Herbal Medicine Books

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Looking for the best herbal medicine books?

If you ask me, there are few things better in this life than curling up with a good herbal book.

I am often asked to list my favorite books on herbs. Up until now I thought that was an impossible request.

When people ask that question I think they are expecting a list of three, perhaps five herb books. Impossible!



Also, I often hear beginning herbalists ask, which herbal medicine books should I buy? Again, that’s a difficult question since there are so many herbal books on a variety of topics.

We are truly fortunate to have a huge array of herbal books on many different topics. Forty years ago there was just a smattering of herb books available. Undeniably, our grassroots herbal movement would not have been possible without our herbal elders taking the time to put their wisdom in print.

What follows are the best herb books according to me. This is not an exhaustive list of herb books available today. Instead, I have hand- chosen my absolute favorite herbal books, the ones I most reach for on my bookshelf.



I've linked many of the books below to my affiliate account on Amazon.com. This means that if you purchase books through the links below you'll be supporting all the free information I post on this website. Thank you! However, I also highly encourage you to look for these books at your library and local independent books stores.

Do you feel like I’ve left out an important herbal book? Please add your best herb books in the comments below! I'm always on the lookout for quality herbal medicine books!





I've divided up the Herbal Bookshelf into categories.

Click on the links below to go directly to that listing.

Or simply scroll down to browse all the books.





Herbal Books Categories

Foundational Herb Books

Books by Herb: Materia Medica

Herbal Reference Books

Clinical Herbalism (western focus)

Chinese Herb Books for Western Herbalists

Ayurveda for Western Herbalists

Herb Garden Books

Herbal Medicine Making

Formulating and Chemistry

Women’s Health

Children



Herb Drug Books

Plant Identification and Wildcrafting

Plant ID and Ethnobotany specific to the Northwest Ethnobotany

Ethnobotany

Culinary Herbalism and Nutrition

Wild Foods and Cookbooks

Specific Topics

Plant Healer Magazine

Herbs for Body and Hair

Spiritual

Historical Books

Fictional Books that Feature Herbalists





Good Foundational or Introduction to Herbalism Books

These books are a great introduction to herbs.





The Herbalist's Way: The Art and Practice of Healing with Plant Medicines by Nancy Phillips It's been a few years since I've read this one, but I remember it being a great introduction to many aspects of herbalism.

Practical Herbs 1 By Henriette Kress A fantastic book by herbalist Henriette Kress that lives up to the title: Practical! This is a great introduction to herbalism with lots of information a more seasoned herbalist will also enjoy. Also check out her latest release, Practical Herbs 2.

Books by Herb: Materia Medica

These books have in-depth monographs of individual herbs.





All books by Robert Dale Rogers. I often reference these books as they are an amazing resource of information!





Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore

Michael Moore's legacy to us all was re-enlivening the use of plants found outside our door (as opposed to simply buying them). His infamous humor is blended with a lifetime of study and practice. Don't let the title fool you, many of these plants are found outside of the mountain west.



Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore Michael Moore's legacy to us all was re-enlivening the use of plants found outside our door (as opposed to simply buying them). His infamous humor is blended with a lifetime of study and practice. Don't let the title fool you, many of these plants are found outside of the Pacific west.



The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants by Matthew Wood The Earthwise Herbals are what I reach for when I want a quick but thorough energetic understanding of a plant. Get both volumes and you'll seldom find a plant not listed. Volume one covers plants from the Old World.

The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants by Matthew Wood The Earthwise Herbals are what I reach for when I want a quick but thorough energetic understanding of a plant. Get both volumes and you'll seldom find a plant not listed. Volume two covers plants from the New World.

The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicines by Matthew Wood This book doesn't cover as many plants as the Earthwise Herbals but the plants it does cover are discussed very in-depth. You'll reach a different level of intimacy with these particular plants!



The Healing Power of Garlic: The Enlightened Person's Guide to Nature's Most Versatile Medicinal Plant by Paul Bergner I think Paul Bergner is the cat's meow of herbalism. All of his books are a must read by herbalists. Think you know all there is to know about garlic? Paul takes this to the next level, fully introducing energetics and blasting the theory that all herbs are good for all people.



Healing Power of Echinacea and Goldenseal and Other Immune System Herbs (The Healing Power) by Paul Bergner In this brilliant book, Paul Bergner takes two plants that have been used, abused and overly simplified by the herbal industry, and gives them back their complexity. Like all of Paul's books the simple titles hide the real magic of the book - in this one you'll learn a lot about the immune system as well.



