Herblore is not an important skill for beginners, but it will be needed for some end-game activities such as Raids. Even though it’s easy to train this skill, you will need a lot of money to do it. This herblore guide focuses on efficiency, by combining certain herbs with other materials to make potions.
In this guide, I will mention the fastest Semi-AFK way to reach level 99 in Herblore. Any other methods such as money making training methods will be ignored. But if you are willing to know some ways to get money, then you should check out our detailed money making guide for OSRS.
Note: all ingredients mentioned in this guide can be directly bought from the Grand Exchange, which means you will need to have a good amount of OSRS Gold if you want to level up the fastest way.
Make sure to check out all 23 OSRS skills in our relevant guide.
Table of Contents
Getting Started with Herblore
To be able to train this skill, you will have to complete the Druidic Ritual quest. You can also complete some other quests to gain Herblore EXP, but it’s still more efficient to choose the regular way.
How to complete Druidic Ritual:
- Go to the stone circle located north of Taverley to start the quest by speaking to Kaqemeex.
- Speak to Sanfew who is located upstairs in a Herblore shop that is located south down the road. He will ask you to place 4 items (raw Rat, bear, beef and chicken meat) in the Cauldron of Thunder (which is located in Taverley Dungeon)
- Once you place the items in the Cauldron of Thunder, they will change to the enchanted versions. Go back to Sanfew and give him the items and then to Kaqemeex to complete the quest.
Note: you will end up being Level 3 Herblore after completing the quest.
Keep in mind that you will be able to sell all the potions you craft in this guide back to the Grand Exchange, in order to decrease the training cost.
There are faster training methods, but all of them are click intensive (not AFK) and you will end up doing it slower than the Semi-AFK methods.
If you follow this guide, you will end up spending around 200M Gold to reach Level 99 Herblore. This can be more or less depending on the prices which are pretty much fluctuating.
Level 3-5
Craft 6 Attack Potions (25 XP / Potion).
Attack Potion Recipe
Guam potion (unf)
Eye of newt
Guam potion (unf)
Can be made by mixing a Guam leaf in a vial of water. A Guam leaf can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 9 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as fountains or wells. The empty vials can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Eye of newt
It can be obtained by killing various monsters all over the map such as Newtroost, or by buying it from certain NPC Stores such as Betty’s Magic Emporium which is located in Port Sarim.
Level 5-12
Craft 32 Anti-Poison Potions (37 XP / Potion).
Anti-Poison Recipe
Marrentill potion (unf)
Unicorn Horn Dust
Marrentill potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Marrentill in a vial of water. A Marrentil can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 14 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. It can also be dropped from some monsters such as Aberrant spectre. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vials can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Unicorn Horn Dust
It can be obtained by killing some Monsters as such as Cave bugs, also can be made by using a pestle and mortar on a Unicorn horn. A Unicorn horn can be obtained by killing Unicorns and also some other monsters.
Level 12-26
Craft 144 Strength Potions (50 XP / Potion).
Strength Potion Recipe
Tarromin potion (unf)
Limpwurt root
Tarromin potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Tarromin in a vial of water. A Tarromin can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 19 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Limpwurt root
It can be obtained by farming in a flower patch with level 26 Farming. It can also be obtained directly by killing monsters such as Cockatrices or Hill Giants.
Level 26-38
Craft 332 Energy Potions (67 XP / Potion).
Energy Potion Recipe
Harralander potion (unf)
Chocolate Dust
Harralander potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Harralander in a vial of water. A Harralander can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 26 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Chocolate Dust
It can be obtained by using a pestle and mortar on a Chocolate bar, or directly from killing monsters such as Dessourts. It can also be bought from NPCs such as Grand Tree Groceries. A Chocolate bar can be obtained by buying it from some NPCs such as Grand Tree Groceries.
Level 38-45
Craft 356 Prayer Potions (88 XP / Potion).
Prayer Potion Recipe
Ranarr potion (unf)
Snape Grass
Ranarr potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Ranarr weed in a vial of water. A Ranarr weed can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 32 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Snape Grass
It can be obtained by farming in an Allotment patch with level 61 Farming. It can also be obtained directly by killing monsters such as General Danknucks.
Level 45-48
Craft 216 Super Attack Potions (100 XP / Potion).
Super Attack Potion Recipe
Irit potion (unf)
Irit potion (unf)
It is made by mixing an Irit leaf in a vial of water. An Irit leaf can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 44 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Eye of Newt
It can be obtained by killing various monsters all over the map such as Newtroost, or by buying it from certain NPC Stores such as Betty’s Magic Emporium which is located in Port Sarim.
Level 48-52
Craft 203 Super Anti-Poison Potions (106 XP / Potion).
Super Anti-Poison Potion Recipe
Irit potion (unf)
It is made by mixing an Irit leaf in a vial of water. An Irit leaf can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 44 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Unicorn Horn Dust
It can be obtained by killing some Monsters as such as Cave bugs, also can be made by using a pestle and mortar on a Unicorn horn. A Unicorn horn can be obtained by killing Unicorns and also some other monsters.
