods are different. To develop the flavor of dried herbs, simmer them gently for at least 20 minutes. However, to preserve their medicinal properties, add herbs only after removing your dish from the heat. Heat can break down the active compounds in many herbs. For example, if you’re using rosemary for both flavor and its health benefits, add it during cooking for flavor, but also add it at the end, after removing the dish from heat, to keep its medicinal properties intact.
You can add herbal powders to smoothies, teas, soups, or sprinkled over yogurt.
- Moringa powder: Great for adding to smoothies or energy balls.
- Cinnamon Powder: Freshly ground cinnamon smells like heaven and I love to use it in many recipes from Easy Cinnamon French Toast Recipe to cinnamon tea cake or cinnamon tea.
- Turmeric powder: Perfect for curries, soups, or a turmeric shots.
- Nettle Powder – considered superfood, is nutrient density food. It contains 33.6% protein which is three times the protein level as compared to the traditional source of cereal proteins (1)
2) In Homemade Skincare products
Herbal powders are great for making DIY beauty products like face masks, scrubs, and soaps.
- Aloe vera powder: Used in face masks or to soothe irritated skin.
- Rose powder: Adds a fragrant touch to bath bombs, scrubs, or facial toners.
- Carrot Powder has become a very popular additive in soap and skincare products as it contains high levels of carotenoids, potassium, Vitamin C, essential nutrients, and amino acids
- Chamomile powder: Used in face masks or to soothe irritated skin.
3) As Natural Remedies
Herbal powders are easy to consume as part of daily wellness routines. They can be mixed into water, capsules, or teas for health benefits.
- Ashwagandha powder: Known for stress relief and hormone balance, often mixed into warm milk or smoothies.
- Ginger powder: Helpful for digestive health, mixed into tea or smoothies.
- Elderberry powder: A versatile substance packed with vitamin C and polyphenols that you can use in tinctures, syrups, wine or cordials.
4) As Natural Colorants
Use herbal powders to add color to cosmetics, soaps, or even foods, as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Spirulina powder: produces a natural green color to smoothies, soaps, or bath products.
- Beetroot powder: Great for adding pink tones to lip balms, soaps, or frosting. It is high in vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, folic acid, and antioxidants.
5) In Capsules or Supplements
Encapsulating herbal powders is a simple and effective way to take herbs, especially for those with sensitive tastes or when traveling. Empty capsules and machines are easy to find, affordable, and easy to use. Capsules help protect the herbs from moisture and air and make dosing more convenient.
- Milk thistle powder: Often taken in capsules for liver support.
- Ginseng powder: Can be encapsulated for energy and vitality support.
6) Make herbal electuary
Herbal syrups, like elderberry syrup, are an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of herbs. Electuaries offer a similar option, where you mix equal parts of powdered herb and raw honey in a bowl. Stir well until it forms a thick, smooth paste. It is quicker to prepare and can make even the most pungent herbs more enjoyable to consume. Take it by the spoonful or mix it into teas for a soothing and health-boosting treat!
7) Use Them to Make Tinctures
Herbal powders have a short shelf life, usually lasting about a year, so it’s important to use them up. One great way to do this is by turning them into tinctures. To make a tincture, mix the herbal powder with vodka (or another 80-100 proof ethanol) and let it steep for a couple of weeks. Tinctures are a popular choice for herbalists because they have a long shelf life and are easy to dose. Just be sure to make tinctures when the herbal powders are still fresh, not after they’ve aged.
- Echinacea Powder
Echinacea is commonly used for immune support. Creating a tincture from its powder can help boost immunity, especially during cold and flu season. - Turmeric Root Powder
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. A tincture made from turmeric powder can help reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
In Your Daily Water Bottle
Adding herbal powders to your water bottle is a simple and effective way to consume them. Just shake the bottle to mix the powder, and you’re essentially drinking a herbal tea with the powders suspended in the water. This method is easy and convenient for daily use.
Note: Some powdered herbs may clump when added to water. If this happens, you can mix the powder with a small amount of water to create a paste before adding it to your water bottle to help distribute the herb more evenly.
- Lemon Balm Powder
Known for its calming effects, you can add lemon balm powder to water for stress relief and a soothing, mild citrusy flavor. - Matcha Powder
Matcha provides a clean energy boost and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your water bottle for an energizing sip throughout the day. - Spirulina Powder
Spirulina is a nutrient-dense algae that can be mixed into water to support energy levels and detoxification. - Rosehip powder that is packed with vitamin C.
How long the herbal powder last?
Keep in an airtight container away from light and moisture to retain potency. Just keep in mind that powdered botanicals oxidize and become stale much more quickly than herbs in their whole form.