The Healing Power of Ginseng & the Tonic Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide by Paul Bergner In this book Paul shares a wealth of knowledge about ginseng. Who it works great for and who it doesn't, and how to think about tonic (adaptogen) herbs in general.



The Boreal Herbal: Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North by Beverly Grey Don't live in the Boreal area? Neither do I, but this book is incredibly inspiring and beautiful and covers many plants found in North America. Complete with gorgeous photos and wonderful recipes.



Healing Plants of the Rocky Mountains by Darcey Williamson Darcey Williamson is an herbal treasure and if you live anywhere near the Rocky Mountains this is a must have. Most of the plants listed are applicable to me in the Northeastern Cascades. She'll wow you with native plant uses that you've never considered before and it's all backed up with her decades of practice and experience.



Herbal Reference Books

These books are great when you need to know the basics on a wide range of plants. Somewhat of an overlap with the above category.





Winston & Kuhn's Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach by Winston and Kuhn

Another great book for getting the basics quick. Each herb listing also contains a lot of scientific studies. It's a small book, nice to have on the go.



Clinical Books (Western Herbalism)

These books go beyond simply looking at plants to better understand how to work with people, herbal diagnosis and how to use herbs in a clinical setting.





The Practicing Herbalist: Meeting With Clients, Reading the Body by Margi Flint In this epic book, Margi covers everything from getting your practice started, to reading the body and understanding poop as a diagnosis. You'll want to read those silky pages again and again.



Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffman Often required reading for herbal schools, Medical Herbalism is a large manual on western herbalism. Herbs, herbal theory, body systems and herbal perspectives on common diseases are covered.



The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification by Matthew Wood This is a book of western herbal theory. Matthew Wood covers the six tissue states and other energetic understandings of herbs and the body.



The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments by Tillotson Ph.D., Alan Keith [Kensington, 2001] (Paperback) [Paperback] by Alan Tillotson This is one of my most reached-for herbal resources. Tillotson is a clinical herbalist who has a thorough understanding of the major systems of herbalism. This book covers commonly used herbs from around the world (from dandelion to ginger) and offers energetic diagnostic patterns as well.





Herbal Defense: Positioning Yourself to Triumph Over Illness and Aging by Landis and Khalsa A solid book that clearly addresses how to use herbs with people and diseases. From quick bandaid solutions (like carob powder for diarrhea) to long term care for the root of the problem. A fabulous book from experienced herbal clinicians.



Traditional Chinese Medicine for Western Herbalists

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Healing with the Herbs of Life by Lesley Tierra Perhaps one of my most referenced herbals of all time. I love how Lesley breaks down common western diseases into different underlying patterns, thus giving us the tools to move away from treating disease (e.g., insomnia) and move towards working with the person. This book also serves as a fabulous introduction to basic TCM concepts.



The Way of Chinese Herbs by Michael Tierra Like all of Michael's books this one thoroughly covers all there is to know from the energetics, to pattern discrimination to how to actually use the plants!



A Clinical Materia Medica: 120 Herbs in Western Use (Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine) By Jeremy Ross This book and the next are the latest additions to my Chinese Medicine for the Western Herbalist library and they are fast becoming my favorite. Yes, I know they are expensive. However, if you are truly interested in this topic they are well worth it.



The Energetics of Western Herbs: A Materia Medica Integrating Western and Chinese Herbal Therapeutics (Volume 1) by Peter Holmes

I find the theory of TCM to be brilliant and effective, but I love using herbs closer to home. Peter Holmes' two volume set is a masterpiece of compiled information placing western herbs into a TCM framework. Pricey, but if you love TCM and western herbs it is a great investment!



The Energetics of Western Herbs: A Materia Medica Integrating Western and Chinese Herbal Therapeutics (Volume Two) by Holmes, Peter (June 1, 2006) Paperback 4 Rev Enl by Peter Holmes

I find the theory of TCM to be brilliant and effective, but I love using herbs closer to home. Peter Holmes' two volume set is a masterpiece of compiled information placing western herbs into a TCM framework. Pricey, but if you love TCM and western herbs it is a great investment!



Western Herbs according to Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Practitioner's Guide by Thomas Avery Garran This is a fabulous book and I highly recommend it for those who want to use western herbs within a TCM framework.



