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Disclaimer: This post is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The information here is not meant to treat, heal, diagnose or cure any medical, physical, emotional or mental conditions.
“He makes grass grow for the cattle and plants for people to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth..”
-Psalm 104:14
Herbs and Herbalism is an incredible gift we receive from God and the earth. Humans and plants have a relationship as old as time. And we are all the descendents of people who carried a lot of wisdom about herbs and relied on it regularly. Herbs to treat illness, infection, discomfort and many common health concerns, as well as to add depths of flavor to meals. Some of this wisdom was lost for a little while but it is returning to the people. This list is to help others access that knowledge because herb books are such a useful tool for getting a lot infornmation in one place
Materia Medica
When learning about herbs it is so helpful to look up the materia medica. The materia medica is a profile of an herb and provides information such as the historical uses of the herb, how it is administered and its growing habits. While working with herbs directly can teach you a lot about it, the materia medica is a helpful lens to view an herb. As you further your study of herbs, it can be very beneficial to keep a journal creating your own materia medica.
Top 10 Herb Books
The books here have been very helpful to me in my pursuit of herbalism and I hope they help you on your herbalism journey.
This was my first ever herb book. It opened up a whole new world for me but at the same time reminded of something deeply ancestral that I recognized in my bones. My copy is very well worn by now but it usually the first book I grab when I need to look up an herb.
Probably the most beautifully illustrated herb book ever written in my opinion. With information on IDing culinary and medicinal wild herbs, this book is full of wisdom and inspiration.
A must for any woman wanting to be a mother, currently pregnant or postpartum. An invaluable resource about the herbs that are safe during all three seasons.
4. The Women’s Herbal Apothecary
While both men and women can work with herbs, there truly is something deeply feminine about herbal preparations.
5. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs.
When I first became interested in herbs and herbal medicine I kept coming across the name Rosemary Gladstar. And for good reason! She’s an American herbalist with an extensive knowledge of herbal medicine making.
6. The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion.
As a homesteader, How could I not include this book? This herb book gives excellent advice on how to incorporate herbs around your homestead.
7. Recipes from the Herbalist’s Kitchen.
You know you’ve really connected with a book when you feel like you could have written it yourself. I love to cook and I love working with herbs so this book was naturally the best of both worlds for me. In fact, the kitchen is my favorite place to practice herbalism.
I just love learning from Kami Mcbride. Like Rosemary Gladstar, she is an herbalist with so much wisdom and knowledge to offer during these times. She has been interviewed several times on The Medicine Stories Podcast and they are well worth a listen.
If you are serious about applying herbs for illness, then this book could be a very worthy resource.
10. The Herbal Medicine Making Handbook
A great manual for learning about herbs and how to prepare herbal remedies.
Herbal Preparations and Supplies
Herbal medicine making does require some tools. You may already have everything you need right in your kitchen. However these supplies can be helpful in making your own herbal creations.
If you enjoyed this post and want to deepen your knowledge of herbs and herbal preparations then check out my post about How to Make Lavender Herbal Oil.
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