How To Start Your Herbal Career

H O W TO S TA R T
Your Herbal Career

The Ultimate Guide for Budding Herbalists
courtesy of
training | herbal jobs | legalities | resources | & more!

health disclaimer
The content on our website and in this e-book is for educational purposes only. Although we try
our utmost to provide useful and accurate information, you are responsible to research and verify
information before relying on it. We are trained herbalists and not licensed or registered health care
practitioners. We cannot diagnose health conditions, nor prescribe medicines legally; we are not medical
doctors. However, we will recommend or suggest medicinal herbs for various health complaints, as we
believe in the safety and efficacy of botanical medicine.
The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult
your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical
condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.
You are responsible for your own health. As with conventional medicine, herbal medicine is vast and
complex and must be used responsibly. People react differently to different remedies. Some herbs are
contraindicated with certain pharmaceutical drugs. Further, some helpful herbs may be confused with
harmful and/or deadly substances.
There are many plants and mushrooms that can make you sick or are deadly poisonous. Be 100%
positive of your identification before you harvest any plant or mushroom. Additionally, sometimes a
new food, even properly identified, can cause an unusual reaction—ranging from gastric intolerance
to a full-blown allergy. It is your responsibility to make sure you are harvesting the correct plant
or mushroom, and it is your choice to try any new food. We cannot be responsible for incorrect
identification or reactions to plants or fungi.
You are responsible for your own choices. This includes but is not limited to the ingestion, application,
or other use of alcohol or any poisonous, toxic, or allergenic substance. In the event that you are
not of legal age to consume alcohol, the School recommends that you refrain from the purchase,
consumption, or use of alcohol. If you elect to disregard such recommendation, you do so at your own
risk, and the School accepts no liability relating to or arising from your activities.
The School cannot predict how a remedy will work for you. Always refer to your medical care provider
for questions about your health.
content and Photography Credits

All content and text by Juliet Blankespoor and Meghan Gemma. All photography ©Juliet Blankespoor
unless otherwise noted. Distribution or resale of this material is illegal and punishable by law. Please
respect the countless hours that went into creating the resource.
Hello there, Honeysuckle!
Before we pop the cork and get this plant party started, I want to introduce myself and share with you why
my team and I created this special resource. My name is Juliet Blankespoor, and I’m a bonafide crazy plant
lady! I started the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine over a decade ago in Asheville, North Carolina,
offering intimate classes in my herb garden and the surrounding forests. Over time, the school evolved
into a trailblazing institution in the online herbal learning community. In the past few years, we’ve had the
pleasure and honor of teaching thousands of online students from all around the globe.
We created this guide because we know firsthand just how challenging it can be to find your way in the
herbal world and become an herbalist. You might have read conflicting accounts on legalities and herbal
certification, and perhaps you’re confused about what exactly is needed to set up shop. Maybe you’re at the
very beginning of your herbal education and don’t even know where to start or whom to trust.
This guide is exactly what I would have loved when I first embarked on my herbal adventure. Like many
herbalists, my educational path wasn’t always clearly marked, and it involved plenty of meandering. Grow-
ing up in the suburbs, I didn’t know anything about healing plants and could barely tell a daisy from a
dandelion. When I went off to college, I promptly caught the “herbal bug” and started learning about me-
dicinal plants through my botany studies. I was hungry for more herbal knowledge but didn’t quite know
where to turn. You see, there was NO INTERNET! After earning my degree in botany, I decided to go to
herbal school but had NO idea what my options were. In the back of an herbal magazine, I read about a list of
schools one could receive in the mail upon sending a dollar bill and a self-addressed envelope. I found my first
herbal school that way and continued to learn about schools, gatherings, and books mostly by word of mouth.
Fast-forward twenty-five years and it’s humbling to see how many herb books, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube
channels now exist. While I find this herbal abundance to be inspiring, it can present another problem: wading
through the sources to find ones that you can trust. There are too many beginner-turned-experts out there
sharing their newfound knowledge, which can unfortunately be inaccurate or incomplete. To remedy this issue,
we’ve compiled a list of our favorite resources that we personally turn to and can wholeheartedly recommend.
That said, with a work of this scope, we’re bound to overlook a resource we actually love. Additionally, we
welcome the invitation to explore resources we might not be familiar with. Please send us an email at support@
chestnutherbs.com to recommend yourself or a trusted resource.
We hope this guide shines a light on your herbal path, and we look forward to seeing where it takes you!
Warmly,
Juliet Blankespoor
& the entire Chestnut School team
Part One
how to start your herbal career
1. Getting an Herbal Education..... 7
2. Herbalist Careers..... 15
3. Herbalist Legalities in the United States..... 23
4. Herbal Schools.... 31
Part Two
herbal resources guide
5. Herbal Organizations & Publications..... 40
6. Herbal Conferences..... 41
7. Our Favorite Herbal Books..... 44
8. Our Favorite Online Resources for
Learning About Herbs, Wild Foods & Foraging..... 60
9. Recommended Tools & Herbal Supplies..... 75
10. Sources of Bulk Herbs, Medicinal Mushrooms
& Essential Oils..... 80
11. Recommended Herbs to
Start Your Apothecary..... 87
12. Herbal Resources from the
Chestnut School Archive..... 89
Part One
HOW TO START
YOUR HERBAL CAREER
You can be deeply certain, and slightly doubtful.
You can be scared, and really, really ready.
dan i elle la porte
it’s an exciting time to be an Herbalism is a calling and a traditional branch of

