Are you interested in manufacturing herbal products commercially or from your own home? There are many different types of products that you can create using herbs.
There are many herbs available –
- Basil
- Dill
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Angelica
- Coriander
And many more.
Different herbs have different properties. For example –
- Chamomile prepared in a tea can promote rest and relaxation.
- Feverfew is commonly used to treat migraines and arthritis.
- Eating ginger is thought to help with nausea and travel sickness
Medical Products
Herbs can be very useful for some medical conditions, as we have mentioned above. However, different countries have different regulations with regards to selling herbal medication. So, if you are planning to produce herbal medication, please check what the rules and regulations are where you live.
However, herbal products are not just there for medical purposes. Herbs have many different uses. Let’s look at some examples.
Edible Products
Herbs can be really useful for –
- Making teas
- Cooking
- Sweets
Herbal teas can be flavoursome and beneficial to our health. Some examples –
- Chamomile – as we already mentioned, this can help with rest and relaxation, so is a great drink before best.
- Black tea can help to reduce cholesterol
- Ginger tea is great if you are feeling nauseous
- Green tea is beneficial to our metabolism.
There are many other types of tea, so have a look.
Hygiene Products
Herbs can also be really useful to make hygiene and cleaning products, such as –
- Household cleaners
- Shampoos
- Soaps
- Deodorants
- Toothpaste
- Shampoos
And more.
Skin Care and Cosmetics
They can also be great in skin care products and cosmetics, such as –
- Face masks
- Sun lotions
- Face washes
- Perfumes
- Moisturisers
Etc
Insect Repellants
Herbs can be useful as natural pesticides and insect repellents in the garden.
Craft
Herbs help to produce beautiful craft products, such as pot pourri.
Seven Tips Setting Up Your Own Herbal Products Business
If this all sounds good to you, the next thing to do is to get started with your herbal business.
Start Small or Start Large
Decide how small or large you want your business to be. Do you want a large manufacturing operation or starting small. For example, you might want to start small, selling to friends, perhaps selling online, then expanding as you become more successful. Or you might want to jump straight in to larger manufacturing.
The first step is to decide whether you want to start small or larger.
Know the Market
When deciding to create herbal products, you also need to know your market.
- What product(s) do you want to sell?
- Is there a gap in the market for this product or is the market already flooded?
- Look at potential competitors.
- Look at what competitors are selling and charging.
- Who will you sell to?
Telling People About Your Product
You may have produced the most beautiful herbal products, but if no one knows about them, then you may end up not selling a bean. Consider how you want to tell people about what you have to offer –
- Social media is a very likely choice. Consider the platform(s), you would like to use. If you intend to produce beautiful images, then platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok or Pinterest can be good choices. Do your research on what platforms are most useful to you. Don’t try to post on every platform you can find. You will end up getting overwhelmed and it can become too cumbersome to keep going. It is better to post regularly on one platform then irregularly on 20 platforms. So pick two or three maximum.
- Besides social media, also consider other methods of selling your products, such as Etsy, social media stores etc.
- You might also produce your own brochures and leaflets.
- Consider advertising. Consider where you might advertise. Do you want free advertising at first, such as press releases? Or paid advertising. If you are running a small shop only, then you might consider advertising in local papers. If you are running an online store, then your options are greater. But think carefully. Advertising can be costly.
Network
Get to know other businesses, other people. Talk about your products. Go to business events. Go to schools and colleges. Talk about your products.
Perhaps do coffee mornings, craft fairs etc. There are many different options.
Get to know people face to face, but if this is not possible, network online through social media and other related websites.
This is a Business
If you want to sell herbal products, then make sure you consider this your business. Making herbal products may be a hobby that you want to make into a business, but it is easy to carry on thinking of it as a hobby. Make sure that you realise that you are doing this to make money.
- Find out any rules and regulations related to the products you are planning to sell.
- Research raw products. There will be differences in cost, which will affect your profit.
- Do you need insurance?
- What about bookkeeping or accountancy charges?
Know Your Herbs
Before deciding to set up a herbal business, above all, make sure you know your herbs –
- Their benefits
- Potential risks
- For example, some herbs should not be used or consumed by pregnant woman.
- Uses
- Costs involved
- Where they grow
- How easily they grow
- Seasons available etc.
Know your Stuff
Do you have gaps in your knowledge? You might think you know a lot about herbs, but not so much about the business side of things and vice versa. If you are sure that producing herbal products is the way for you, then as we have already said, make sure that you know your stuff.
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