Guide to Powdering Herbs at Home + How to Use Powdered Herbs

Written by Jessicka | November 3, 2025

Powdered herbs are incredibly versatile; from adding flavor in culinary dishes, to making homemade capsules, and even powdering resins for incense making, there are a lot of ways where powdered herbs really shine. But not all herbal powders are created equally. Freshness and even adulteration in the market are big concerns. This is why many choose to powder their own herbs at home.

How to Make Herbal Powders At Home

While powdering herbs is quite easy, there are some helpful things to know when getting started. Different plant parts and equipment each have their own unique needs, pros, and cons. Also, consideration of the particle size you are seeking is an important factor.

Mortar and Pestle

Better for smaller amounts
Better for softer materials like leaves, flowers, or seeds. (tough roots are difficult to powder in a mortar and pestle)
Tends to yield a coarser powder.
There is an energy about using a mortar pestle. When I use one, I feel a deep connection with my ancestors.
Works without electric inputs, which also means it works when the electricity is off.
Harder for those with weakened hands or mobility limitations to use

How to Use a Mortar & Pestle for Herbs

First, add up to 1/4 of your mortar (vessel) of herbs. Keep in mind that too much will make it much harder to grind. The herbs need space to move around the vessel without spilling over.
Then, using the pestle, firmly press and twist the herb into the bowl to grind, and repeat consistently until the desired texture is achieved. Your hands may get tired, so take breaks as needed.
Filter through a mesh sieve if a finer powder is desired.

*For resins, I prefer to smash as much as possible, and then finish with the press and twist method.

Electric Grinders

Ideal for powdering larger amounts for storage
Does a great job of creating a finer powder.
Can be used for all plant parts, including leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, barks, and resins.
Reliant on electricity
Better for those with more limited mobility

Types of Electric Grinders

Blenders: Blenders are suitable for most leaves and flowers, but can have a hard time with tougher roots and barks. They also tend to be designed with a larger vessel and a small blade, which is not ideal for small amounts of herbs. (They will just "tornado" inside without actually fully coming into contact with the blade, thus leading to a lot of cleanup for poorly powdered herbs.
Spice Grinder: Spice grinders are my favorite tool for crafting herbal powders.The sharpness of the blade can vary depending on the brand and series, but it's a great size for the home herbalist and even small cottage business. Mountain Rose Herbs recently started carrying a Professional Grinder that can powder hard roots and barks, herbs, flowers, and even resins. (It’s also dishwasher safe, and has 3 grinding bowls, so you can designate one for your coffee and leave the other two free for your herbs and resins. (10 out of 10 recommend!)
Food Processor: While not my personal favorite, people do sometimes use them to powder herbs. The size and way the blade rotates in the container are not ideal for powdering, in my opinion.

How to Use an electric grinder for powdering Herbs

Electric grinders vary greatly, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. These general directions will work for many devices and will serve as a guide so you can tweak your method depending on the tools you are using.

Add herbs to your grinder according to the "max" line.
Press the on button for several seconds to get the process going.
Next, pulse about 5 times to get the herbs evenly distributed.
After pulsing, hold down the on button and blend until the desired fineness is achieved.
Filter through a mesh sieve if a finer powder is desired.

A Note on Particle Size

You may have noticed that some herbal powders are more coarse, while others are fine, or almost dust-like. Much of this is dependent on the plant part used, the grinder itself, and the sifting process. You can achieve finer powders by utilizing a mesh sieve to filter to the particle size you prefer. For things like smoothies or capsules, a finer powder isn't really needed. However, if making herbal powder drinks, electuaries, baking, or cooking certain dishes, a finer powder may be more desirable.

How to Use Herbal Powders

Powders offer a convenient way to work with herbs, spices, and even resins. They also allow you to ingest the whole plant body, which many believe provides the complete range of beneficial constituents. Here are some of the most common ways to work with herbal powders.

In Capsules for Wellness: Powders can be put into capsules for on-the-go use and also provide an option for those who can’t tolerate the flavor of some herbs.
Electuaries: Herbal powders mixed with honey are a tasty and shelf-stable herbal preparation that many people enjoy.
Fresh and vibrant spices for cooking: A sprinkle and dash of herbal powder can really turn a dish into a work of culinary work of art.
Yogurts and Breakfast Cereals: Another great way to work more herbs into your diet is to sprinkle some into common things like yogurt or oatmeal.
Smoothies and Beverages: Herbal powders can easily be added to smoothies or other drinks to boost the drink’s benefits while also hiding the taste.
Incense: Herbal powders can also be used to make burnable incense

Do Herbal Powders Dissolve in Water?

Pure powdered herbs that are simply made by taking a whole herb and grinding it into a powder will not result in a water-soluble powder. Dissolvable powders are much more complicated to make at home and often require specialized equipment such as a freeze dryer or spray dryer. Some feel that doing this loses the full range of benefits that the plant offers, while others prefer the convenience, and it helps to increase “compliance” with taking the herbs at all.

Preserving Freshness of Herbal Powders

Once powdered, herbs begin to oxidize at a faster rate, so it’s important to store them in air-tight packages, preferably with minimal air space in the jar. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dark, dry space to get the longest shelf life out of your herbal powers.

Also, keep in mind that powders are harder to identify, so be sure to label your jars with the date you purchased the herbs, the date you powdered them, as well as any other tips or uses you like to include.

About Mountain Rose Herbs' Organic Powders

Many of the powders supplied by Mountain Rose Herbs are milled in-house using pure and vibrant botanicals. While this helps maintain optimal freshness, we recognize that some prefer to powder their herbs at home in smaller quantities. This is why we offer many DIY tools as well as cut and whole herbs to support these needs.