Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb (B) – Learn to identify flowering plants of the northeastern United States using the key system to answer questions about shape and structure of the plant parts. Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore (B) – Covers 300 species of medicinal plants from Baja California to Alaska; an identification guide that also discusses harvesting and preparing herbs as well as extensive information on their medicinal uses. The Way of Chinese Herbs by Michael Tierra (I) – Informative yet easy-to-follow, details the uses of herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and how to integrate them into daily life, includes recipes and formulas.

Healing Wise by Susun Weed (B) – A classic herbal book that sets forth the foundations of the Wise Woman tradition and uniquely describes the personalities and uses of seven nourishing herbs. Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide, vol. 1 and 2 , by Lesley Braun and Marc Cohen (A) – This set provides foundational knowledge for safe clinical practice and evidence-based monographs detailing modern, science-based uses and safety information for 132 herbs and supplements. Part two of the book is the real treasure. It is an alphabetical list of herbs that gives detailed information about their properties, including any cautions required. This section rivals the classic Culpepper Herbal in complete information about pretty much any herb known to humankind. Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health includes 175 recipes with herbal remedies for stress, insomnia, cold symptoms, and much more. It’s an excellent reference as well as an inspiring read for anyone who wants to nourish their families with herbs. How to make infusions and decoctions is covered as well as extracts, juices, powders, syrups, tinctures, poultices and other forms of preparing medicinal forms in which herbs might be used.

Medicinal Mushrooms

One of the most thorough resources on herbal materia medica available anywhere, The Earthwise Herbal details historical use of many herbs and includes Wood’s personal experiences in working with the herbs in his clinical practice. Volume One focuses on Old World, European plants, while Volume Two discusses the New World plants of North America. Wood has focuses on Western herbalism and a more folk-style approach, but his books are an excellent resource for herbalists of any tradition. These references are valuable both for beginners and experienced herbalists alike, as they provide valuable insight and lesser known perspectives on many well-loved herbs.

Description: ... [to what lands it is native, where else it has spread and can now be found wild. precise botanical and sensory description of plant. its seasons, including when it flowers and bolts.] Common Names: Beesnet plant, Bird's-Nest root, Queen Anne's Lace Description: Carrot is an annual or biennial plant widely cultivated and also found wild in farmland, pastures, and meadows. The wild carrot has a tough, white, inedible root. The stem of the carrot plant is hairy and branched, the leaves bipinnate and cut into fine divisions. The lacy, white flower appear in a concave umbel from June to September. Herbal medicine books make great gifts! Give them to people you know interested in herbal remedies, or ask for them yourself for your next birthday or holiday 🙂

For a super-helpful introduction to using herbs together with much detailed information, my top recommendation is Rosalee de la Fo rêt’s Alchemy of Herbs. I love her explanation of herbal energetics and the book’s focus on common kitchen ingredients with medicinal properties like ginger, cinnamon, peppermint, and thyme, as well as beloved herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, elder, and tulsi. Alchemy of Herbs includes recipes for soothing teas, nourishing foods, and salves for external use. A must-have for the herbalism book collection! Here are some of the best gardening books and permaculture books to consider if you want to grow more of your own medicinal plants. They’ve helped me when cold season rolls around with herbs that support the immune system and the best herbs for coughs. I’ve benefited from numerous herbs for sleep and herbs for stress. Commercial sources for buying herbs are given for various states in the U.S. Presumably these have been updated for the new version. This is followed by a section on common complaints and which herbs might be useful for treating them.