When you start to get interested in a subject you usually start by looking online for some information, probably some videos, blog, articles on the subject. But when you want to look deeper in the subject and learn more, books are still the number one media used.
Having books on herbalism is always good to have easily reachable at home. From remedies and recipes, to herbs description, books are truly the best support in your quest to learn more on the subject.
Finding beginner friendly books on certain subjects, especially when it concerned health is always a bit tricky. You may not want just a description of plants and herbs, but maybe more something on different kind of ailments. Our you may want recipes. Or just simply a bit of both! Also you may want a book simple enough to find the information you want quickly with concise instructions or advise. I once received a book on herbalism which was way too long and complicated for my evevery day use, without much pictures (actually it was more drawings than pictures) and way too much information and history on each plants. A beautiful book for more advanced herbalists but not the kind of book you grab to search information quickly.
So without further ado, here is my list on the best beginner friendly books on herbalism !
- Encyclopedia of herbal medicine by Andrew Chevallier, DK editions.
This amazing encyclopedia gather 550 herbs and remedies for common ailments. In it you can find some history, herbal traditions around the world, description and uses of plants and herbs with lots of pictures like all DK books. You will also find how to grow plants, how to harvest and process them, and remedies for different issues. Tom and I really love this book as it is really complete on the subject with plants and herbs from all around the world. I just like browsing this book and always find interesting things to learn.
- Rosemary Gladstar’s medicinal herbs by Rosemary Gladstar.
The very first book I bought years ago ! Even before I was really into healing herbs, I bought this book just to learn about plants. Rosemary is a very famous american herbalist (probably one of the most famous), very beginner friendly, it feels like having a cup of tea with a friend. She explains how to make medicine with different techniaues and present in details 33 common plants and herbs with a few recipes. The book has lovely pictures as well. I use this book a lot as I love simple and easy herbal remedies. I also love her knowledge of the subject and the gentle way she explains things.
- Neal’s Yard Remedies : cook, brew and blend your own herbs, DK Editions.
Another great book from DK, pretty mainstream but still a good reference. With approximately 100 plants and herbs presented with pictures for each, the next part of the book is about recipes that you ingest. It has great ideas of smoothies and juices, syrups, salads and teas. The last part is more on beauty like face and body creams, scrubs, oils, cleansers, balms which is always nice to have if you trying to clean your beauty regime or anything you put on your skin.
- Wild Remedies by Rosalee de la foret and Emily Han.
A lovely book much loved by Tom about wildcrafting, this book described about 25 herbs and plants with both pictures and drawings. Each part of the book is about a different seasons and focusing on a few plants. Each plant medicine also have recipes, some of them quite common like elderflower cordial but also quite modern ones like the mallow and quinoa patties.
- Black’s nature guide; medicinal plants of Britain and Europe.
A great pocket size book which covers approximately 360 species of medicinal plants. I love it because you don’t need to know absolutely the name of the plants as the book is divided in parts on identification like ‘red flowers, ‘white flowers’ and so on. It is then divided in chapters on ‘no more than 4 petals’, ‘more than 5 petals’ and so on. The only downside is probably the pictures. Because of the size of the book and the number of plants covered, you only have a small picture for each, sometimes a drawing which doesn’t always help to be honest. Also no recipe, just general uses.
- Hedgerow medecine, Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal.
Probably one of Tom’s favorite book on medicinal plants, it focuses on harvesting plants and herbs from the hedgerow of UK. It means that it doesn’t cover plants and herbs find in gardens or that you can easily grow, as it is focusing on foraging. Nevertheless, it is very well made and written with approximately 50 plants. Lots of pictures and straight to the point uses and recipes.
Do you have or know a beginner friendly book on herbalism you love and use ? Let us know !
This post includes affiliate marketing and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There is no additional cost to you.
