Training Herblore in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is no simple task. While it may seem like just mixing herbs into potions, anyone who's tried maxing the skill knows how time-consuming and expensive it can be. But for those willing to put in the effort—or spend OSRS gold—the rewards are immense. From PvM to PvP, Herblore potions are essential for survival and dominance in Gielinor.

This 2025 OSRS Herblore Training Guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including what the skill is, why it's worth training, and multiple viable training methods from levels 1 to 99.

What is Herblore in OSRS?

Herblore is a members-only skill that allows you to clean herbs and use them to make potions. Potions grant various effects—boosting combat stats, restoring prayer points, curing poison, and much more. These effects can often be the difference between success and failure, especially in tough PvM encounters or high-stakes PvP situations.

You unlock the ability to train Herblore after completing the Druidic Ritual quest. This short quest introduces the basics of Herblore and immediately grants you level 3 Herblore, allowing you to start mixing potions right away.

Why Train Herblore?

Herblore isn't just a “nice to have” skill—it's one of the most practical and necessary skills for high-level OSRS gameplay.

Key reasons to train Herblore:

· PvM Utility: Potions like Super combat, Super restore, and Saradomin brews are required for many boss fights like the Chambers of Xeric, Theatre of Blood, and Tombs of Amascut.

· PvP Advantage: Boosts from Ranging, Super strength, and Magic potions can tip the scales in competitive PvP combat.

· Ironmen Necessity: Ironman accounts can't trade with other players, so they must rely entirely on self-sufficient Herblore training to survive and thrive.

· Quest Requirements: Many quests, such as Fairy Tale Part II – Cure a Queen (for fairy rings), Song of the Elves, and Grim Tales, require Herblore levels up to 70 or more.

· Overloads: If you plan to take on content like the Chambers of Xeric with overloads, you'll need 90+ Herblore to make them.

OSRS Herblore Training Methods (1–99)

There are several viable methods for training Herblore. Each method varies in cost, speed, and level requirements. We'll break these down into four main approaches:

1. Cleaning Herbs

2. Making Tar

3. Barbarian Mixes

4. Making Regular Potions (Most Effective)

Let's take a closer look at each method.

1. Cleaning Herbs (Low Cost, Low XP)

Cleaning herbs gives a small amount of XP, but can be a helpful starting method. You simply left-click grimy herbs to clean them. Each herb requires a different level to clean and grants a small amount of experience.

While the XP is modest, this can be a decent, low-cost way to get your Herblore up to the point where you can start making potions efficiently.

Example XP Rates from Cleaning:

Level Herb XP per Clean

3 Guam 2.5

5 Marrentill 3.8

11 Tarromin 5

20 Harralander 6.3

25 Ranarr 7.5

30 Toadflax 8

40 Irit 8.8

48 Avantoe 10

54 Kwuarm 11.3

59 Snapdragon 11.8

65 Cadantine 12.5

67 Lantadyme 13.1

70 Dwarf weed 13.8

75 Torstol 15

2. Making Herb Tar (Slow XP, Niche Use)

You can combine certain herbs with swamp tar to create herb tar, which is used as ammunition for salamander weapons. This method gives more XP than cleaning herbs, but it's generally slow and tedious.

Level Tar Type XP per Unit Herb Required

19 Guam tar 30 Guam leaf

31 Marrentill tar 42.5 Marrentill

39 Tarromin tar 55 Tarromin

44 Harralander tar 72.5 Harralander

This is not recommended unless you're specifically using salamanders or looking for a more AFK method.

3. Barbarian Potions (Slower, Ironman Friendly)

Once you've completed the Barbarian Training miniquest (via Otto Godblessed), you unlock the ability to make Barbarian potions. These are 2-dose potions created by combining roe or caviar with existing potions.

While XP rates are low and you must make them individually, it's a niche method that Ironmen may find useful due to the self-sufficient nature of the ingredients.

Level Potion XP per Potion

4 Attack mix 8

6 Antipoison mix 12

14 Strength mix 17

24 Restore mix 21

33 Defence mix 25

67 Super restore mix 48

98 Super antifire mix 70

4. Making Regular Potions (Fastest and Most Efficient)

This is the bread-and-butter method for leveling Herblore. Making potions is the most XP-efficient way to level up, and while it can be expensive, it also gives you access to extremely useful combat potions.

The most common method is:

· Use a herb on a vial of water to make an unfinished potion.

· Add the secondary ingredient to complete the potion.

Let's break down some recommended training paths and potions you can craft along the way.

OSRS Herblore Training Path (Fastest XP per Level Range)

Levels 3–15: Attack Potions

· Ingredients: Guam leaf + Eye of newt

· XP: 25 per potion

· Potions to make: ~115

· Notes: Cheap and good for early levels.

Levels 15–26: Strength Potions

· Ingredients: Tarromin + Limpwurt root

· XP: 50 per potion

· Potions to make: ~100

Levels 26–38: Energy Potions

· Ingredients: Harralander + Chocolate dust

· XP: 67.5 per potion

· Potions to make: ~170

Levels 38–52: Prayer Potions

· Ingredients: Ranarr weed + Snape grass

· XP: 87.5 per potion

· Potions to make: ~300

· Notes: More expensive, but in high demand.

Levels 52–63: Super Energy or Super Restore

· Super Energy: Avantoe + Mort Myre fungus (117.5 XP)

· Super Restore: Snapdragon + Red spiders' eggs (142.5 XP)

· Notes: Super restores are more useful in PvM.

Levels 63–69: Super Strength Potions

· Ingredients: Kwuarm + Limpwurt root

· XP: 125 per potion

· Potions to make: ~700

Levels 69–81: Super Defence Potions

· Ingredients: Cadantine + White berries

· XP: 150 per potion

Levels 81–90: Saradomin Brews

· Ingredients: Toadflax + Crushed bird nest

· XP: 180 per potion

Levels 90–99: Extended Super Antifire or Overloads (Raids)

· Extended Super Antifire: Lantadyme + Lava scale shard (210 XP)

· Overload (in Chambers of Xeric): Complex recipe using 5 potions

· XP: Very high, but the cost varies based on potion ingredients

Best AFK Option?

If you're looking for a slower, more AFK-friendly way to train Herblore, stick to cheaper potions like Super Energy or Prayer Potions. Use bank fillers to simplify your inventory and use mouse keys or a plugin to speed up the process.

Bonus XP Options

· Botanist's outfit: Gives up to 2.5% bonus Herblore XP when worn.

· Portable Wells (not in OSRS, but relevant in RS3 if you play both).

· Mixing potions in bulk at a POH with rejuvenation pools nearby helps with quick banking and stamina.

Final Thoughts

Training Herblore in OSRS from 1 to 99 is a rewarding but expensive journey. Whether you're an Ironman brewing your supplies or a main account trying to prep for raids, having 99 Herblore gives you an undeniable edge in every part of the game.

If you can afford the cost, prioritize XP per hour and don't worry too much about profit. But if you're on a budget, mix and match cheaper potions and use herb cleaning as filler XP. Either way, you'll walk away with a maxed skill and some of the best utility in the game.

RSorder Team