If your parents are at all open-minded, you don't need to sneak. I started studying herbalism way before practicing. There are plenty of uses that aren't in casting, but will complement your studies. Who knows? They might be glad you're interested in something healthy! (^_^)
Raid your kitchen cabinet. When I was younger, I would just grab a tablespoon of whatever herb I needed from there. Basil, rosemary, sage, clove, etc. Teas also provide other herbs like chamomile, peppermint, lemon grass, etc. They're convenient and I still cut open a tea bag when I need those herbs. For salt, I use sea salt. Its healthier for you to cook with anyway, so you can suggest your parents buy some for their next shopping trip. And its the best salt to use (great for purification/cleansing/protection) because its natural.
As WhiteRav3n said you always can get some from the kitchen ,without anybody noticing much .Many people collect also wild herbs to use them as medicine and as tea .If you start researching the most common herbs in your area and look around you will be able to recognize them .If your mother start asking questions you can say that you are interested in nature and you are getting to know the local habitat and whatever grows on it .
Also you always can make your mother delicious tea from let say chamomile and treat her she will get the idea that you collect it for tea .Chamomile and nettle also for example are used to treat hair problems or to make the color of the hair more vivid .
Always can say you collected them to make hair mask .We ladies and girls always can use the exuse we are making homemade cosmetics that are cheaper and more natural for us that some suspicious chemicals in tube .So if question asked you know what to answer .If you indeed use them this way too it si not even a lie ;)Remember there are always ways for everything as long as desire is presented .:)
On side note do not drink any herb that you are not sure what exactly is and before checking how much is the recomanded dose !
There are even videos on youtube that show you and explain you for the herbs ,how to recognise them and collect them safely .
Safety and knowledge first then anything else .
When I first started, I wasn't sure how my dad would take to my new interest in herbalism so I had it in a shoe box on top of my closet with my anise, dried ginger root, sage, and the like. I would just suggest that you're interested in herbolgy to your parents and maybe get a book? That would help a lot. Luck!
anyone that does the cooking around your place should have some of the herbs you need. Also herbal teas could give you more. The interest in herbs can show your parents that you are interested in cooking and healthier foods. Don't lie. You seem interested anyway, so take advantage of it. Good luck. Blessed Be...
Many herbs can be found online and there are also wild herbs that you can use. Also, since you are practicing in secret(I am assuming you are underage as you can't drive) I would suggest that you say you have an interest in herbology. This way your parents and others will think you are just being a health nut. Hope I helped :)