herbalist: more and more people are using knowledge that’s part of our not-so-distant past—
medicinal herbs for their health and well-being. Nearly many of our great-grandmothers knew more than
one-third of Americans use medicinal herbs, and the just a thing or two about herbs. These old ways
World Health Organization estimates that 80% of still appeal to us—many folks want to learn about
people worldwide still rely on herbs as their primary herbalism simply to bring healing herbs into their
form of health care. According to the American day-to-day lives. Others feel a distinct vocational
Botanical Council’s Herb Market Report, US retail calling. In either case, herbalism is flourishing, and
sales of herbal dietary supplements reached over $7 you have lots of exciting choices for receiving an
billion in 2016. This botanical medicine momentum herbal education and starting an herbal career. The
shows there’s more interest in herbal products than world is asking for more herbalists and healers, and
ever before in modern times. And there’s a greater we want to help you get going! This guide is your
demand for herbal instruction, along with books Herbal Starter gateway—we’ll talk about options for
and articles that teach about the medicinal use of herbal study, herbalist careers, and herbal certification
herbs. With this flurry of interest, there are more and other legalities. Plus, we’ll share all of our very
opportunities than ever for rewarding employment favorite herbal resources, from herb schools to blogs
in the field as well as golden opportunities for to books.
entrepreneurship.
Let’s start at the beginning—getting yourself an herbal education that reflects

your personality, goals, and lifestyle.
Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine 6 Join us at ChestnutHerbs.com

GETTING AN
HERBAL EDUCATION 1
Educating the mind without educating the heart
is no education at all.
a r i stot l e
most of us get our first taste just the tip of the iceberg—herbal studies can include
of herbalism informally— botany, medicine making, wild plant identification,
by coming across an interesting herbal book, foraging and wildcrafting, nutrition, anatomy and
experiencing a health issue we want to heal naturally, physiology, herb cultivation, business ethos, culinary
or feeling the pull of a particular plant. For many of herbalism, wild foods, and more. Getting an herbal
us, this initial brush with herbs is just the beginning, education that’s tailored to your interests is often the
and is followed by a yearning to soak up everything we first big step toward becoming an herbalist, and there
can about herbal medicine! The herbs themselves are are plenty of ways to learn.

Herb School + Herbal Course Work
Once you’ve set your heart on becoming an herbalist, from introductory to advanced, general to specialized,
studying with an established herbal school is an and in person to online. Be sure that the school’s
exciting milestone. Accordingly, choosing which philosophy and approach to healing are primarily in
school to attend is an important decision. There line with your worldview and aspirations.
are lots to pick from, and each has its own unique
Some programs focus on evidence-based botanical
teaching style and flavor. You’ll want to review
medicine, whereas others are more focused on the
curriculums, read testimonials and instructor bios,
traditional uses of herbs. When considering cost, look
and use your intuition when making a decision. If
at the number of hours of instruction and the level
you're interested in social activism, health justice, or
of the school’s professionalism. What’s included in
non-binary studies, you'll want to personally reach
tuition? Are there required materials (books, supplies,
out to schools that pique your curiosity to be sure
etc.) that you’ll need to purchase to complete your
they align with your ideals. For a directory of herbal
studies? If a school puts little effort into its website and
resources, including organizations, schools, and
personal communication with prospective students,
practitioners, run by people of color and queer/trans/
it’s quite possible it doesn’t run a tight ship. Finally, if
gender non-conforming herbalists, please go here.
your goal is to help people with their health in a one-
Attending a first-rate online or in-person school will on-one setting (as a clinical herbalist), you’ll want to
give you a strong spend a few years
herbal foundation immersed in your
and prepare you to herbal education
take the next steps in in a program that
starting your herbal covers the topics
business or practice. discussed below.
Many schools teach
There’s truly
traditional Western
something for
herbalism, blending
everyone! Ready to
folk and scientific
start looking at your
traditions—but
options? See our List
there are lots of
of Herbal Schools
variations on this
to get rolling.
theme. You’ll also
find a wide range of
program offerings,
Education is the the key to unlock golden door of freedom.

