Suggested Herbal Books

I keep seeing places that say post what books your have or think others should read. I finally made up a list of the one’s I have that are good enough to pass along. If it says Review from Amazon then there was not a description from the publisher on the Amazon page. If there is a description from the publisher that is posted instead of a review. Many of these books I got from a local used and out-of-print bookstore (Hyde Brothers Books) so it may be hard to find some of these unless they are a used copy. Any book marked * is one that I would never sell and would recommend. All of these are the paperback version unless otherwise stated.

Usage

*The Way of Herbs : Revised Edition

Author: Michael Tierra

Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: Pocket; Reissue edition (October 1, 1990)

Language: English

ISBN: 0671724037

Review from Amazon:

This is the best herb book around. Mostly when an herb book is written, an author will gather information on different herbs and write them in a book Michael Tiera is different. He has used all of these herbs himself. He has studied with native cultures and writes from experience. He uses Chinese medicine and herbs. He uses American herbs. He also uses Ayervedic techniques. He treats the whole body and not just the symptoms. This book is broken down in an easy to use method. He will list an herb and all of its properties and how it is used.

*Herbs and Things: Jeanne Rose's Herbal

Author: Jeanne Rose

Paperback

Publisher: Perigee Books (February 1, 1973)

Language: English

ISBN: 0399509445

Review from Amazon:

This is a much needed addition to anyone's herbal library. It is unlike almost any other herbal available on the market. It’s a shame that something like this is not seen more on the shelves of those corporate warehouse bookstores. Maybe it might be a good thing, this book really does belong on an old gnarled wooden shelf in some obscure shop run by a kindly old woman who knows its pages by heart. If you buy it you will open your self up to a new world of herbal possibilities.

*Indian Herbalogy of North America

Author: Alma R. Hutchens

Paperback: 382 pages

Publisher: Shambhala; Reprint edition (August 27, 1991)

Language: English

ISBN: 0877736391

Personal Review:

Yes the title is misspelled and it was printed that way. There is a lot of good information in this book but it does not just cover North American herbs. There are many references to Russian herbal use and folklore along with other countries. Still this book contains a lot of information.

Herbs for Health and Healing

Author: Kathi Keville, Peter Korn

Paperback: 374 pages

Publisher: Rodale Pr (October 1, 1998)

Language: English

ISBN: 1579540457

From Publishers Weekly
Keville, director of the American Herbalist Association, delivers an entertaining compendium of herbal medicine. Clearly and enthusiastically writing about the benefits of natural healing, Keville limits her coverage to those herbs that are safe; for the novice, she includes simple instructions for making herbal preparations as well as guidelines for buying them. Grouping ailments by body system? respiratory, digestive, etc.? she provides recipes for remedies that she has found effective in her 30 years of studying herbalism. Separate sections on men's, women's and children's health problems offer treatments for conditions ranging from baldness and impotence to menstrual cramps and teething pain. There's even advice on putting together an herbal first-aid kit and a list of beauty tips for women. This guide, however, is not for those who require scientific proof, for although Keville sometimes cities studies supporting use of particular herbs, her evidence is largely anecdotal. Personal stories of successful healing abound in the text, and, along with the history and folklore, are what make the text enjoyable.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

*Modern Encyclopedia of Herbs

Author: Joseph M Kadans

Paperback

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Paper) (January 1, 1973)

Language: English

ISBN: 0135937809

Older book that could be found in used bookstores and there are many used copies on Amazon. Very informative.

The Complete Herb Book

Author: Maggie Stuckey

Paperback

Publisher: Berkley (May 1, 1994)

Language: English

ISBN: 0425142639

Book Description
Herbs are truly wondrous plants. In this comprehensive book, Maggie Stuckey explains the uses of dozens of herbs, offers advice on planning a herb garden, and presents recipes for everything from salad dressing to meat loaf. Use herbs to...
Spice up a meal. Soothe a stomachache, a sunburn, or a sore throat. Keep away mice, moths, and mosquitoes. Freshen a room or take a bath in basil. Add shine to your hair and softness to your skin. Make a wreath of bay branches or a catnip sachet and more.

