Books

I am an herbalist.  I am a bookaholic.  These two things seem to go hand in hand.  I love to read and learn.  My herbal books are all hard copies and many of them are signed copies.  This brings me great pleasure.  I'm also a little anal - my herb books are lined up not only alphabetically by author but also by date of publication.  And though I have many volumes there are a few I reach for time and again.  These are a list of my go to books.

   How to Move Like a Gardner by Deb Soule

This book is so many things.  The pictures were taken in the gardens of Avena Botanicals owned and operated by Deb Soule.  They are breath taking.  Her information on gardening is easy to comprehend and fun to read.  Her materia medica is extremely thorough and a model for how I have set mine up.








Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier

This was one of my first herbal reference books and it is still one of the first I pull off the shelf as reference.  It gives history, habitat, research, uses and dosage information.  There is a general index as well as an index by ailment which makes things really easy to look up.  It is a great starting point when learning a new herb.





 Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal  by Rosemary Gladstar
Now called Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health 
This reference has recipes for health and beauty that are easy to make and easy to incorporate into your life.  When my adult daughter asked for herbal books for Christmas I sent her this along with Rosemary's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide





                  Down There Sexual and Reproductive Health by Susun Weed

      Anything by Susun Weed is fantastic.  She is well researched, experienced and opinionated.  She provokes thought and discussion.  This book is no exception and covers everything you ever wanted (and didn't want) to know about down there.  It gives you the background and confidence to ask the questions you should be asking at your doctors office.






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

I took a "class" at the International Herb Symposium with David Winston on adaptogens and loved it so much I bought his book.  This is a go to guide for those herbs needed when one is stressed out and fatigued.







 Rainforest Home Remedies by Rosita Arvigo and Nadine Epstein


Rosita is an amazing story teller, healer, teacher and person.  I have had the privilege to meet her and take classes with her.  This basic guide will keep you and your family healthy.  It includes recipes as well as wisdom.  And while you are reading this pick up a copy of Sastun: My Apprenticeship with a Mayan Healer.









Honorable mentions:
These are books that I not only enjoy on my shelf, enjoyed reading but return to again.
Anything by Matthew Wood
 The Herbal Handbook by David Hoffman
 Plant Spirit Healing by Pam Montgomery
A Modern Herbal Vol.I and Vol II by Mrs. M Grieve
Addiction Free Naturally by Brigitte Mars