I hope you enjoy this post on my favorite books on herbal medicine. This is not medical advice, nor should it replace medical advice. This post also contains affiliate links.

One of the biggest requests I get on a daily basis is “how can I get started in learning about herbal medicine?”

Today, I want to share my favorite books that have helped me in my own personal journey. I also love browsing Youtube, which has a variety of informational videos on herbal medicine and natural medicine in general.

Other blog posts that may interest you:

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8 Books On Herbal Medicine To Get You Started On Your Healing Journey

It might come as a surprise, but there are hundreds of books on herbal medicine. Today, I wanted to share eight of the books that I’ve read that really helped me on my journey of herbal medicine and natural healing.

1. Herbalism At Home: A Beginners Guide by me!

Herbalism at Home: A Beginners Guide

Of course, I had to start by giving myself the plug.

If you want to get into herbalism, but feel overwhelmed by all the information out there, then this E-book is for you! Long ago Western herbalism was just as common as Western medicine. Unfortunately, it’s a sacred practice that became lost over the years. With a resurgence in the health and wellness community, it is exciting to see it slowly making it’s way back into our homes.

Included:

  • A 10-step crash course on starting your plant medicine journey
  • Things you should know before getting into herbalism
  • How to store, source, and prepare herbs
  • 20 different herbal actions
  • Chapters on four main health topics Stress & Energy, Relaxation & Sleep, Detoxification, and Digestion
  • Tea blend recipes
  • My favorite places to source herbs from
  • Frequently asked questions answered
  • Access to a private Facebook community. 

You can purchase Herbalism at Home: A Beginners Guide, here.

2. The Herbal Apothecary by JJ Pursell

Starting your journey in herbal medicine can seem intimidating but entering into this journey is made easy with “The Herbal Apothecary” by JJ Pursell. Dr. Pursell has over two decades of experience with herbal medicine along with being a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist.

While experimenting with herbal medicine over the years, she has accumulated extensive research to back her findings. Dr. Pursell has made this subject easy to learn about due to the layout of her herb profiles, which makes it the perfect place to start.

You can purchase “The Herbal Apothecary” by JJ Pursell here.

3. The Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee De La Foret

Rosalee De La Foret wants her readers to learn how to take their knowledge of herbs and apply them. In her book “The Alchemy of Herbs”, she details how to take what is already sitting in your kitchen and transform it into herbal remedies.

This book encompassed the importance of the history of herbs and how they have served humans over the years. Most importantly, Foret has written recipes for the reader to follow and begin incorporating herbal remedies in their day-to-day life. 

Do you want to read “Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal?” You can purchase it here.

4. A Handbook of Native American Herbs by Alma R. Hutchens

The history of herbal medicine is extensive and truly impressive. In her book “A Handbook of Native American Herbs” Alma R. Hutchens focuses on North American herbs and how natural medicine has served its inhabitants throughout history.

This book was released in 1992 and has hidden gems that you might not find in books released today. Hutchens dedicated her life to this research and wanted North Americans to be familiar with the natural remedies that surrounded them.

You can shop for “A Handbook of Native American Herbs: The Pocket Guide to 125 Medicinal Plants and Their Uses” by Alma R. Hutchens here.

5. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley

If you’re looking for a book that is well rounded and covers the extensive process of creating herbal remedies look no further. In his book “The Modern Herbal Dispensatory,” Thomas Easly begins with how to grow and harvest herbs and finishes with their corresponding recipes.

While this book is thorough in information, it is also easy to understand (the beautiful illustrations also help). Something that sets this book apart is the incorporation of floral waters and essential oils.

Shop for “The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide” here.

6. Iwígara: American Indian Ethnobotanical Traditions and Science by Enrique Salmon

Iwígara is a word that stands for the belief that all life-forms are connected. In Enrique Salmon’s book “Iwígara, The Kinship of Plants and People”, he teaches herbal medicine that is based on North American indigenous people’s practices. Salmon specifically focuses on eighty herbs and how they can double as food and medicine, both nourishers of the body.

This book is written in a way that is like reading a story. Salmon included certain myths and folklore stories in his descriptions because he believes that history is an important part of the herb.

If you want to read “Iwìgara: American Indian Ethnobotanical Traditions and Science” by Enrique Salmon, you can browse options here.

7. Body into Balance by Maria Noel Groves

As easy as it is to take a pill to quickly subdue your symptom, it is important to remember that it doesn’t cure the cause. Maria Noel Groves stresses that curing the cause should be your priority in her book “Body into Balance”. Groves says that listening to these symptoms or cues is essential to curing the root of your health issues.

This book dives into anatomy and body function and how herbal medicine works within the human system. Grooves share the importance of the “how” through her research.

If you are interested in purchasing “Body Into Balance” by Maria Noel Groves, you can do so here!

8. Herbs: A Color Guide to Herbs and Herbal Healings by Jennie Harding

180 of the most useful herbs are taught about through beautiful illustrations in Jennie Harding’s book “Herbs”. This is known to be an enjoyable read due to the herb images matched with their information. Harding touches on herbs that you most likely already own but also may introduce you to a handful of more rare herbs.

This is the perfect book to go anywhere with you, making it easy to apply Harding’s research in your everyday life.

You can shop “Herbs: A Color Guide to Herbs and Herbal Healings” by Jennie Harding here.

9. The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism by Matthew Wood

“The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism” written by Matthew Wood, is deeply rooted in western history. As you walk through your herbal medicine journey you will quickly realize the importance of history that backs the effectiveness of natural remedies.

Wood takes an interesting approach to herbal medicine as he tries to understand the history more he researched these age-old remedies and recreated them for today’s use. As you read his book you will quickly pick up on his passion and want to read further. 

You can purchase “The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism” by Matthew Wood here.

I hope this post was helpful and is going to help you jump-start your research on books on herbal medicine. If you aren’t already on the waitlist for Drink Symbi, my herbal tea brand, please join it here, or follow on Instagram. 

Feel free to shoot me an email or a message on Instagram if you have any questions. Also, I recently joined TikTok and I’m obsessed with making videos. So if you’re on the platform, feel free to check it out.

xx Linds

P.S. If you’re here for hormone health tips, check out my post “Herbal Tea for Hormone Balance.“