*The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism

Author: David Hoffman

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Inner Traditions (March 1, 1989)

Language: English

ISBN: 0892812753

Review from Whole Earth, 1998
In some ways, then, The Herbal Handbook is an understatement--the scientific data is integrated so seamlessly into the traditional lore that Hoffman's extensive technical and scientific background could easily be missed.

*Gentle Healing for Baby and Child : A Parent's Guide to Child-Friendly Herbs and Other Natural Remedies for Common Ailments and Injuries
Author: Andrea Candee, David Andrusia

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Pocket; Revised edition (December 24, 2003)

Language: English

ISBN: 0743497252

Review from Amazon.com staff:
Even if you're a parent who prefers the straight and narrow of allopathic medicine, you'll find numerous tricks for soothing your little one in Gentle Healing for Baby and Child. From minor issues like splinters or a skinned knee to a nighttime cough that your prescribed medicine just isn't relieving, master herbalist Andrea Candee offers simple, safe remedies made from ingredients that you'll probably find in your kitchen.

Most chapters are focused on either a specific part of the body (skin, respiratory system, digestive system) or an age group (from infants to teenagers). You may be tempted to head directly to the chapters of most interest to you, but don't skip over "Dosing Guidelines." As with any medication, herbs must be taken properly in order to be safe, and following the simple charts of dosage frequency according to age and weight is an easy way to prevent problems. You'll also find suggestions here for getting some of those hot, pungent herbs down the hatch--it may take more than "a spoonful of sugar" to get your child to ingest doses of cayenne and garlic.

Some items show up repeatedly in Candee's book. Onions, garlic, honey, lemons, and salt are all commonly available and inexpensive, and can help with everything from sore throats (warm salt and lemon gargle) to an ear infection (onion poultice directly on the ear). Garlic, "nature's antibiotic," can take care of colds, parasites, and "anything about to become a something!" Honey works to soothe skin and the respiratory system. (Note that honey shouldn't be given orally to an infant; their immature immune systems might have difficulty fending off any botulism spores that might be present.)

Offering new and friendly ammunition for a parent's arsenal of healing techniques, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child is an excellent addition to the family first aid kit and a fantastic way to avoid over reliance on prescription antibiotics

Herb and Drug Interactions

*Herb Contraindications And Drug Interactions, Second Edition
Author: Francis Brinker, Nancy Stodart

Paperback: 263 pages

Publisher: Eclectic Medical Pubns; 2nd Rev edition (December 1, 1998)

Language: English

ISBN: 1888483067

Book Description
A handbook for health care providers and the public. This second edition expands an essential reference on the contraindications of over 200 herbs and drug interactions.

This book includes appendices which address, by category the effects and limitations of herbs.

A new appendix identifies vitamin and mineral interactions with drugs.

Information is derived from the German Commission E Monographs, recent scientific research and traditional clinical experience.

Growing

*Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit: An Illustrated Encyclopedia (Hardcover)
Author: Matthew Biggs, Jekka McVicar, Bob Flowerdew

Hardcover: 640 pages

Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd (December 3, 2005)

Language: English

ISBN: 1554071267

Book Description
The definitive source book to growing, harvesting, preserving, and cooking.

This superbly illustrated reference contains a wealth of information to help gardeners choose the plants best suited to their space, climate, and needs. Three experts guide the reader in choosing which vegetables, herbs, and fruit to grow, and then in successfully producing the crop.

The vegetable and herb sections are arranged alphabetically by botanical Latin name, and the fruit section is arranged by fruit type. Accompanied by full color photographs and a brief introduction discussing the plant's origins and history, each entry presents a wealth of practical tips on cultivation, including: - Edibility, nutritional value, the most useful and recommended varieties - Plant hardiness, propagation, and growing guidelines - Cropping, harvesting, and storing - Weed, pest, and disease control - Ornamental and wildlife value - A maintenance calendar - Pruning and training - Companion planting - Container growing.

The remainder of the book focuses on the practical aspects of gardening and has in-depth sections on creating a garden, pollination, soil fertility, greenhouse growing, and much more. The book wraps up with a glossary, further reading, seed sources, hardiness zones, and a detailed index.

