Recommended Reading
Herbal medicines have been used for many centuries to treat illnesses and restore health, and today herbalism still remains the most widely-practiced form of medicine around the world.
Must Have Books
I started by borrowing every book I could from the local library, the permaculture club, friends and family. Then I asked for recommendations on local gardening and permaculture forums. It didn't take long to gather my favourites and they now look a little tatty but I like to think of it as well loved.
I even went to garage sales and book sales looking for old books as they are a wonderful source of information, especially as a lot of old knowledge has been lost.
I was raised by my grandmother, a passionate gardener and full of wisdom about healing through food and herbs, so I started on this road quite young.
The Complete Herbal Tutor
The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine - Revised & Expanded Edition
The Complete Herbal Tutor provides in-depth knowledge of the practice and theory of herbal medicine, including everything you need to know about its history, how it works, how to grow, gather and prepare herbs, and how to use them to create a herbal prescription.
There is also a clear explanation of how herbs can be used to treat each of the body's systems, with advice on using remedies for healing a range of specific conditions.
I use this book on a daily basis. I have learnt most of my planting and harvest techniques from this Book.
How can I use HERBS in my daily life? is a comprehensive herb book, as well as a practical guide to growing and using, culinary herbs and medicinal herbs, natural herbal remedies, alternative herbal medicines, natural herbal pain relief and herbal nutrition.
How can I grow and use Sprouts as living food? will inspire you to grow and use sprouts to maximise your health.
totally engrossing…
a life enhancing book…
and a valuable investment for health and well-being…
We need to encourage one another to be as self sufficient as possible… now… in our gardens, as this is the most nutritious fresh food and and cheapest way to live in these times of rising prices. Growing our own food is very satisfying as well as beneficial to health and well-being.
Ideas on how to cut the costs of living. Numerous economical recipes. And, How to plant a practical edible garden.
Planting a garden with herbs and food potential is one of the most valuable things we can do.
"With degenerative diseases plaguing many people today, we need to realise that pills and surgery are not fixing the problems. We need to realise that to maintain our immune system, vitality and health, a diet containing living enzymes and antioxidant rich foods and herbs, is essential."
Isabell Shipard
You can also buy all 3 books in a bundle and get the DVD's if you want from the Herbs are Special Website.
The Complete Book of Herbs
The Good Living Guide to Medicinal Tea
The Weed Forager's Handbook
The following books were also useful when I was learning, especially The Weed Forager's handbook, I didn't realise how many useful plants I had growing wild on my property. In particular Wild Lettuce, which we had growing everywhere and I had been pulling it out.
Wild lettuce can be used for food although it is rather bitter, but as pain relief it has excellent benefits and good results.
There are three varieties of wild lettuce in Australia, found in all states and territories: Prickly lettuce, Lactuca serriola, Opium lettuce.
I only have found the Prickly Lettuce so far but as the Opium Lettuce supposedly grows near me I am always on the look out.
Prickly Lettuce
Lactuca serriola
Opium Lettuce
Lactuca virosa
Willowleaf Lettuce
Lactuca saligna