When I first started learning about kitchen herbalism, I quickly found myself collecting notes everywhere, saving instagram screenshots, writing post it notes on my desk, or having multiple notes for different type of herbal notes. The more I learned, the harder it became to keep everything organized, or at least in one beatufil notebook I could carry with me on through out my house.
One of the most valuable habits I developed was creating my own personal materia medic and formulation logs, a collection of herbal profiles built from study, observation, and experience.
What Is a Materia Medica?
A materia medica is simply a collection of information about herbs. Traditionally, herbalists use it to record details such as:
- Common and botanical names
- Herbal actions
- Energetics
- Traditional uses
- Preparations
- Safety considerations
- Personal observations
Over time, it becomes a personalized herbal reference library.
Why Keep Your Own Notes?
Books are an excellent source of information, but writing things down in your own words helps reinforce learning.
When you document an herb yourself, you begin to notice patterns:
- Which herbs support digestion
- Which herbs are calming
- Which preparations work best for certain plants
- Which herbs you reach for most often
Your notes become more valuable with every entry.
Start Small
Many new herbal students feel overwhelmed by the number of plants available to study.
Instead of trying to learn hundreds of herbs at once, choose one herb and document it thoroughly.
You might begin with:
- Chamomile
- Nettle
- Peppermint
- Lemon Balm
- Calendula
Spend time learning its history, actions, preparations, and traditional uses before moving on to another plant.
A Simple Journal Prompt
Choose one herb you already use regularly and answer these questions:
- Why am I interested in this herb?
- How have I used it?
- What preparations have I tried?
- What would I like to learn next?
These simple observations are often the beginning of a meaningful herbal practice.
If you’re looking for a dedicated place to organize your studies, the Herbal Study Journal was designed to help you build your own materia medica one plant at a time.