Herb Basics: Common Herbs and Dosages

By The Herb Companion Staff
Published on March 30, 2010

This list of herbs gives the generally recommended dose for seven herb forms, based on herbs that are fairly mild and have a long history of safe use, such as chamomile, lemon balm and ginger.

When first trying an herb or herb combination, start with less than the recommended dose listed on the chart. Take more only after you’re familiar with the herb or if your health-care provider recommends it. Follow the directions on the product label (or those given by your health-care provider) if that dosage differs from this list of herbs.

Herb forms and dosages:

Fresh herbs – 1 or 2 medium-sized leaves a day
Dry herbs – up to 1 gram a day
Teas – 1 cup to 1 quart a day
Powdered herbs – 2 to 4 capsules, 2 to 3 times daily
Liquid extracts – 1 to 3 droppersful, 2 to 3 times daily
Powdered extracts – 1 to 2 tablets, 2 to 3 times daily
Standardized extracts – 1 tablet, 2 to 3 times daily


Source: Hobbs, Christopher. Handbook for Herbal Healing. Santa Cruz, California: Botanica Press, 1990.

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