Top Books To Learn About Herbal Wellness For Beginners
There are so many benefits in understanding how plants and the earth around us can heal. From emotional and spiritual healing all the way to physical rejuvenation, plants and nature do so much for us that is known and unknown. Studies show that people who own houseplants see major benefits in their health and wellbeing over time. But how do you know where to start? Where to get a better understanding of the magic of nature? Many certified herbalists offer programs to teach you how to create your own herbal medicines and how nature heals, but most of their courses are hundreds of dollars and are only a stepping stool to a greater understanding of the healing properties of plants and how to safely and appropriately use them. Listed below are some books and resources that beginners can use to navigate through the sometimes overwhelming world of natural remedies!
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide by Thomas Easley and Steven Horn
Price: US $25.95 / CAN $34.95
This book is an excellent first step in learning the basics of using herbs as medicine, how they affect the body, and the different types of herbs to use for wherever you are on your herbal healing journey. Including step by step recipes, photos, definitions, and an herbal dictionary, The Modern Dispensatory makes it easy for beginners and experts alike to enjoy the healing properties of the world around them.
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments by Andrew Chevalier, FNIMH
Price: US $40.00 / CAN $52.00
This book is amazing for learning about practical how-to remedies for more than 80 different ailments, includes safety advice and so much more. The Encyclopedia hosts vivid and amazing photographs of over 550 different plants, along with the regions they grow in, their medicinal actions, and even history and folklore related to the plants. The layout of this book makes it easy to navigate through and to learn how to use the plants featured safely and efficiently.
Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG
Price: US $60.00 / CAN $69.95
Medical Herbalism is a little more advanced in nature, as it discusses extensive chemistry of the human body, the chemical makeup of different herbs and seeds, and how these things interact in order to heal. This extensive reading not only breaks down 150 different herbs and how to appropriately use them, but also how to use these herbs for ailments from the common cold to cancer. Principles of green medicine, toxicology and safety, preparations, dosages, pros and cons of commercial and traditional techniques, and so much more are covered in the text, which makes it worth the read!
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Sixth Edition by Phyllis A Balch, CNC
Price: US $40.00 / CAN $54.00
This dictionary covers both herbal and pharmaceutical remedies for almost every symptom and ailment you can think of. This is a source for evidence-based information and helps guide you through the use of natural remedies to achieve and maintain your ideal health and wellness. Recommendations for what herbs and diets to use, medications to try, and vitamins to take are listed for every symptom and sickness, mental and physical.
These four texts are just a start if you plan on building or adding to your herbalist library and are not necessary purchases to lead a holistic life through herbal medicine. Resources are abundant in the realm of herbal medicine, both for free and for purchase.