Level 52-55
Craft 366 Super Energy Potions (118 XP / Potion).
Super Energy Potion Recipe
Avantoe potion (unf)
Mort Myre Fungus
Avantoe potion (unf)
It is made by mixing an Avantoe in a vial of water. An Avantoe can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 50 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Mort Myre Fungus
It can be obtained by using a Blessed Silver Sickle to cast Bloom near the dead logs. Also can be obtained by chopping sulliuscep mushrooms or by killing monsters such as Swamp Crab.
Level 55-63
Craft 1,616 Super Strength Potions (125 XP / Potion).
Super Strength Potion Recipe
Kwuarm potion (unf)
Limpwurt Root
Kwuarm potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Kwuarm in a vial of water. A Kwuarm can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 56 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Limpwurt Root
It can be obtained by farming in a flower patch with level 26 Farming. It can also be obtained directly by killing monsters such as Cockatrices or Hill Giants.
Level 63-69
Craft 2,102 Super Restore Potions (143 XP / Potion).
Super restore Potion Recipe
Snapdragon potion (unf)
Red Spider’s Eggs
Snapdragon potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Snapdragon in a vial of water. A Snapdragon can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 62 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Red Spider’s Eggs
They can be obtained by picking them from some specific areas where you can find The Deadly Red Spiders such as the Edgeville Dungeon. They can also be obtained by killing monsters such as Temple Spiders.
Level 69-72
Craft 1,468 Antifire Potions (157 XP / Hour).
Antifire Potion Recipe
Lantadyme potion (unf)
Dragon Scale Dust
Lantadyme potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Lantadyme in a vial of water. A Lantadyme can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 73 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Dragon Scale Dust
It can be obtained by using a pestle and mortar on a Blue dragon scale. A Blue dragon scale can be obtained by killing Brutal blue dragons.
Level 72-81
Craft 7,961 Ranging Potions (163 XP / Potion).
Ranging Potion Recipe
Dwarf Weed potion (unf)
Wine of Zamorak
Dwarf Weed potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Dwarf weed in a vial of water. A Dwarf weed can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 79 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Wine of Zamorak
It can only be obtained by casting Telekinetic Grab (which requires level 33 magic) on the Wine of Zamorak in the Asgarnian Chaos Temple or the Wilderness Chaos Temple.
Level 81-99
Craft 60,232 Saradomin Brew Potions (180 XP / Potion).
Saradomin Brew Potion Recipe
Toadflax potion (unf)
Crushed Nest
Toadflax potion (unf)
It is made by mixing a Toadflax in a vial of water. A Toadflax can be obtained by farming in a herb patch with level 38 Farming and cleaned later to be usable. A vial of water can be obtained by filling an empty vial with water from any water source such as wells. The empty vial can be crafted using the Crafting skill.
Crushed Nest
It can be obtained by using a pestle and mortar on a Bird nest. A Bird nest can be obtained by many methods such as dropping randomly while woodcutting the trees, or while emptying the birdhouse traps.
Herblore Quests & EXP Rates
OSRS generally contains many Quests, almost every Quest is going to give you Experience reward for a specific skill. Completing any Quest that gives Herblore EXP is very useful, not the fastest way, but you will have to complete them anyway, so why not?
All Quests
The table below shows every Herblore Quest in Old School Runescape, so it is up to you to either complete them or not. The ones marked with green letters, are the ones recommended in terms of requirements.
| Quest | Experience Reward | Herblore req. | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Druidic Ritual | 250 | — | — |
| Jungle Potion | 775 | 3 | — |
| Recruitment Drive | 1,000 | — | 12 |
| Heroes’ Quest | 1,325 | 25 | 55, 53 , 53 , 50
|
| The Dig Site | 2,000 | 10 | 10 , 25 |
| Shades of Mort’ton | 2,000 | 15 | 20 , 5 |
| Zogre Flesh Eaters | 2,000 | 8 | 4 , 30 , 30 |
| Fairytale II – Cure a Queen | 3,500 | 57 | 40 , 49 |
| Grim Tales | 5,000 | 52 | 45, 58, 59, 71 |
| My Arm’s Big Adventure | 10,000 | 31 | 10, 29 |
| Eadgar’s Ruse | 11,000 | 31 | — |
| Song of the Elves | 20,000 | 70 | 70, 70 , 70, 70 , 70
, 70 |
You can also make your own Unfinished potions after cleaning the required Grimy Herbs. This method is very slow, but it will save you some money.
Cleaning Herbs will give you decent Herblore EXP, depending on how efficient you do it, however making Unfinished potions won’t grant you any EXP.