g e o r g e w a s h i n g to n c a r v e r

It doesn't have to be easy, it just has to be interesting.
eliza beth gilbert
Clinical Herbalist Training

If your dream is to one day open a clinical practice and Completing case studies and working with clients
see clients, you’ll want to enroll in a clinical herbalism under supervision are also typically part of a quality
program following your initial studies. You may be program. If you’re a health care practitioner who has
able to continue at the same school, or you may find already formally studied some of these topics, you
yourself looking for a new program—either way, be may not need further herbal education, but I still
discerning about your choice. Look for a program, one recommend finding a system of energetic medicine
either online or in person, that covers the following that you resonate with and learning more about
topics: anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology constitutional medicine.
(disease process), energetics, clinical assessment,
We’ve compiled a List of Clinical Herbalism
formulation, drug-herb contraindications, herbal
Programs to help you get started.
safety, legalities, and additional materia medica.

I see your life
as already artful,
waiting, just waiting
and ready for you
to make it art.
to n i
mor r iso n
Herbal Apprenticeship
In lieu of (or in addition to) any formal studies, you I encourage you to “try on” any work you might be
can seek out an apprenticeship with an herbal mentor interested in by apprenticing or working in the field.
you admire. This is the traditional way to study Let’s say you want to start a medicinal plant nursery
herbalism, and though it’s not for everyone, it can or an herbal CSA (also called community-supported
provide valuable insight into the nuances of running agriculture). Find a nursery or farm to apprentice
an herbal business, working with clients, making with one summer. Not only will you learn the tricks
medicine, and building relationships with healing of the trade, but you’ll also discover whether you truly
plants. It’s imperative that you know the terms of enjoy the work. If you don’t have a whole season to
trade and/or money exchange before embarking spare, consider volunteering or shadowing someone
on an apprenticeship so everyone knows what is who works in the field for a week. Additionally,
expected. Be extremely clear! For example, find out many business owners are willing to offer advice and
how many hours a week you’ll work and what you’ll assistance if you ask. Consider contacting people
receive in compensation (mentorship, class time, who work in a similar field but in a different area,
money, goods, etc.). I also recommend a trial work who wouldn’t be considered possible “competitors.”
period with the teacher to see whether your styles,
personalities, and goals are complementary.

Self-Study
Plenty of brilliant herbalists are self-taught, like the Self-study can be challenging for most people,
avant-garde and charismatic Juliette de Bairacli Levy, even those who are extremely disciplined. There’s
who learned about herbs by living with the Romani the issue of finding time to study, and then you’ll
people and observing how animals healed themselves. need to decide what subjects to study, and in what
She traveled the world with her children and beloved order. I’ll be candid and say that most people who
Afghan hounds, eventually writing many wonderful are completely self-taught have obvious holes in their
books about her adventures. The idea of such a life knowledge base and are missing the confidence that
is romantic and inspiring—just keep in mind this comes from a lineage formed with an actual teacher.
path requires a different degree of personal devotion That said, self-study is perfect paired with more
and curiosity. Though you surely don’t have to cross formal herbal instruction and can help round out
the globe, you will need to immerse yourself in the your herbal skills and knowledge.
herbal healing arts according to your own passion
and calling!
So…How Long Does It Take to Become an Herbalist?
This all depends on the herbal programs you choose program of 100 to 300 hours will probably be
and your ultimate career goals. Many online schools sufficient. To become a practicing clinical herbalist,
list the suggested number of hours it will take to on the other hand, the American Herbalists Guild
complete their program (and allow you to work at recommends a program with at least 1,600 hours
your own pace), whereas in-person schools will have of study at a school of herbal medicine, including a
regularly scheduled classes that you’ll attend and 400-hour clinical requirement. If your goal is a career
complete within a given time frame. There are so as an herbalist outside of clinical herbalism, look for
many options for herbal study these days that you a program that spans one to two years, or a minimum
can likely find one that fits your life perfectly. of 700 hours. This means, depending on your goals,
you’re looking at anywhere from six months to several
But let’s put your course of study into perspective:
years of study. And there are many shades of green in
if you want to learn the basics of herbalism to make
between!
remedies for your family and friends, an introductory