*The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening (Hardcover)
by Elvin McDonald (Editor), Christopher Brickell (Editor), American Horticultural Society (Corporate Author), Trevor J. Cole (Editor)

Hardcover: 648 pages

Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing; 1st American Ed edition (October 1, 1993)

Language: English

ISBN: 1564582914

Review from Amazon.com Staff
Many books claim to be a "definitive guide"; this is one title that happily lives up to those claims--and then some. Encyclopedia of Gardening will become your indispensable how-to manual for any plant-related topic. Indoors or out, you'll find information on choosing and maintaining healthy plants of all varieties, how to build structures from greenhouses to trellises, ways to identify pests and diseases, and methods of garden design that enable you to turn your lawn into a unique and personal work of art.

The text is straightforward and accompanied at all points by close-up photos of techniques, ideas, and specimens. The handy glossary is ready with definitions for everything from bulblet to vermiculite, and two pages of seasonal reminders are a great quick-reference cheat sheet. Thanks to clear category separations and the easy-to-read layout, the information is never overwhelming, just friendly and helpful--it's like having a master gardener living in your bookshelf! For the beginning-but-committed gardener, this encyclopedia is the perfect starting point. With every question answered thoroughly and accurately, you may find it's the only book you need for years to come. The fruit and vegetable sections are terrific, as are the areas on propagation and water gardening. For novice and expert alike, there's plenty to be learned from this information-packed volume.

Magic or Historical Usage

*Plants of Mystery and Magic

Author: Michael Jordan

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Cassell; New Ed edition (December 31, 2001)

Language: English

ISBN: 0304359610

Book Description

The human fascination with plants goes far beyond our love of gardening. Somewhere in the back of our minds lurks the ancient magic and mystery associated with plants, while today we are rediscovering all-but-forgotten healing and nutritional properties of plants in their natural settings. Superb color photos that capture the sense of ritual and reverence are accompanied by an expert history that explains our early use, as nomadic gatherers, of flowers, bushes, and herbs, and our development of domestic planting. The earliest-known ceremonies, such as burials, planting rituals, and harvest festivals, show how plants came to be worshiped as both symbols of life and essential nutrients and healers. The story continues from the rise of civilizations that use plants as symbols in their imperial crests and coins to today's use of holly, mistletoe, Christmas trees, pumpkins, autumn leaves, and other holiday symbols--backed by current psychological and medical research.

*Medieval English Gardens
Author: Teresa McLean

Unknown Binding: 298 pages (It is a hard back ~ Raven)

Publisher: Collins (January 1, 1981)

Language: English

ISBN: 000216535X

Looks like this is one that will be hard to find unless a library or used bookstore has one. It is a great book looking at gardens throughout Europe’s history. It shows how Monks laid out their gardens and how people made an income from gardening. It is very educational and sad to see it is no longer being published.

Victorian Kitchen Garden (Hardcover)
Author: Jennifer Davies

Hardcover: 160 pages

Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc; 1st American Ed edition (April 1, 1988)

Language: English

ISBN: 039302539X

Bottled Snowflakes

You will need:

• 1 white pipe cleaner
• 1 length of twine
• scissors
• 1 quart jar with a wide mouth
• 2 cups boiling water
• 6 tablespoons borax
• 1 pencil

Cut a white pipe cleaner into 3 equal lengths, twist them together in the center, then arrange the six legs so that they are equidistant from each other. Tie one end of the twine to a leg, and the other end to the middle of a pencil. (For a more ornate flake, tie the twine around the end of each leg in a continuous motion to make a center wheel).

Set aside. Pour boiling water into the jar, then add the borax one tablespoon at a time, stirring to dissolve. (if a little borax settles to the bottom, there's no need to worry, just go on to the next step.)

Submerge the pipe cleaner form in the solution and let the pencil rest on top of the jar. Leave the snowflake in the solution overnight. The next morning, you'll find it covered with tiny, sparkling crystals. Remove it from the jar, and hang it from the window to catch the sun

Pore Cleanser

Ingredients:
1 tsp. sunflower seed meal
1 tsp. ground oatmeal
1 tsp. almond meal
1/4 tsp. vegetable oil (I recommend a very light one here)
1/4 ripe tomato or chunk of cucumber, peeled
water

Puree tomato or cucumber in blender, adding a small amount of water(approx. 1 tablespoon), Strain. Combine enough vegetable liquid with the meal and oil to form a smooth paste. Spread onto face and neck, allow to dry, rinse. Good for normal and oily skin. Use on to two times per week.

