I am that person in my family that gets made fun of for being a crazy hippie who teaches yoga and avoids doctor visits. I’m also that person in my family that every one calls asking for home remedies when they feel sick or get injured. I wear both hats proudly.
My sister frequently asks me, “How do you just know all this crap?” To which I respond, “I’m a nerd, if there’s something I want to know, I read… A lot.” So here’s my top 5 favorite books on herbs, herbal medicine, and alternative/holistic healing in no particular order.
1.) Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride
Helped immensely in resetting my gut health and healing my digestive system. Helpful recipes and information galore! https://books.google.com/books?id=BlVMYgEACAAJ&dq=gut+and+psychology+syndrome&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjfl_ao_YvLAhUHeCYKHZ_7B-gQ6AEICTAA
2.) Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss
This one has such a broad scope of information, everything from permaculture gardening to home remedies. A lot of this information is a bit out dated (particularly the information regarding vaccines as we don’t vaccinate kids for smallpox today) but largely, this is a very useful resource and I go back to it again and again
http://www.amazon.com/Back-To-Eden-Jethro-Kloss/dp/0940985101
3.) The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aroma Therapy
This one has so many dog-eared pages, the entire thing is just one big bookmark. I use essential oils as medicines more often than prescription drugs. This book contains dosage information, recipes, and lists of oils for different ailments. I highly recommend this one.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Essential-Oils-Aromatherapy/dp/0931432820
4.)Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar
Beautiful color photographs as well as indexed herbs, uses, and recipes. If there is one book you buy for reference, this should be the one. My mother-in-law gave me my copy and it has been invaluable, especially when it comes to identifying wild herbs (aka weeds) in my own back yard. http://www.amazon.com/Rosemary-Gladstars-Medicinal-Herbs-Beginners/dp/1612120059
5.) The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook by James Green
I love the anecdotal writing style of this book. It also has wide margins if you’re a note taker like I am. This one is great for referencing the processes and “science” of herbal medicine making, as well as getting a list of useful equipment to have in your arsenal. It also has useful appendices and sources for various information in the back. http://www.walmart.com/ip/787672
These are my most used favorites. Comment below to share your “go-to” references! 🙂
Wholly Holy Living 