HERBALIST CAREERS
2
When you start your own business, it’s an enormous
amount of work and worry. But I don’t know if I would
call that sacrifice. Buy the ticket, take the ride.
liz lambert
DDid you know there are literally dozens

of ways you can put your herbal education to good
use in the world? The work of an herbalist can take
oh-so-many forms. My own path has been full of
herbal experimentation; I’ve run an herbal products
business, seen clients as a clinical herbalist, opened
a school of herbal medicine, started a medicinal
happy place. Maybe this will involve working with
people in a healing capacity, or perhaps you’ll feel
drawn to work primarily with the plants themselves.
Whatever your path, here are my two cents: find a

niche or specialty so you can offer a product or service
that is truly unique and needed. For example, say there
are already a number of enterprises making herbal
plants nursery, and most recently branched out
tinctures in your area. Perhaps you could specialize
into online education, herbal writing, and serious
in herbal products for pregnancy or for children.
botanical photography. There really is no limit to the
Possibly, you’ll be the only one who adds flower
possibilities! What’s important is that you find your

essences or stone elixirs to your tinctures.
Or maybe you’ll specialize in bioregional
blends and have the corner on the farm-
to-apothecary market by growing your
own herbs for your products. Or you
could make herbal syrups and infused
honeys instead of tinctures.
Here’s another example: if you want to

offer your services as a clinical herbalist,
you may find you have an affinity with a
certain population (kids, elders, pregnant
people, adults with special needs, etc.), or
you may discover that you’ve developed an
expertise with a certain condition or stage
in life (infertility, menopause, ADHD,
teenage health, rheumatoid arthritis,
etc.). You can network with support
groups and other health care providers to
get the word out about your specialty.
There are countless ways that herbalists

can creatively diversify their herbal
endeavors. Here’s a tour of possible
herbal livelihoods to help inspire you!
Clinical Herbalism
• Clinical herbalist in a private
practice or integrated clinic
• Acupuncturist, chiropractor,
nurse practitioner, physician,
midwife, massage therapist,
physical therapist, or other health
care practitioner who uses herbal
medicine in practice
• Free or affordable community health
clinic, mobile free clinic
Making Herbal Products

• Herbal tinctures
• Herbal tea blends
• Bulk fresh or dried herbs
• Medicinal honeys
• Medicinal syrups
• Herbal elixirs
• Herbal bitters
• Infused syrups or herbal shrubs for
mixed drinks and natural sodas
• Herbal preparations for animals
• Herbal-infused oils and vinegars
• Wild foods/herbal prepared foods
• Natural body care products: herbal soaps,
lotions, salves, body butters, bath salts,
body scrubs, infused oils, etc.
• Herbal confections (such as herbal
chocolates or ghee)
• Employment in an herbal products
business: sales, product development,
manufacturing, good manufacturing
practices (GMPs) compliance, buyer,
quality control, customer support,
farm management, marketing,
labeling, etc.
Three iterations in an herbal lineage of teacher and student (from left): Chelsea Gomes, 7Song, and Juliet
Retail, Marketing + Sales Teaching + Herbal Education

• Proprietor of a brick-and-mortar herbal store • Proprietor, administrator, or instructor at an
• Proprietor or employee of an online store, herbal school
selling herbal products, books, and supplies • Instructor at a community college or university
• Retail position in the health and beauty care (ethnobotany, botany, medical herbalism, etc.)
department of a health food or herbal store • Educating nurses or physicians in natural
• Cooperative online store for local herb growers therapies
• Brick-and-mortar nursery specializing in herbs • Community classes at free schools, community
and useful plants centers, co-ops, etc.
• Sales representative for an herbal products • Herbal conferences
business • Botanical gardens, arboretums, community
• Proprietor of a botanical-themed store with gardens
books, tools, and merchandise for botanists, • Camps for children
herbalists, and wildflower enthusiasts • Primitive skills gatherings, herbal first aid, plant
• Marketing for herbal businesses and conferences walks
(social media, search engine optimization, • Plant-related adventure travel
copywriting, graphics, press releases, etc.) • Online herbal education

Juliet’s home and teaching gardens
Writing + Blogging Herb Farming + Wildcrafting

