Alchemy

I'm playing through Skyrim, and decided that I want to make an alchemist. Currently have an argonian, will be a thief, one handed, light armor, and alchemy. (Probably not a great mix but I don't really know what I'm doing.)

And there in lies the problem, I have no idea how to do alchemy. I know there are herbs you find around (don't know if there's any easy way to find them) and you need a table, but then I'm lost. Something to do with 4 possible effects, and then I guess you just have to remember how to make the potions after that.

Do any of the professional gamers of reddit have tips for a lowly peasant such as myself.