How To Guides

How to Make Herbal Infused Oils at Home (the Easy Way)
Herbal oils bridge the gap between body care and plant medicine. They’re simple to make and deeply satisfying. Pick your carrier oil — Sweet Almond, Jojoba, or Olive Oil all absorb well. Next, select a dried herb: Calendula for skin comfort, Lavender for relaxation, Rosemary for scalp care. Fill a clean jar halfway with dried herb (roughly 1 oz) and top with oil, leaving space at the rim. Stir slowly to release bubbles. Let it infuse in a warm, dark spot for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain through cheesecloth and... Read more...
How to Brew Loose-Leaf Herbs the Right Way: Infusions vs. Decoctions
Brewing loose-leaf herbs is both an art and a science. At Lhasa Karnak, every ounce you scoop is cut, sifted, or whole for a reason — and how you prepare it makes all the difference in flavor and benefit. Infusions are the gentle way: steeping leaves, flowers, and soft plant parts in hot water, much like tea. Chamomile, Tulsi, Lemon Balm, and Peppermint all shine when steeped for 5–10 minutes under a lid to trap aromatics. Decoctions are for the sturdy ones — roots, barks, and seeds that need time... Read more...
How to Store Roots and Barks for Years of Freshness
Roots and barks are the slow breathers of the herbal world — dense, resilient, and long-lasting when treated well. Keep it dry. Moisture is the enemy of longevity. Use airtight jars with silica packs if you live by the coast. Shield from light. Store in dark glass or cupboards. Ultraviolet light degrades plant resins. Rotate seasonally. Buy small refills from Berkeley’s Lhasa Karnak to keep stock fresh. Grind only when needed. Powdered forms lose aroma faster than whole cut pieces. Handled well, barks like White Willow and roots like Licorice... Read more...
The Beginner’s Guide to Making Tinctures and Salves
Making tinctures and salves at home is surprisingly approachable — and it connects you directly to your plants. Lhasa Karnak sells everything you need in ounce quantities so you can start small and learn with confidence. Tinctures (Alcohol Extracts): Fill a clean glass jar halfway with dried herb (Echinacea, Dandelion, or Ashwagandha are great starters). Cover completely with 80–100 proof alcohol (vodka or brandy). Label, seal, and store in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently each day. Strain through cheesecloth and bottle in amber glass. Salves (Oil &... Read more...
How to Blend Your Own Loose-Leaf Tea at Home
Blending tea is part intuition, part recipe — and always satisfying. With loose-leaf herbs, you can make teas that match your mood, body, and taste perfectly. Start with a Base:Begin with a mild herb like Lemon Balm, Rooibos, or Green Tea. It carries the rest of your ingredients. Add Supportive Notes:Include function and flavor — Peppermint for cooling, Ginger for warmth, Hibiscus for color, Licorice Root for sweetness. Balance the Blend:A simple rule of thumb: 3 parts base 2 parts supportive herbs 1 part accent (floral or spice) Mix gently... Read more...
How to Store Herbs and Oils for Long-Lasting Potency
Whether you keep five herbs or fifty, how you store them determines how long they’ll keep their power. Dried botanicals are alive in their own quiet way — aromatic, delicate, reactive to light and air. For Herbs: Use glass jars with tight lids. Avoid plastic, which leaches odors. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. A cool cupboard is best. Label and date each jar. Herbs like Chamomile or Lemon Balm stay vibrant for up to a year; roots and barks, often longer. Buy by the ounce. It ensures freshness... Read more...
Simple Everyday Herbal Rituals to Ground Your Day
Herbs aren’t just for healing — they can anchor your day. Morning: Start with a cup of Tulsi and Lemon Verbena to wake gently.Midday: Steep Peppermint or Rosemary for clarity.Evening: Brew Chamomile and Skullcap to unwind. Add a drop of Lavender Oil to your palms, breathe deeply, and feel how small rituals shift the whole day. Every ounce from Lhasa Karnak is packed with care — making these moments feel as authentic as they smell. Read more...
Gentle Herbs for Pets: Simple Ways to Soothe Your Companion
Animals respond to herbs much like we do — but gentler is always better. For Dogs: Chamomile Tea for upset stomachs or nerves. Oat Straw Infusion in bath water for itchy skin. Calendula Oil (topical) for minor scrapes. For Cats: Stick with Catnip or Valerian Root; avoid essential oils on felines. Always use small amounts and consult a vet before making anything new. Everything listed is sold by the ounce at Lhasa Karnak — hand-packed for freshness you can smell. Read more...
Natural Cleaning with Herbs and Essential Oils
Skip synthetic cleaners — your kitchen already has what you need. All-Purpose Spray:Mix 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 10 drops each of Lavender and Lemon Essential Oil. Carpet Freshener:Combine 1 cup baking soda with 2 tbsp dried Rosemary and 10 drops Eucalyptus Oil. Shake onto carpet, let sit 20 minutes, vacuum. Wood Polish:Blend ¼ cup Olive Oil with ¼ cup Lemon Juice and a few drops of Cedarwood Oil. Lhasa Karnak’s hand-poured oils come in glass bottles for purity and reuse. Clean house, clean conscience. Read more...
Herbal Bath Soaks for Relaxation and Restoration
A hot bath turns into therapy when you add herbs. Bath soaks help the body unwind and the skin absorb plant aromatics in a gentle, full-body way. Start Simple:Use a muslin bag or a square of cheesecloth filled with 1–2 oz of loose herbs. Tie it shut and steep it in your tub like a giant tea bag. Soothing Blends to Try: Relax & Restore: Lavender + Chamomile + Rose Petals Muscle Ease: Epsom Salt + Ginger Root + Comfrey Leaf Cleansing Soak: Calendula + Lemon Verbena + Oat Straw... Read more...
Beginner’s Guide to Aromatherapy Oils
Essential oils are plant spirits captured in drops — concentrated, fragrant, and deeply personal. A single ounce can scent an entire room or transform a mood. Start with Lavender, Peppermint, and Sweet Orange — three versatile favorites. Dilute every essential oil in a carrier oil (like Jojoba or Almond) before applying to skin; the usual ratio is 3–5 drops per teaspoon. Use them for: Diffusion: 3–6 drops in water for air purification. Massage: Gentle blends for relaxation or focus. Baths: One drop stirred into a cup of milk or oil,... Read more...
How to Brew Lung Refresh Tea
How to Brew Lung Refresh Tea Breathing easy is essential for wellness, and for centuries, herbalists have turned to specific plants to support the lungs. Our Lung Refresh Tea brings together a carefully crafted blend of herbs traditionally used to ease the respiratory system and soothe the breath. This certified organic formula combines mullein, coltsfoot, yerba santa, sage, peppermint, and orange peel — a balanced mix that is cooling, aromatic, and deeply supportive during cold, allergy, or smoky seasons. Ingredients 1–2 teaspoons Lung Refresh Tea 1 cup freshly boiled water... Read more...