Book Suggestions
Folks are often asking me for herbal book suggestions, so I’ve compiled a list here, with some very brief descriptions. There are so, so many herbal books out there. These are my personal favorites, the ones I constantly refer to and go back to. It is not an exhaustive list; it is simply the books I like the most.
Books about growing herbs & Land stewardship
The Organic Medicinal Herb Grower by Jeff and Melanie Carpenter
This book is written for farmers, not gardeners, but it has some of the best info out there, textbook-style.
The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm by Peg Schaffer
Again, this is for farmers, but it has the most detailed info on growing Asian herbs, especially herbs that are not commonly cultivated.
How to Move Like a Gardener by Deb Soule
A beautiful book by an incredible herbalist and grower. This book teaches biodynamic practices and highlights both growing and medicinal use of Deb’s favorite herbs. I highly recommend it.
The Medicinal Herb Grower: A Guide to Cultivating Plants that Heal by Richo Cech
A great book for growing herbs on any scale
Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs by Richo Cech
Excellent, specific advice for hard-to-cultivate plants
Lawns into Meadows: Growing a Regenerative Landscape by Owen Wormser
Very inspiring! A must-read if you have the honor of managing any patch of land, no matter how small. Also, it’s short and easy to understand.
Foraging and Plant ID Books
Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel
If you want to improve your botany and plant identification skills in a simple, accessible way, this is the book for you.
FOraging and Feasting: A field Guide and Wild Food CookBook by Dina Falconi
This book is worth the illustrations alone, but the recipes are great, too.
identifying and harvesting edible and medicinal plants in wild (and not so wild) PLaces by “Wildman” Steve Brill
Back when I was beginning my herbal library, nettle was the herb I knew most about. It became my litmus test. If a book taught me something new about nettle, I bought it. Most books did not. This book contains the longest write-up about nettle that I’ve seen in print. The sketches are incredible, and it contains super helpful information about how the plant looks at different stages of growth. It’s a great Materia Medica source, though only for wild plants. I highly recommend it.
Books about Herbal Medicine
Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech
The simplest and most straightforward book about herbal formulations
The Male Herbal by James Green
Though this book is geared toward men’s health, I think it is one of the best-written and fun-to-read herbal primers out there. I recommend it to everyone. It’s really a fun, educational book.
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
A classic! And a great place to start making your own remedies.
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide
A beautiful book that is great for starting out.
Fire Cider: 101 Zesty Recipes for Health-Boosting Remedies made with Apple Cider Vinegar
Fire cider!
Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffmann
This is a true tome, and an excellent reference book once you start diving deeper with herbs.
The Business of Botanicals: Exploring the Healing Promise of Plant Medicines in a Global Industry by Ann Armbrecht
This is a must-read for anyone who purchases herbs ever, in any form. Also, it’s great storytelling, and you’ll learn the histories of some of your favorite herbal brands.
Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston
Adaptogens are more than just a trendy buzzword. This is the definitive guide.
Plant Magic & Witchy Books
The Witching Herbs: 13 Essential Plants and Herbs for your Magical Garden by Harold Roth
The BEST plant magic book I have read. Most books with herbs and magic are pure fluff — this is actually written by a gardener whom, you can tell, has a very close relationship with these plants.
Eight Sabbats for Witches
A fantastic classical witchcraft book.
Existential Kink: Unmask your Shadow and Embrace your Power by Carolyn Elliot
Manifestation magic via shadow work. Pure genius.
Healing Magic: The Greenwitch Guide to Conscious Living by Robin Rose Bennett
Filled with rituals, recipes, and all sorts of earth-based magic.
Assorted Beloved Books
Witch, Please: A Memoir: Finding Magic in Modern Times
Fun, light reading about living in NYC as a witch
The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian
An absolutely precious and charming mystery series with a vegan, herbalist protagonist and a cranky gargoyle sidekick.
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Plant magic in a beautiful setting; a lovely novel
First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
The sequel to “Garden Spells.” It’s even cozier and more magical than the first.
The Accidental Alchemist 4 Book Series
The China Bayles Mystery Series
A lovely, though murderous, mystery series that incorporates herbs. The book linked here is one of my favorites.
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
This book always reminds me that we craft our own lives. It’s very encouraging in that regard.
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Extraordinary.
Brida: A Novel by Paulo Coehlo
In my opinion, the best book by Paulo Coehlo and required reading for anyone studying witchcraft or magic. I read this book about once a year.
Gnomes
A classic.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Absolutely brilliant. Even better as an audio book (read by the author).
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
This is my nutrition philosophy. Focuses on traditional diets.
Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning your Home
A fantastic, simple guide.
Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing
This really informed my view of health and healing.
Smoke Hole: Looking into the Wild in the Time of the Spyglass by Martin Shaw
If you feel distressed about social media, the internet, and our modern times — and you love stories and rites of passage — this book is for you.
Courting the Wild Twin by Martin Shaw
Entrancing. Soothing. Captivating. It might be exactly what you need right now.
Bird Summons by Leila Aboulela
I often wonder about the effect that our global migration and general geographical mobility has on our relationship with land spirits. This book (to my surprise) answered that question in a new, beautiful, and fascinating way.
The Silent Treatment: A Novel by William Morrows
This book actually offers reassurance in the face of the tragedies of life. I highly recommend it.
The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh by Molly Greeley
Engaging enough to be escapist, but also profound and poetic. Lyrical writing. Sensuous.
Beatrix Potter Mystery Series by Susan Wittig Albert
Stellar light reading. Plus, you’ll learn lots about Beatrix Potter. And Tabitha Twitchit.
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
I have read this book every summer since I was twelve, sometimes twice. It is one of the best Young Adult fantasy novels ever written, with exception diction.
Women in Praise of the Sacred
This is one of my favorite poetry books, and a great source for poems to use in rituals.
The Wildwood Tarot
This is my favorite tarot deck. It’s very Shamanic.
*These are all Amazon links. If you purchase a book through these links, I’ll get a small percentage. However, I encourage you to order books through your local bookstore whenever possible. If you live locally to New Hope, Farley’s Bookshop is a great source!