Joel's Top Herbalism Books
Many herb enthusiasts struggle to find the right 'in' to the world of herbalism. Most often, picking up a book and reading different kinds of information can help you get started. From herbal medicine and herbs for women and children to aromatherapy and folk herbalism, we cover it all. Scroll down to see our favourites.
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Herbal Medicine Making Books
​The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook by James Green
Written by one of the greatest herbalists of all time, this book offers detailed instructions for making herbal medicines like oils, salves, tinctures and more. The book also has a great bit of philosophy mixed in with medicine making.
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Herbal Materia Medica by Michael Moore
This book briefly outlines all major medicinal plants along with their strengths, side effects, dosages and more. This is a great reference to understand dosages and proportions for tinctures and other preparations.
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The Modern Herbal Dispensatory by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne
This colorful guide is all about using and making over 250 herbal medicines at home, with detailed instructions from harvesting to low-cost administration, and DIY remedies.
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Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech
Perfect for herb gardeners, this book covers basic medicine making in the first section, followed by 'A Gardener’s Herbal Formulary' that offers information on over 100 plants. The author uses playful storytelling to keep you happy and herby.
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Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Forêt
Beginners will love this book. It has a great introduction to herbal energetics and a lot of simple and delicious recipes allowing plants into our food. Rosalee also shares short stories ranging herbs and highlighting scientific research.
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The Complete Herbal Tutor by Anne McIntyre
A great guide for all beginners and intermediate enthusiasts, this book gives detailed and extensive herbal profiles, remedy suggestions, materia medica and more.
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Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism by Donald R. Yance
A literary masterclass on herbalism and nutrition to understanding stress management, energy, preventing diseases and aging gracefully.
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The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett
A surreal tour of some of the most healing herbs written in lovely prose. The book is lined with anecdotes, simple rituals and recipes for connecting with the plant kingdom.
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The Business of Botanicals by Ann Armbrecht Forbes
Focused on the future of plant medicine, this much-needed reference weaves complex story threads of the herbal industry, its growers, gatherers, importers and business owners.
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Foundational Herbcraft by Jim Mcdonald
Focused on the future of plant medicine, this much-needed reference weaves complex story threads of the herbal industry, its growers, gatherers, importers and business owners.
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The Modern Herbal by Maude Grieve
This is pure, ancient gold. A classic text filled with culinary, cosmetic, medicinal, cultivation and folklore of herbs.
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Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar
A literary masterpiece by the herbal fairy godmother herself, every herbalist must have a copy of this treasure.
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Herbal Books for Women, Babies, & Children
Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar
For centuries women have used herbs to cope with a wide variety of health problems and conditions. This comprehensive book explains how to make simple remedies for issues that arise at different phases of a woman's life.
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Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health by Aviva Romm
A comprehensive guide of herbal interventions related to women's issues with scientific and traditional information. This is one of the most advanced books on this subject.
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An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children & Infants by Mary Bove
If you're a parent, you must get this book. It includes everything you need to know about keeping children healthy. It also comes with recipes of over 50 ailments common in children.
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The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Romm
These pages follow a woman's journey from her baby's conception to birth, illustrating herbs that can help promote a healthy pregnancy.
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Aromatherapy Books
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy by Julia Lawless
An encyclopedia of aromatherapy techniques that addresses applications, clinical uses, perfumery and cosmetics. It also has super cool colorful illustrations.
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Aromatherapy by Kathi Keville and Mindi Green
This is our Woodsie Celeste's favorite aromatherapy book! It beautifully explains how aroma affects the human mind and body, plus an array of recipes that range from skin care, hair, massage and first aid.
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Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay
Through bright, colorful illustrations, Gabriel blends Eastern and Western approaches of restoring mental and emotional health. She also discusses the properties of various essential oils.
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Folk Herbalism & Herbal Tradition Books
The Yoga of Herbs Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
Medicine from an Ayurvedic perspective with detailed information on over 100 herbs found in the West and China.
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American Indian Healing Arts by E. Barrie Kavasch and Karen Baar
A beautiful cocktail of history, plant lore and tradition, it tells the story of a lifetime of study by native healers, along with easy herbal remedies and guidelines.
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Working the Roots by Michele Lee
A fusion of the Black and Native American healers featuring interviews with many traditional healers.
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Disclaimer: Joel's Top Herbalism Books by Amyra's Apothecary is purely for information-giving and educational purposes and shall not be held responsible for any issues caused by information given in any of the above books. Amyra's Apothecary does not gain any commission on the purchase of any of the above books. Please consult with a doctor or a herbalist before using any herb / preparation for any purpose.
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