Western Herbs in Chinese Medicine: Methodology and Materia Medica by Thomas Avery Garran

Here is the long awaited follow-up to his first book. I loved this book on numerous levels. Not only is the individual herb information interesting, but his introduction to the book is worth reading over and over.



Ayurveda for Western Herbalists

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The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine by Frawley and Lad Great introduction to Ayurveda and a review of western materia medica within an Ayurveda standpoint. The introduction to this book is worth the price alone!



Ayurveda: The Divine Science of Life, 1e by Todd Caldecott A very meaty textbook for Ayurveda. For the serious student there is no other like it!



The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System by Khalsa and Tierra Another great introduction to the basic concepts of Ayurveda which also includes a review of commonly used Ayurvedic herbs.



Medical Herb Garden Books

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The Medicinal Herb Grower, Volume 1 by Richo Cech I used this book to start my first real medicinal plant garden and it was a luscious herbalist's paradise within the first year. From compost to starting seeds to maintaining the health of the plants, this is not to be missed by anyone wanting to grow medicinal herbs. There are few herbalists as experienced as Richo in the garden!



The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm: A Cultivator's Guide to Small-Scale Organic Herb Production by Peg Schafer This book is about growing Chinese Herbs here in north America. Complete with beautiful photos and indepth information about each plant from seed starts to harvesting methods. Fantastic book! And many of the "Chinese" plants listed are ones we consider western herbs as well.



Herbal Medicine Making

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The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook: A Home Manual by James Green Probably the most thorough and most hilarious book out there. He covers everything from the most basic teas to the most complex medicine making techniques.



Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech Richo covers many of the basics in this book and then gives a plant by plant guide on how to prepare certain plants. I think both this book and James Green's book (above) are great resources for Medicine Making.



Formulating and Chemistry

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Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth by Dr. Sharol Tilgner This book has a brief, but useful, materia medica followed by a treasure trove of herbal tincture formulas. This is one of our only herbal formula books in western herbalism.



Herbal Constituents: Foundations of Phytochemistry by Lisa Ganora Lisa Ganora makes this topic come to life. Herbal geeks everywhere will love this book!



Women's Health

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Botanical Medicine for Women's Health, 1e by Aviva Romm This is one of the best herbal textbooks on the market and includes information from some of the most experienced herbalists of today. If you work with women in a clinical setting this book is a must.



The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices by Aviva Romm I think this is the best book out there for using herbs to address common complaints in pregnancy.



Natural Health after Birth: The Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness by Aviva Romm A fabulous book for postpartum care, from sitz baths to increasing milk supply.



Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

Filled with Rosemary's magic, sage wisdom and many do it yourself herbal remedies. A must have for all women interested in herbs.



Herbs and Children

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An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants by Mary Bove

Great resource from one of the most experienced herbalists of our time.



Herbal Healing for Children by Demetria Clark This book is full of simple but effective remedies for using herbs with children. Great option for beginning and experienced herbalists alike.



Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health by Aviva Romm One of my go-to books for herbs for kids. Specific herbs, easy recipes and many childhood health complaints are covered.



Kid's Herb Book, A: For Children of All Ages by Lesley Tierra A fun book to inspire the children in your life (and yourself!). Lots of fun activities, songs, stories and other fun things to do with herbs.



Herbal Roots Zine by Kristine Brown A fantastic resource for parents, this monthly zine is filled with creative curriculum to inspiring your kids to play with plants and learn at the same time. Songs, stories, crafts and more!



Herb Drug Books

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American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition by AHPA This is the first book I reach for when wondering about herbal safety and herb/drug interactions. Be sure to get the second edition.



Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1e by Stargrove, McKee, Treasure

This is a dense book that doesn't cover a lot of herbs, but really covers the herbs well.



Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions Plus Herbal Adjuncts With Medicines by Francis Brinker

This book covers more herbs than the above book, just less in-depth. Both are great references for the practicing herbalist.



Plant Identification and Wildcrafting

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Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification by Tom Elpel

A must have for those wanting to break into the world of botany for plant identification purposes. Tom demystifies the world of plant identification and shares interesting herbal tidbits about the plants as well. Shameless self promotion: buy this book and use it along with mine and John Gallagher's course, Learning Your Plants: Botany for Herbalists, on HerbMentor.com.