Mullein Compress

2 quarts cider or malt vinegar
4 oz. Mullein
1/2 oz Lobelia herb
1/4 ounce cayenne powder

Gently simmer well covered for 20-30 min. Strain and pour over 1/4 ounce cayenne powder. Foment affected area as hot as possible for at least 1 hour. I usually place a soaked cloth on the area and cover with plastic wrap and place a heating pad over it all.

This is wonderful for glandular swellings, painful joints and muscles, edema and other swellings. Mullein encourages the absorbtion of fluids thus reducing swelling and inflammation. Lobelia is very relaxing and anti-spasmodic. Using a stimulant like Cayenne makes the other ingredients more effective and it also can help allay pain and staunch bleeding both on the surface and under (e.g. good for bruising). Cayenne is also somewhat antiseptic. This fomentation may be stored in a cool place and used within a 3 month period.

Just a couple of notes:
1. If it is too "hot", use less capsicum. Adjust to the needs of the patient.
2. Don't foment overnight. It may cause skin irritation. Use moderation. Don't forget vinegar is an acid. My daughter had peeling skin for several days after falling asleep with a compress on her arm.
3. If the vinegar is too irritating, substitute olive oil, in which case you can foment longer.
4. An interesting variation is to use 2 oz Mullein and 2 oz Comfrey with the other ingredients. Comfrey tends to hasten healing of tissues so might be helpful in wounds etc.
5. Do NOT use this compress on cancerous tumors since it encourages dispersion and absorption of fluids, etc.

Massage Oil for Sore Muscles

5 or 6 Cayenne peppers
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. clove essential oil
1/4 tsp. eucalyptus essential oil
1/4 tsp. mint essential oil


Chop cayenne peppers and place in a jar. Cover with vegetable oil. Make sure the peppers are completely covered. Store oil in a warm, dark place. Strain after one week. Add the essential oils.

Massage on sore muscles. Be careful not to get this oil in your eyes or open wounds - it will sting. Wash your hands after using this oil.

Muscle and Congestion Ointment

1/2 oz. cayenne pods, chopped
1/2 oz. cloves, powdered
1 oz. eucalyptus leaves, chopped
1 cup isopropyl alcohol (common rubbing alcohol)
60 drops wintergreen essential oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
20 drops clove essential oil


Soak first three ingredients in alcohol for two weeks, then strain. Add
essential oils. Stir Well. Massage liniment into area affected by arthritis, onto back and chest for congestion or on sore muscles.

Juniper Berry Ointment

This ointment is good for wounds, itching and scratches.

1 cup juniper berries
2 cups oil (olive, peanut, wheat germ, lanolin)
2 - 3 Tbsp. beeswax

Simmer berries in oil. Melt beeswax into the oil and berry mixture. Strain & pour into jars.

Honey Facial Cleaner

2 tbl. liquid Castile soap
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. Rosewater

Mix ingredients and pour into bottle for use. Gently massage onto face and rinse with tepid water. Can be used for all skin types.

Healing Lotion

1/2 oz. calendula tincture
1 oz. comfrey tincture
1 oz. wheat germ oil
3 oz. aloe vera gel or fresh pulp
1/4 tsp. vitamin C crystals
1/2 essential oil, if desired


Combine ingredients in a bottle and shake vigorously. Refrigerate if made with fresh aloe pulp.

Mint Facial Steam

Ingredients:
approx. 3 cups water
1 tsp. sage or rosemary
1 tsp. yarrow
1 tsp. peppermint

Boil water, remove from heat, and place herbs to steep, lidded for about 5 minutes. Sit with towel tented over head and face over the bowl... allowing the steam to cleanse the pores Good for normal and oily skin.

Dry Skin Milk Bath

Ingredients:
1 cup powdered milk
1 tbl. grapeseed, apricot or almond oil
8 drops essential of jasmine, rosemary, or lavender

Add ingredients individually under running water in your bath. Swish with hands to mix then sit back and relax.