• Herbal-related books: medicinal herb gardening, • Herbal farm for dried herbs and/or fresh herbs
medicine making, tea blends, wild foods, (for manufacturers); wholesale or retail
therapeutics, etc. • Herbal plant nursery
• Articles for blogs, newsletters, newspapers, • Medicinal herb farm-to-apothecary products
magazines, etc. (this can be a great way to get (tinctures, teas, salves, body care, etc.)
your name out there and interest people in your • Medicinal herb farm for education, tours, retail
teaching, services, or products) purposes, etc. (agricultural tourism)
• Your own herbal blog (monetized through • Medicinal seed company
advertisers and sponsored posts) • Herbal CSA that specializes in fresh herbs, wild
foods, and homegrown or locally wildcrafted
medicinal products (internal and external prepa-
It’s a simple and generous rule rations)
• Herbal CSA that specializes in homegrown body
of life that whatever you practice,
care products, including homegrown herbs used
you will improve at. to make hydrosols, infused oils, etc.
• Wildcrafter (wholesale, to brokers, or for an
eliza beth gilbert
herbal products business)

Filling a seed order at the Apothecary and Seed Repository at Joe Hollis' Mountain Gardens in North Carolina
Herbal Research
• University or government-funded research on • GMP testing in a product-based business
medicinal herbs, constituent testing, clinical • Quality control in a product-based business
trials, population studies, etc.
• Ethnobotanical research on traditional uses of
herbs

Miscellaneous Herbal
Opportunities
• Hosting an herbal gathering or conference
• Promoting teachers in your area, organizing
classes, etc.
• Computer assistance for herbal businesses:
graphics, website development and
maintenance, programs, spreadsheets, etc.
• Herbal photography and art, botanical-based
products (clothing, bags, notebooks, calendars,
notecards, etc.)
• Hosting an herbal radio or TV show (or podcast
or YouTube channel!)
Juliet gathering seaweed off the coast of Orcas Island
How Much Does an Herbalist Make?

The American Herbalists Guild notes a wide spectrum And if you have expertise in growing medicinal herbs
of possible earnings for herbalists: anywhere between and plants, you might earn $15 to $30 per hour
$20,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on depending on your knowledge and skill.
their area of practice and their individual successes.
As with any career, it can take time to achieve your
The truth is, there are so many possible careers in
ideal salary. You’ll need to develop your skill set and
herbalism that your earnings will be influenced by
reputation, build a client base, and possibly iron out
many factors, including your choice of career, your
any wrinkles in your business plan. This equates to
skill set, how often you work, and where you live. But
plenty of time and patience but will be worth it when
here are some helpful parameters: The hourly rate for
you have a career that you truly love (and that brings
clinical herbalists ranges from roughly $50 to $100
home the abundance). I lived frugally for many years
(or more) per hour. An herbal educator can earn from
as I attended herb school, grew my relationship with
$30 to $120 per hour, depending on the venue and
plants, and identified my gifts in the field. But I felt
audience (this rate can increase significantly if you
rich every single day because I was living my dream!
become well known within the herbal community).

HERBALIST LEGALITIES
IN THE UNITED STATES
3
Everything is figureoutable.
m a r i e fo r l e o
TThe practice of herbalism

the United States is largely unregulated; there is no
certifying agency for herbalists, nor any licensing
requirements. If this sounds simple, believe me—it
in
raises all kinds of questions about herbal certification

for newcomers to the field. We address those
questions here. We also discuss the herbal products
industry, which is regulated (to a degree). I know that
learning about career legalities isn’t the most exciting
way to spend your time, but it’s part and parcel of this
work and absolutely essential to building an herbal
livelihood. We discuss the basic information you need
to make decisions and resources for moving forward.

The Truth About
Herbal Certification
Most folks entering the herbal field want to know
whether they can become a certified or licensed
herbalist—in the same vein that nutritionists and
massage therapists can become certified and licensed.
The truth is, there is currently no certifying agency or
licensing board for herbalists in the United States—
and therefore no such thing as an herbal certification
or professional title (such as Master Herbalist or
Certified Herbalist). Most herbal programs award a
certificate of completion upon graduation, but this
is not the same as obtaining certification from an
official board. As such, herbalists who claim to be
“certified” are unnecessarily misleading the public,
who, for the most part, assume that there must be a
certification process leading to that title.
All of this is to say: if you live in the United States, you

can legally charge for your services as a clinical herbalist
without a license or certification.
Because herbalism is unregulated, herbalists are