Foraging the Mountain West: Gourmet Edible Plants, Mushrooms, and Meat By Thomas J. Elpel and Kris Reed Just published in 2014, this is a must have for those of you in the mountain west. I should note I am partially biased since I am honored to have some of my own photos published in this book.



The Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Sam Thayer These two books by Sam Thayer are easily the best books on foraging out there. As Sam repeatedly says in the books, these are based entirely on his very extensive experience. Even though he is based on the east coast, many of the plants are found all over north America.



Nature's Garden: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Sam Thayer

These two books by Sam Thayer are easily the best books on foraging out there. As Sam repeatedly says in the books, these are based entirely on his very extensive experience. Even though he is based on the east coast, many of the plants are found all over north America.



Plant ID and Ethnobotany of the Pacific Northwest

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Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast by Pojar and MacKinnon The must-have book for plant ID in the northwest coast. Besides an easy referenced field guide it also lists ways natives used the plants.



Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia and the Inland Northwest by Parish, Coupe, & Lloyd The must have book for plant ID in the inland northwest. Besides an easy referenced field guide it also lists ways natives used the plants.



Plant Technology of First Peoples in British Columbia (Royal BC Museum Handbooks) by Nancy Turner

For ethnobotany geeks out there, Nancy Turner is a goddess. Fascinating book on how plants were used to make tools, clothing, shelter and on and on.



Keeping It Living: Traditions of Plant Use and Cultivation on the Northwest Coast of North America by Nancy Turner A fantastic book that dispels the notion that first peoples didn't use agricultural practices. You'll discover that our idea of wilderness is completely false and see the brilliant ways people interacted with the land.



Ethnobotany

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Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel Moerman

THE reference guide for Native American Ethnobotany. Many other books on the subject simply repeat this thoroughly researched treasure.



Culinary Herbalism and Nutrition

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Food as Medicine: The Theory and Practice of Food by Todd Caldecott One of my most recommended books to clients. Todd breaks through a lot of myths about food and shares simply but powerfully on the best foods for your health.



The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients and Trace Elements by Paul Bergner A little hard to find now, but this is a great book!



Wild Foods and Cookbooks

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Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, The Northwest by Janice Schofield

This was one of my first plant books and I still treasure it. It's specific to the pacific coast, but many of the plants are found across the US. Although she does list medicinal uses of plants, this book is not necessarily about herbalism, but more about edibles and general ethnobotany of plants.





The Essential Wild Food Survival Guide by Linda Runyon For many years Linda Runyon ate most of her food from the land. A great resource for wild edible plants.



The Three Sisters Indian Cookbook: Delicious, Authentic and Easy Recipes to Make at Home by Sereena Kaul, Priya Kaul, Alexa Kaul My most reached-for cookbook. Every recipe is delicious and fairly easy to prepare. I love that Indian cooking using TONS of spices.



The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia A beautiful cookbook with an interesting blend of herbs and spices. Persian food does sour so well!



Specific Topics

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Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by Winston and Maimes

A great read on a category of herbs. Besides offering in-depth information and energetics of plants, dosages and contraindications are often given for each plant.



Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment by Donald Yance

This is a wonderful resource for herbalists as well as those living with cancer.



Herbal Antibiotics, 2nd Edition: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-resistant Bacteria by Steven Buhner

Although it's not my favorite to refer to herbs as antibiotics, this book is filled with good info. Get the second edition.



Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections By Steven Buhner If you loved Herbal Antibiotics then definitely get this book as well. Important books in our world.



Invasive Plant Medicine: The Ecological Benefits and Healing Abilities of Invasives by Timothy Scott

Interesting look at cultural beliefs around "invasive" plants. Also has a section on monographs of "invasive plants".



Herbs for Body and Hair

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Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair: Natural and Healthy Bodycare for Every Body by Dina Falconi

Heavenly recipes for all sorts of health and beauty applications. From creams to shampoos to solutions to acne.



Spiritual

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Historical References

King’s American Dispensary

Ellingwood

Cook's Physiomedical Dispensary





Fictional Books that Feature Herbalists

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Wise Child by Monica Furlong



Juniper by Monica Furlong



Pomegranate Soup: A Novel By Marsha Mehran An aromatic tale of three sisters that will undoubtedly inspire you to cook more with cardamom.



The Mistress of Spices: A Novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Yes, the book is better than the movie. Very beautifully written.



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Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild and the Education Director for LearningHerbs. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.



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