As a budding herbalist in the making you may wonder what books to start with on you herbalism studies. These 5 textbooks are required in our 500-Hr Herbalism Program and are great for getting the fundamental information about plant identification, medical herbalism, making tinctures, salves, and how to use them along with plethora of other useful information.
Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification
Author: Elpel, Thomas J.
Publisher: Hops Press, LLC; 6th edition (June 10, 2013)
From the Publisher: “With Tom’s book Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification, you can connect with the wonderful diversity of plants and flowers all around you in a way that you may have never imagined. Instead of seeing the green world as little more than pretty wallpaper, you will learn to know the individual plants, wildflowers and weeds as if they have been your life-long friends.”
The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual
Author: Green, James
Publisher: Crossing Press, 2000.
Written by one of the great herbalists James Green, the book offers detailed and practical information on how to make herbal preparations including recommendations for usage. You will find in-depth information with insights on how to extract herbs, make tinctures, and how to apply them properly.
Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine
Author: Hoffman, David
Publisher: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
“Medical Herbalism is a foundational textbook on the scientific principles of therapeutic herbalism and their application in medicine. Based on the author’s more than twenty-five years of herbal practice, it contains comprehensive information concerning the identification and use of medicinal plants both by chemical structure and physiological effect, the art and science of making herbal medicine, and the challenge to current research paradigms posed by complex plant medicines.” Medical Herbalism is a complete handbook for the practitioner and includes the most up-to-date information on herbal preparations, dosage and contraindications.
Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying More than 100 Herbs
Author: Hartung, Tammi
Publisher: Storey Publishing, 2011
“Homegrown Herbs is the definitive guide to planting, growing, harvesting, and using more than 100 herbs. An internationally renowned herbalist, teacher, and certified organic grower, author Tammi Hartung has filled this indispensable reference with a wide range of information gathered from her 30 years of studying and working hands-on with herbs of all descriptions.”
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West
Author: Moore, Michael
Publisher: Museum of New Mexico, 2003.
“In the first update since the original printing in 1979, renowned herbalist Michael Moore adds another 20 years of research and expertise working with medicinal plants to his classic ‘Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West’. In this greatly expanded (168 additional pages) revised and enlarged edition, the book covers the entire range of medicinal herbs found in New Mexico, Arizona, west Texas, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and California.”