Cleansing Grains

2 tbl. Oatmeal, coarsely ground or chopped
2 tbl. cornmeal
2 tbl. wheatgerm
3 tbl. Aloe Vera gel

Mix together and store in airtight container. Massage a small portion onto skin and rinse with tepid water. To be used twice weekly. Keeps well, consider increasing the size of measurements proportionally to make more.

To make it a deep cleansing grain soap add the grains to any soap recipe then instead of Aloe Vera Gel use about 1/2 chopped Aloe Vera leaves.

Chest Cold Vinegar

1 Large onion (sliced)
1/2 Cup Dried Mullein Flowers
7 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
2 Tablespoons (Crushed or grated) Horseradish
2 Tablespoons Fresh Grated Ginger
2 Tablespoons Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar

Fill jar with layers of these ingredients until full. Then top with Apple Cider Vinegar Refrigerate and use after 24 hrs. Take 2-3 teaspoons of the juice 2-3 times daily. Keeps for 6 Weeks.

Calendula-Lavender Cream

2 oz. comfrey oil
2 oz. calendula oil
1/2 tsp. hydrous lanolin*
2 oz distilled water or rose water
1/16 oz. borax powder
1/4 lavender oil


Combine and heat comfrey and calendula oils. Melt lanolin and beeswax in oil mixture. In another pot, gently warm water and dissolve borax in it. Remove both mixtures from heat. Place oil-wax mixture in blender or food processor. Add the borax and water mixture very slowly, constantly blending, until water has been added. Constantly push hardened top edge of mixture back into blender or food processor. Add lavender oil; blend until thickened. Pour into jars. Store any extra cream in the refrigerator.

You can replace the water in this recipe with fresh plant juices, technically called succus, if they are available. Succus is usually preserved with 20% alcohol. But be aware that cream made from fresh plant juices tends to last 6 - 12 months.

* Hydrous lanolin is available in pharmacies.

Burn Poultice

Burn Poultice

Use equal parts of Echinacea, comfrey and marshmallow root
(enough to cover the burn area generously)
Aloe Vera leaf(s)
a few drops of clove oil

Immediately after the burn occurs, place in an ice water bath for at least 10 minutes - I try and make it close to 20 for myself.

1) Remove the inside from the aloe vera

2) Pulverize the roots and aloe together (if using dried root-reconstitute first with purified water) making it as smooth as possible--don't worry if it is still lumpy though

3) add a few drops of clove oil

4) Apply to your burn covering well-don't make it too thin or it will dry out too fast)

5) Cover with a clean gauze and leave on for 3-6 hours...the longer it
stays the better you heal.

Athlete's Foot Vinegar

2 Garlic bulbs
1/2 cup fresh or dried calendula petals
1/4 cup fresh comfrey root
Hulls of 3 fresh black walnuts, chopped or 1/2 oz. black walnut tincture
Vinegar, about two cups
2 tsp. tea tree oil


Place garlic in a blender along with the calendula petals, comfrey root and black walnut hulls or tincture. Pour the mixture into a jar, and add the tea tree oil. Keep in a dark place for two weeks. Strain. Shake well before using.

To treat Athlete's foot, dab solution on affected area several times a day. You may wish to wear dark socks when undergoing this treatment as the black walnut can stain white socks.

Astringent for Sensitive Skin

4 oz. Rosewater
2 oz. orange water
4 oz. witch hazel

Mix together and apply to skin with cotton ball, rinse with cool water.

Apple Astringent

1/4 c. apple juice
2 tbl. vodka
2 tbl. witch hazel

Mix together and apply to skin with cotton ball, rinse with cool water.

Anti-fungal Salve

1/2 cup garlic oil
1/2 cup calendula oil
3/4 oz. beeswax
20 drops tea tree essential oil
1 tsp. black walnut tincture

Combine the garlic and calendula oils and gently warm them. Melt the beeswax into the oils. Add the essential oil and tincture. Stir well. Pour into salve containers while still warm.

All-Purpose Healing Salve

1/2 cup comfrey root oil
1/2 cup calendula oil
3/4 oz. beeswax
1Tbsp vitamin E oil
20 drops vitamin A emulsion

Combine the oils and gently warm them. Melt the beeswax into the oils. Add vitamins E & A. Pour into salve containers and let stand about 20 minutes to harden.