obliged to adhere to a simple code of conduct: they
cannot diagnose, prescribe, or treat patients (unless
they have a medical license in another field that
Study with a Top-Notch
confers those rights). They can, however, legally Herbal School or Mentor
recommend, educate about, and dispense specific
We’ve already discussed many of the nuances of
herbs. If this play on words sounds confusing,
Getting an Herbal Education, but here we elaborate
note that the distinctions are important—they
a bit on how accreditation (or the lack thereof ) can
protect herbal practitioners, guide their actions, and
affect your choices for herbal study. Because there is
empower clients to be more engaged in their healing
no industry accreditation of herbal schools, most are
process. And unless herbalists have the appropriate
not accredited in the same way universities, colleges,
official medical training in diagnosing medical
and vocational schools are (see the list of exceptions
conditions, they absolutely should not be making
below). Though you won’t graduate from herb school
medical diagnoses.
with a title, your school’s reputation will help you
Despite this lack of certification and regulation, the earn respect within the field. Closely read the reviews
craft and practice of herbalism are thriving. So what of any program you might be considering! Here is a
will help you earn herbal cred in the field? list of Herbal Schools around the country.

Persistence guarantees that results are inevitable.
yo g a n a n d a
Register with the American Enroll with an Accredited
Herbalists Guild Herbal Program in a College
The American Herbalists Guild (AHG) is a
or University
highly respected organization that promotes
If earning a degree is important to you, or if a
clinical herbalism as a viable profession and
college education makes sense financially, several
valuable component of health care. The AHG is
schools throughout the United States award degrees
not currently in favor of imposing licensing on
in herbal medicine. (However, even with a degree
practicing herbalists, but it does offer a designation
in hand, you still will not receive an official title or
of Registered Herbalist, which can be obtained
certification! So, first and foremost, choose a
through a rigorous application process. This
program that really fits your style of living
title doesn’t confer any legal rights, but it is an
and learning.) The perks of studying
industry standard that reflects proficiency
at an accredited school are largely
in the field of clinical herbalism. To learn
financial—you can often use GI Bill
more about the title and the application
benefits and 529 college funds, and
process, you can visit Becoming an AHG
you can earn AmeriCorps credits
Registered Herbalist.
(be sure to check in with prospective
schools about these details!). That
said, if you don’t receive financial
aid, be sure to closely weigh the
pros and cons of taking out
a student loan for education
that will lead to a career in the
field of herbal medicine. The
burden of student loan debt
can be exceptionally heavy to
emerging herbalists! Below is a
list of accredited schools currently
offering degrees in herbal medicine:
• Bastyr University
• Hill College
• Maryland University of
Integrative Health
• Vermont Center for Integrative
Herbalism (in Partnership with
Goddard College)

Legal Considerations for Herbal Products Businesses:
The cGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices)
Unlike the practice of clinical herbalism, the herbal I’m going to begin with a little straight talk, because
products industry is regulated. Whereas it’s perfectly these regulations can make your head spin with all
legal to prepare your own tinctures, tea blends, and their acronyms and obtuse wording. Small herbal
salves to share with friends and family, you must businesses all around the country have figured out
follow regulations to sell your natural products or how to be cGMP compliant, and so can you! As
plant-based medicines in a retail setting. The US business coach Marie Forleo would say, it’s entirely
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a series of figureoutable. Following the cGMPs will involve an
regulations in place that are designed to ensure that initial investment of time and money: first, you’ll
food, drug, and cosmetic (read: herbal) products are need to take a cGMP course, and then you need to
consistently produced and controlled according to develop your templates and procedure paperwork
quality standards. These regulations are known as the while making sure your facility is properly equipped.
Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) The paperwork is an ongoing task—you’ll be
and can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations documenting every little step of your manufacturing
Title 21 (21 CFR). (Note: You’ll often see the older process (the cGMP paperwork takes a lot of time and
term GMPs instead of cGMPs.) needs to be accounted for in your pricing).

If you decide that you don’t want to deal with the following them also provides some hard-won benefits
cGMPs, you can outsource production to a cGMP for your business: compliance helps you maintain a
facility where the workers are trained in following high-integrity work environment, ensures that your
the procedures. Some herbal companies are even products are consistently what they claim to be, and
providing their production facility with their own limits liability.
plant material—homegrown or gathered—for
Compliance with the cGMPs often feels
their products. If you do want to pursue cGMP
overwhelming to small business owners, and many
compliance, I highly recommend finding a teacher
have simply chosen to close their doors or outsource
who is familiar with the needs of a small herbal
production to larger facilities. Our advice is to
business. This is even more important if you’re going
shoulder the task of compliance if owning an herbal
to be growing your own medicines or wildcrafting
products business is your dream; it is entirely possible
herbs, because you’ll have a whole other set of
to learn the ins and outs of the regulations—just
procedures for identification, harvesting, cleaning,
keep in mind that it will involve lots of time and
and so forth. (Some of the courses on cGMPs are
paperwork. When you’re ready to take the plunge,
more geared toward businesses that are buying all of
we’ve compiled some resources that will help make
the raw plant material for their products.)
your task a wee bit easier.
Though the primary aim of the cGMPs is to protect
the consumer from contamination and adulteration,

