Many herbalists begin with self-directed study and learning. Research herbalism online and in books to start your education. Some helpful books for beginning herbalists that provide clear explanations of foundational concepts, have a lot of useful information for practical referencing, and offer action-ready steps for newcomers who want to experiment, include:   Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar  The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra  Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier  Body into Balance by Maria Noel Groves  The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett . Start growing herbs for your tinctures and recipes at home. This is good practice if you want to grow and sell herbs professionally as an herbalist. It also ensures that your tinctures and recipes will be made with high-quality ingredients.  Keep your herbs well organized and clearly labeled. Some of the most common herbal supplements include echinacea, evening primrose, gingko biloba, ginseng, and St. John's Wort. Fill a glass jar 1/3 to 1/2 full, depending on how strong you want your tincture to be, with the dried herb of your choice, making sure not to pack it down. Fill the rest of the jar with a base ingredient, such as alcohol, and stir the ingredients with a spoon.  Alcohol, such as vodka or 80-proof rum, makes a good base ingredient. You can also use glycerine, vinegar, or even honey. Use whatever herbs you want, depending on what kind of tincture you're making. For example, choose chamomile for a tincture that promotes restful sleep or echinacea for immune system support when you’re battling a cold.  Store your tincture in a cool, dry place for 3 weeks to 6 months. Shake it daily and when you’re ready to use the tincture, strain it through cheesecloth and store it in dropper bottles or clean glass jars.  Note that a standard adult dose of herbal tincture is 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 4.9 mL) up to 3 times daily.

Summary: Read about herbalism and herbs to start building your knowledge base. Grow your own herbs Make tinctures with various herbs.


Although most buffets on the strip are lavish affairs costing more than $15, a few affordable buffets can be found on the strip and elsewhere.  Station Casino's Feast Buffet is $6.99 for breakfast, $7.49 for lunch and anywhere from $8.99 to $10.99 for dinner. Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Resort Feast Buffets range anywhere from $1 to $5. If you attend a buffet for the breakfast price and then eat slowly you can wait for the breakfast foods to be carted out and the lunch food to replace them, effectively meaning you paid breakfast prices for the lunch menu. Many of the casino restaurants will have greatly inflated prices. Don't be afraid to venture out of the strip to find bargains on food just as filling as that you'd get in the casino.  Salvadoreño Restaurante sells pork pupusas for just $1.75.  At Tacos El Gordo you can get a filling meal for anything between $2 to $5. Unwind with a basil and tomato soup for $4.95 at the Nordstrom Marketplace Café. Off-menu specials are a common way for Vegas pros to cut down on prices on long weekends. Search online and keep your ear to the ground for any off-menu specials that can save you a few dollars.  For example, Ellis Island is known for its $8.95 steak special that includes a 10-ounce steak, salad, baked potato, vegetable, bread and glass of beer or soda.  Sometimes if you play the slots at Ellis Island you can get a voucher to reduce the price to $7.99. The prices at most restaurants fluctuate based on which events are currently taking place. Therefore, it's best to research before you leave for Vegas to see if any events are scheduled while you'll be there.  If you find yourself in Vegas during a large event, try to avoid restaurants on the strip at all costs. They may hike up the prices to take advantage of the excitement. Going to restaurants during the offseason, like in July and August, will keep the prices low. Buying individual meals can easily rack up a bigger bill than sharing portions. If you're in a group, try and find a spot that will deal out large portions that you can split the bill on.  Depending on the food, you can pack some of it up into small tubs and put it in your bag for later if you find there's too much to eat. Pizzeria Francesco's is great for splitting bills. A single cheese slice is $4 with one topping for $5. Share a whole pizza between a group and the bill will come tumbling down.
Summary: Eat at a buffet if you prefer one large meal a day. Attend a buffet during transitional periods. Venture off the strip for cheaper restaurants. Ask for off-menu specials for secret bargains. Attend more expensive restaurants on weekdays. Split larger portions if you're in a group.