This book walks you through the exact methods I use to make herbal balms, salves, and whipped body butters—straightforward, approachable, and rooted in real-life use. You’ll learn how to confidently craft your own, with simple instructions that don’t require fancy tools or complicated terminology.

These are time-tested techniques drawn from my lifetime of hands-on herbal work. I’ve made thousands of jars of salves and butters over the years, and in this book, I’m sharing the practical tips and real-world wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for guidance that actually makes sense, this book will help you feel capable, clear, and ready to dive in.

Both. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been making balms and salves for years, this book was written to meet you right where you are. I’ve kept the instructions clear and down-to-earth—no fluff, no gatekeeping.

If you’re brand new, you’ll feel encouraged and capable. And if you’ve been around the block a few times, you’ll still find tips and techniques that can refine your process or save you time. I’ve poured decades of practical, real-life herbal experience into these pages so anyone can benefit.

Not even a little. This book is built around simplicity and ease. You won’t need lab gear or boutique supplies—just everyday tools like jars, a saucepan, a spoon, and your choice of oil, beeswax, and herbs. The goal here is to make traditional methods feel doable, not daunting.

Everything I share is based on years of hands-on practice, using practical tools in real-life settings. These are methods meant to fit into your life, not take it over.

Unlike most herbal books that just hand you a few recipes and call it a day, this one is all about teaching you how and why herbalism works—so you can make just about anything with the herbs you already have on hand. Instead of giving you a finished recipe, I show you the method behind it. Once you learn the foundation, you can build any creation you want. It’s that “teach a person to fish” mindset—I don’t want you to need me forever. I want you to feel confident and capable on your own. And don’t worry, this isn’t one of those books that takes 10 pages to get to the point. I write in plain language, real talk, and right to the heart of it. You don’t need a background in herbalism or a dictionary to get through this. Just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

The Common Ways For Common People series focuses on the foundational methods of herbalism — how to make tinctures, salves, infusions, and more. The Common Herbs For Common People series builds on that by teaching how each herb works, what its compounds do, and how to apply that knowledge practically. Rather than listing generic formulas to copy, these books guide readers toward understanding the “why” behind the “how,” so they can build formulas that make sense for their needs. That kind of empowerment puts readers miles ahead of most modern herbalists — especially those who rely solely on pre-written blends.

These books come straight from the hands and heart of April Graham — a cultural herbalist who’s spent decades living what she teaches. If you’ve seen her videos or read her posts, you already know the tone: clear, practical, and deeply rooted in real-life experience. Her goal with every page is to make herbal knowledge truly accessible — no filler, no gatekeeping, just the kind of wisdom anyone can use.

To keep these books affordable and accessible, photos were intentionally left out. Including full-color imagery in self-published works significantly raises the cost — which goes against the goal of making herbal knowledge available to as many people as possible. All instructions are written clearly, and no visuals are needed to follow the methods or learn about the herbs.

Yes — every layout decision was made with accessibility in mind. The books use a slightly larger-than-average font, gentle 1.5 line spacing, and natural matte paper that’s easier on the eyes than harsh bright-white pages. These small choices make a big difference for readers with poor eyesight, dyslexia, or anyone who simply wants a more comfortable reading experience.

Yes — unless you're viewing the ebook version! Just check the listing title to see if it says PAPERBACK or EBOOK. Our printed books are just that: real, physical books that ship to you. Ebooks, on the other hand, are digital files meant for use on e-readers, tablets, or devices with a reading app installed.

There’s always more to learn — and sometimes, even more to unlearn. Whether you’re brand new or deeply experienced, these books are designed to offer insight, spark new ideas, and give you a grounded perspective rooted in real-world practice. They meet you where you are and help you grow from there.