Further Learning About
the cGMPs
Courses on the cGMPs
Very few herbal cGMP courses are offered on a regular
basis, but ask around—with your regional herbalists,
apothecaries, and schools—about local events. Many
herb conferences these days also feature a class on
cGMPs. Some of the courses listed below offer in-depth
guidance on starting an herbal business, whereas others
are introductory in nature. Research each course on your
own before making any decisions.
The Apothecarist Program through Herbal Medics

Academy is a medicine-making course tailored
to those who wish to craft herbal products as a
profession. Interwoven into the course material are
all the details you need to become GMP compliant.
The course combines online and on-site learning,
and students can take all the components of the
program to earn a certificate, or just take one or two.
The program, taught by Sam and Suchil Coffman, is
offered twice per year.
the FDA requires of herbal manufacturers. The
Building Your Herbal Business with the recording can be downloaded for a small fee and
CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism is a is a worthwhile introduction to GMP compliance.
nine-month online course designed to help you build Herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt shares a summary of her
an herbal business from the ground up, including notes from this presentation here: GMP Notes.
guidance on complying with the GMPs.
Herbal Products Marketing with the Florida School
Elements of Current Good Manufacturing Practices of Holistic Living. This introductory, distance-
(cGMP) with the North Carolina BioNetwork is an learning course is offered periodically, so check the
on-site class offered several times throughout the website for a class schedule.
year. Check this link for dates and details by typing
GMP for Dietary Supplements with the Center for
GMP into the Title search field.
Professional Advancement has a more clearly laid-out
FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and schedule and appears to be hitting the major topics
the Community Herbalist is a recorded presentation that are difficult for small businesses to wrap their
by Roy Upton from the 2010 AHG symposium, heads around. The course is pricey, though, so make
which provides an overview of the GMPs and what sure it’s a good fit for your business.

Herbal Organizations and Resources
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) produces compliance—standard operating procedure (SOP)
herbal monographs that outline the quality control templates, webinars, and print materials. You must
criteria needed for ensuring the identity, purity, be a member to access most of these resources.
and quality of botanical raw materials and includes
American Herbalists Guild Legal and Regulatory
a complete review of the traditional and scientific
FAQs is a basic reference for commonly asked
literature. These monographs are available to AHP
questions regarding the GMPs and other herbal
GMP partners (you can sign up online), or an
regulations.
abridged version can be purchased through the
website. As a member, you will receive guidance Dietary Supplement Experts can help you develop
through quality control challenges specifically related SOP and master manufacturing records templates.
to botanical identification and quality assessment.
Dietary Supplement SOP Template Resource Book
Membership is a big financial investment and is
from the Public Health and Safety Organization
probably most relevant for medium to large-scale
contains additional SOP templates.
herbal manufacturers.
To learn more about the legalities of practicing herbal
American Herbal Products Association shares
medicine in the United States, see the American
many resources helpful to those learning about GMP
Herbalists Guild’s list of Legal and Regulatory FAQs.

HERBAL SCHOOLS
4
Students learning plant identification on an herb walk at the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
You have many options when it comes to choosing an herb school—but, of course, we’d love for you to study
with us and join our amazing online community! If you do decide to explore our programs, you can choose from
our 150-hour Online Herbal Medicine Making Course, our 1,000-hour Online Herbal Immersion,
and our 375-hour Online Foraging Course. Above all, we wish you luck in finding your herbal niche!
Online Herbal Online Foraging