Herb Cleaning XP / Hour
The table below shows the various Herbs to clean in addition to their EXP rates:
| Level | Herb | Clean XP | XP/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |  Guam |
2.5 | 12,500 |
| 5 |  Marrentill |
3.8 | 19,000 |
| 11 |  Tarromin |
5 | 25,000 |
| 20 |  Harralander |
6.3 | 31,500 |
| 25 |  Ranarr |
7.5 | 37,500 |
| 30 |  Toadflax |
8 | 40,000 |
| 40 |  Irit leaf |
8.8 | 44,000 |
| 48 |  Avantoe |
10 | 50,000 |
| 54 |  Kwuarm |
11.3 | 56,500 |
| 59 |  Snapdragon |
11.8 | 59,000 |
| 65 |  Cadantine |
12.5 | 62,500 |
| 67 |  Lantadyme |
13.1 | 65,500 |
| 70 |  Dwarf weed |
13.8 | 69,000 |
| 75 |  Torstol |
15 | 75,000 |
All OSRS Potions
Each potion in OSRS has its own ingredients and EXP rates, you can check all of them down below:
| Level | Potion | Base | Secondary | XP | XP/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |  Attack potion |
Guam potion (unf) | Eye of newt | 25 | 62,500 |
| 5 |  Antipoison |
Marrentill potion (unf) | Unicorn horn dust | 37.5 | 93,750 |
| 12 |  Strength potion |
Tarromin potion (unf) | Limpwurt root | 50 | 125,000 |
| 15 |  Serum 207 |
Tarromin potion (unf) | Ashes | 50 | 116,500 |
| 22 |  Restore potion |
Harralander potion (unf) | Red spiders’ eggs | 62.5 | 156,250 |
| 26 |  Energy potion |
Harralander potion (unf) | Chocolate dust | 67.5 | 168,750 |
| 34 |  Agility potion |
Toadflax potion (unf) | Toad’s legs | 80 | 200,000 |
| 36 |  Combat potion |
Harralander potion (unf) | Goat horn dust | 84 | 210,000 |
| 38 |  Prayer potion |
Ranarr potion (unf) | Snape grass | 87.5 | 218,750 |
| 45 |  Super attack |
Irit potion (unf) | Eye of newt | 100 | 250,000 |
| 48 |  Superantipoison |
Irit potion (unf) | Unicorn horn dust | 106.3 | 265,750 |
| 52 |  Super energy |
Avantoe potion (unf) | Mort myre fungus | 117.5 | 293,750 |
| 55 |  Super strength |
Kwuarm potion (unf) | Limpwurt root | 125 | 312,500 |
| 63 |  Super restore |
Snapdragon potion (unf) | Red spiders’ eggs | 142.5 | 356,000 |
| 66 |  Super defence |
Cadantine potion (unf) | White berries | 150 | 375,000 |
| 69 |  Antifire potion |
Lantadyme potion (unf) | Dragon scale dust | 157.5 | 393,750 |
| 72 |  Ranging potion |
Dwarf weed potion (unf) | Wine of zamorak | 162.5 | 406,250 |
| 76 |  Magic potion |
Lantadyme potion (unf) | Potato cactus | 172.5 | 431,250 |
| 77 |  Stamina potion |
Super energy(4) | Amylase crystal (x4) | 102 | 255,000 |
| 80 |  Bastion potion |
Cadantine blood potion (unf) | Wine of zamorak | 155 | 387,500 |
| 80 |  Battlemage potion |
Cadantine blood potion (unf) | Potato cactus | 155 | 387,500 |
| 81 |  Saradomin brew |
Toadflax potion (unf) | Crushed nest | 180 | 450,000 |
| 84 |  Extended antifire |
Antifire potion(4) | Lava scale shard (x4) | 110 | 275,000 |
| 87 |  Anti-venom |
Antidote++(4) | Zulrah’s scales (x20) | 120 | 300,000 |
| 90 |  Super combat potion |
Super attack(4) Super strength(4) Super defence(4) | Torstol | 150 | 324,900 |
| 92 |  Super antifire potion |
Antifire potion(4) | Crushed superior dragon bones | 130 | 325,000 |
| 94 |  Anti-venom+ |
Anti-venom(4) | Torstol | 125 | 152,500 |
| 98 |  Extended super antifire |
Super antifire potion(4) | Lava scale shard (x4) | 160 | 400,000 |
Data by oldschool.runescape.wiki
Using Advanced Potions in Raids
The most important thing about Herblore is using it in Raids. You will need at least Level 78 Herblore to be able to make advanced Potions such as Xeric’s aid (+). The “+” means its the best version of the potion which is a must in raids.
Level 78 Herblore Potions needed in raids:
Xeric’s aid (+) = Combining Endarkened juice + Buchu leaf + Vial of water
Revitalisation (+) = Combining Stinkhorn mushroom + Buchu leaf + Vial of water
Prayer enhance (+) = Combining Cicely + Buchu leaf + Vial of water
Keep in mind that you can make these potions from Level 52 Herblore but you will get the worst version of them.
You will also need Level 90 Herblore to be able to make Overload (+) potions. This is very essential in raids to kill The Great Olm.
Making this Potion requires Combining Noxifer leaf with Twisted (+), Elder (+) and Kodai (+) potion. You can make these 3 potions by combining Golpar leaf with Cicely, Stinkhorn mushroom or Endarkened juice.
Overall you need to aim at least for Level 78 Herblore to make raids much easier.
If you are new to OSRS, you will need to check out the beginner’s guide as well as the skills guide.
Nice guide