I had a question from a reader (thanks, Diane!) about what book I would recommend for anyone just beginning to learn about using herbs. Over the years I have amassed quite a nice collection of books on herbs and herbal medicine. Some were purchased new, some used; some were gifts.
These books provide me with a wealth of information about growing and harvesting herbs, as well as making simple medicines and homemade gifts from herbs. I refer to all of them frequently. This large stack does not include my gardening, recipe and health books, in which some herbal information would be repeated.
Hmmm, a book recommendation. My favorite, favorite “beginner” book, hands-down, from my favorite herbalist (I would love to meet her in person) is Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality
My garden salad yesterday. I must admit that all the lettuce did not come from my garden. There are pests creatures in my garden eating more of the lettuce than I am. I am in the process of finding creative, organic ways to catch the culprits. In the meantime, the bronze fennel, mustard greens, arugula, garlic chives and calendula did come from my garden.
Harvesting during my short herbal apprenticeship, 2007
If you are really serious about learning about herbs, there may be herbalists local to you who offer plant walks, herb classes or even apprenticeships. I was lucky enough to do a brief apprenticeship under an amazing local herbalist a couple of years ago. I hope to go back to that at some point in the future.
Have a lovely Wednesay. Marqueta, I’ll quit wishing everyone a Happy Winds-day. Your state seems to take it to heart!
Lynn
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
oh lynn.. how sweet you are! thanks so much for that beginner’s book recommendation.. it looks to be just the sort of thing i was looking for. and the thought of an apprenticeship is most interesting. i never even thought of heard of anything like that, but how *perfect* that would be. off to do some googling;)
Hello
At one time I was training to be a Medical Herbalist here in the UK before illness forced me to give it up. You have some wonderful books there! My favourite as a student was Andrew Chevalier’s Encyclopaedia. Herbs are wonderful aren’t they?!
I have a lovely herbalist friend who sends me tinctures and I also make my own from time to time.
Mara xx
Dear Lynn,
Wow, I think the only book that I have is the Reader’s Digest one; and an older version of Rodale’s Growing Herbs. Mine are mostly large books like “The School of Natural Healing”, and “Back to Eden.”
I’ll have to do an herb book review of mine sometime; that would be fun.
Sorry about bugs in your lettuce; always a challenge, isn’t it? The salad looks delicious, though. So does the comfrey!
An herbal apprenticeship would be fun; I’d love to do some herb walks, etc., locally, but for now the little ones get the benefit of all I know (Which isn’t much.).
Love,
Marqueta
p.s. We sent your box off this morning; hope it arrives safely!
Diane, if you get Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Though she’s no beginner, by any means, her book is so easy to read and so easy to follow, it just seems like a good starter book to me.
Mara, thank you for sharing that information about yourself. I’m sorry you had to give up your trainingp due to illness. Mine was cut short due to my husband’s health issues and our subsequent insurance needs. Ah, well…
Marqueta, yes bugs and lettuce (or bugs and anything!) are always a challenge.
I would love to see your books. The package — I can hardly wait. I wondered if you would see the comfrey! I didn’t mention its name, but I was thinking, Marqueta will probably recognize it. 
I would be honored to go on a herb walk with you as the guide.
Lynn
Lynn,
I just had to smile when I clicked on your blog before falling asleep tonight. Just today I was reading Rosemary’s excellent book, it came with me from my morning tea in the living room to the kitchen where I read snatches of it throughout the day. It is such a wonderful resource and I’m so glad you shared it here as well. I have also been enjoying The Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook, but Rosemary’s book is so delightfully conversational, like sitting down with a friend… much like my visits to your sweet blog! Thank you for sharing your herbal library with us!
Rachel
Rachel, you have described her book perfectly! I feel the same way when I read her book–like I’m talking with a friend. Thank you for your kind words.
Lynn
WOW you have lovely hair
Helen, thank you.