The last few years have perked the interest in many to delve into the realm of plants and herbs as a first line of defense against illness. While Western medication is good for most acute illnesses and injuries, it’s lacking in many areas and harmful in others.
I have been a student of plants and herbs for roughly 10 years, but never took the study or practice seriously until the last two years. My knowledge is always growing, and I know that I will be a forever student of the intricacies herbal medicine can have on the body.
My initial journey began by taking the Introductory Course offered by the Herbal Academy of New England. It was a great way to get my feet wet and to give me a sounding board to start with.
In many ways I still feel like a budding herbalist, but would like to share some of the books that have shaped my journey and that I reference frequently.
I feel drawn to remind my readers that herbalism isn’t like Western Medicine. Herbs can nourish deeply and over long periods of time aid the body in repairing systems, instead of taking a pill (who’s side affects lead to further illness) to cover a symptom.
When needed for acute issues, larger amounts of herbs are needed and more frequently. (With colds and flus)
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Beginner
One of the biggest reasons to take an introductory class is to learn the basics. To focus on a select group of plants that are generally regarded as safe for most people. Most culinary and common herbs fit this category. Rosemary Gladstar has several books that are good for getting your feet wet.
Herbalism has it’s own unique vocabulary when trying to address systems in the body and get to the root of an ailment. The actions the plants can offer the body also have their own unique terms that do not line up with the Western Medical definitions. This was a big reason why I decided to invest in a course to begin with to help gain an understanding of the language and the theories of thought surrounding herbalism. (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, The Four Humors, etc.)
Some of our more introductory books include:
Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide
Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
The Elderberry Book: Forage, Cultivate, Prepare, Preserve
More In Depth
Once I began creating my own remedies for our family, I found an almost insatiable hunger for more. I wanted to learn as much as I could. The beauty of herbalism is the wide options plants give us to nourish our bodies. Just like everyone’s body is unique, the reaction to plant allies vary wildly as well. To add to that, the body is constantly changing and adjusting which affects herbal interactions as well.
Having various options to pull from can help identify which plants work best for your own personal body.
Certain herbs are used in specific manners, specific parts of the plants can yield different results, and which preparation method for that specific plant is needed. Herbal actions, availability of the plants, and cost all need to be taken into consideration when crafting different remedies. Having books to reference that are filled with various options and descriptions is vital.
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Foraging
Most of these books have some overlapping information; however, they do offer different nuggets of gold within their pages. I feel it is incredibly important to have several reference options when foraging for medicinal and edible plants. I *always* carry the Peterson’s guide and the Mushrooms of the Upper Midwest when foraging (even in our own woods).
After feeling positive in identifying a plant or mushroom, it is important to take note of how big the population is of that specific plant and to make sure to harvest sustainably. Only take about 10% of the surrounding population to ensure our animal and insect friends have nourishment and that the population of the plant continues to grow strong.
Having one for my children was important for us, too, as teaching our boys the basics of plant anatomy, safety, and edibility is a skill I view as valuable as reading and writing.
The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs
A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages
Maternity
Nourishing my body during all three of my pregnancies was incredibly important for me, in order to try and create the most ideal condition for the growing babe. Herbs and food play a vital role in fertility, pregnancy, and post-natal care.
These are some of my favorite books over the past several years. (I’ve been either pregnant or nursing for the last 6 years). The First Forty Days and Awakening Fertility have probably been the most influential for me during my last pregnancy.
Awakening Fertility: The Art of Preparing for Pregnancy
Food
I did choose to include a section for food philosophy and preparation. No amount of herbs in the world (or medication) will make a lasting difference if real, nourishing food isn’t a priority. Slowly switching to unprocessed, non-gmo foods, adding in fermented options, and eating locally grown are great ways to begin taking control of your own health.
The Forest Feast: Simple Vegetarian Recipes from My Cabin in the Woods
The Forest Feast for Kids: Colorful Vegetarian Recipes That Are Simple to Make
The Herbal Kitching: Bring Lasting Health to You and Your Family
The Farmhouse Culture Guide to Fermenting
Miscellaneous
I did venture into some more specific books on herbalism as the need arose. So many books and blogs on herbalism focus around females, but there are few to reference specifically geared towards men’s health. One of my most recent additions is The Male Herbal. As being the only woman in my household, I figured it was past time to learn ways to support my husband’s and sons’ health.
The first book that ever entered my personal library dealing with herbs was Lisa Steele’s Fresh Eggs Daily. The idea of creating herbal remedies for my (at the time, newly acquired) chicken flock was exciting. I think that’s where the desire to learn more really began. When we had goats last year, I used a strict herbal regimen for their overall health, and they flourished during the time they were with us.
Herbs for Stress & Anxiety: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System
The Male Herbal: The Definitive Healthcare Book for Men and Boys
Dental Herbalism: Natural Therapies for the Mouth
The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable
