7 Best Beginner Herbal Remedies Books

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Start Your Herbal Journey with Confidence

Are you dreaming of creating your own herbal salves, teas, or tinctures but don’t know where to start?

Whether you’re growing herbs in your backyard or just curious about natural remedies, one of the best ways to learn is with a good herbal book. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of remedies—some turned out amazing, others… well, let’s just say I learned the hard way that labels matter when making oil infusions!

I’ve gathered a handful of herbal books that have truly made a difference in my journey. These are the exact books I keep in my personal library and refer to again and again. If you’re ready to dip your toes into herbalism, these beginner-friendly books are a great place to start.

My #1 Recommended Book for New Herbalists

🌿 Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide

This book changed everything for me.

When I first got into herbal remedies, this was the book that gave me the confidence to actually start making things. Rosemary’s warm, encouraging voice makes it feel like you’re learning from a wise friend. She walks you through everything—growing herbs, making infusions, crafting salves and syrups, and how to use each herb safely and effectively.

One year, I followed her recipe for an echinacea and lavender salve. Not only did it turn out beautifully—it was a hit with my whole family. I still get asked for “that salve” every winter.

Rosemary Gladstar Best Beginner Herbal Book

👉 Click here to grab your copy on Amazon.
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6 More Herbal Books I Personally Recommend

These aren’t just any books—they’re trusted favorites from my own herbal library.

📘 The How to Herb Book

Old-school wisdom that still works.

This one’s packed with practical advice, home remedies, and simple instructions. It’s written in plain language, which I love, and the index in the back makes it easy to find help for common health issues. When I had gallstones years ago, I didn’t realize this book had the answer all along! It’s like having a grandma doctor on your shelf.

👉 If you see it at a good price—grab it! It used to be hard to find.

📗 Practical Herbalism by Philip Fritchey

Great for intermediate learners or those ready to dive deeper.

This book covers the “actions” of herbs (like astringent or digestive), how to prepare them, and how to combine them for specific health concerns. It includes charts, plant pictures, and instructions for both internal and external remedies. I’ve had this one forever—and it still holds up.

👉 A must-have if you’re serious about building your herbal know-how.

📕 Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech

For gardeners and wildcrafters.

This is more of a reference-style book, great if you want to learn about the growing side of herbalism too. It’s packed with how-to instructions for tinctures, infusions, and more. I bought it after getting seeds from Richo’s company years ago and it’s been in my collection ever since.

👉 Solid addition for those growing or harvesting their own herbs.

📙 Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide

Foraging made simple—and safe.

With full-color photos and detailed plant descriptions, this is my go-to when I’m curious about what’s growing in my yard. I especially love the poisonous plants section in the back—super important if you’re foraging in the wild.

👉 You’ll feel more confident identifying useful herbs around you.

📒 Wise Woman Herbal Healing Wise by Susun Weed

A little “witchy,” a lot wonderful.

Susun’s nourishing herbal infusions are simple but powerful. I’ve made her nettle drink many times (my husband calls it “pond water,” but it works!). Her style may be a bit unconventional, but her knowledge is solid and her passion shines through.

👉 This one is inspiring, earthy, and full of herbal wisdom.

📘 101 Easy Homemade Products by Jan Berry

If you love DIY herbal projects—this book is for you!

I found Jan through her blog, The Nerdy Farm Wife, and immediately fell in love with her book. It’s filled with fun recipes for lotion bars, vinegar sprays, and herbal balms. Everything is simple, beautiful, and smells amazing. You’ll want to try everything!

👉 Perfect for beginners who want to get crafty with herbs right away.

Final Thoughts

The world of herbalism is full of magic, healing, and discovery. Whether you’re trying your hand at a homemade salve or just learning what grows in your backyard, the journey starts with curiosity—and a great book.

Pick one that sparks your interest. Learn one herb at a time. And before you know it, you’ll be the one sharing remedies with your friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to grow my own herbs to get started with these books?
Not at all! While some of these books do cover growing tips, you can absolutely start learning and making herbal remedies using dried herbs from trusted sources. Growing your own is fun—but not required.

Can I use the Kindle versions of these books?
You can, but for hands-on books like these, I prefer physical copies. You’ll likely want to highlight, bookmark recipes, and flip back and forth—especially when making tinctures or salves.

What’s the best book for making DIY salves and herbal remedies?
Start with Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs. It’s easy to follow, full of great recipes, and explains the “why” behind each remedy. It’s the book I’ve used the most and recommend to everyone starting out.

Keep Exploring Herbal Remedies

If you’re excited to dive deeper into herbal living, don’t miss these helpful posts next:

👉 Herb Garden Design – 3 Things You Should Know Before You Plan Yours
👉 Natural Remedies – 3 Herbs for Homestead Healing to Keep in Your First Aid Kit
👉 Rosemary Herb Health Benefits and Uses

Michelle
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