Medicine Making Course: Online Herbal
Edible & Medicinal Immersion Program
Course Wild Herbs
* denotes BIPOC-led (Black Indigenous
People of Color) schools
+ denotes LGBTQIA+ led schools
Online Programs
• American College of Healthcare Sciences
• Atabey School of Cultural Healing*
• Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
• David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies
• Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine
• Green Path Herb School
• Heart of Herbs Herbal School
• Herbal Academy of New England
• Herbal Freedom School BIPOC Communiversity*
• Herbal Medicine for the Soul Mentorship* +
• Herbal Medicine for Women
• Joie Power’s Aromatherapy School
• La Mala Yerba*
• LearningHerbs
• Living Awareness Institute
• Medicine Lodge Ranch
• Maryland University of Integrative Health
• Natural Choices Botanica School of Herbalism
and Holistic Health*
• New York Institute of Aromatic Studies
• North American Institute of Medical Herbalism
• Sacred Vibes Healing: The Art and Practice
of Spiritual Herbalism*
• Sage Mountain’s The Science & Art of
Herbalism Online Course
• SANKOFA: Reclaiming Healing Traditions
of the African Diaspora*
• School of Evolutionary Herbalism
• Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
• The Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine
• Wild Ginger’s Online Herbal Medicine Course
• Xálish Earth Medicines*
Juliet and students on a school camping trip at the Suwannee River in Florida
In-Person Schools
• Acorn School of Herbal Medicine • Botanologos School for Herbal Studies
(Nevada City, CA) (Clayton, GA)
• Adiantum School of Plant Medicine • California School of Herbal Studies
(Seattle, WA) (Sonoma County, CA)
• Ancestral Apothecary School* (Oakland, CA) • Cedar Mountain Herb School
• Appalachian Center for Natural Health (Bothell, WA)
(Arab, AL) • Centro Ashé (Bryans Road, MD)
• Arctos School of Herbal and Botanical Studies • Columbines School of Botanical Studies
(Portland, OR) (Eugene, OR)
• Ayurvedic Institute (Albuquerque, NM) • Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism
• Bastyr University (Seattle, WA) (Boulder, CO)
• Bellebuono School of Herbal Medicine • David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies
(Martha’s Vineyard, MA) (Broadway, NJ)
• Blue Otter School of Herbalism • EarthSong Herbals (Marblehead, MA)
(various locations) • Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine
• Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine (Low Gap, NC)
(Asheville, NC) • Farmacy Herbs (Providence & West Greenwich, RI)

• Florida School of Holistic Living
(Winter Park, FL)
• The Forager’s Path School of Botanical Studies
(Flagstaff, AZ)
• The Gaia School of Healing and Earth
Education (Westminster, VT & Los Angeles, CA)
• Green Path Herb School (Missoula, MT)
• Green Wisdom School of Natural & Botanical
Medicine (Upper Midwest U.S. + parts of
Ontario, Canada)
• Greenwood Herbals (Limerick, ME)
• Heartstone Center for Earth Essentials
(Van Etten, NY)
• Herbcraft with jim mcdonald (various locations)
• La Mala Yerba* (New Orleans, LA)
• Mountain Gardens (Celo, NC)
• Native Roots School of Ancestral Folk and
Indigenous Medicine (NM & CO)
• New York Institute of Aromatic Studies
(New York, NY)
• Northeast School of Botanical Medicine
(Ithaca, NY)
• Northwest School for Botanical Studies • Traditions School of Herbal Studies
(Arcata, CA) (St. Petersburg, FL)
• Of the Earth Institute of Indigenous Culture • Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism
and Teachings* (Austin, TX) (Montpelier, VT)
• Ohlone Herbal Center (Berkeley, CA) • Vital Ways (Portland, OR)
• Old Ways Herbal (Newfane, VT) • Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine
• Ozark Herbal Academy (Eureka Springs, AR) (Austin, TX)
• Philo School of Energetics (Philo, CA) • Wild Gather: Seeds of Herbalism
• Rootwork Herbals* (Ithaca, NY) (Hudson Valley, NY)
• Sacred Vibes Apothecary* (Brooklyn, NY) • Wisdom of the Herbs School (Woodbury, VT)
• Seed & Thistle Apothecary: Atabey Medicine
Apprenticeship* + (Brooklyn, NY) For a directory of herbal resources, including
• The Sassafras School of Appalachian organizations, schools, and practitioners, run
Plantcraft (Barnardsville, NC) by people of color and queer/trans/gender non-
• Terra Sylva School of Botanical Medicine conforming herbalists, please go here.
(Marshall, NC)

Clinical Herbalism Programs
Remember to look for a program—either online or in person—that covers the following topics: anatomy and physiology,
pathophysiology (disease process), energetics, clinical assessment, formulation, and additional materia medica.
Online + Distance Learning

Clinical Herbalism Programs
David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies
Online Clinical Herbalist Training The whole point of
Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine being alive is to evolve into
Live-Streamed Integrative Intensive Program the complete person you were
Hill College intended to be.
Holistic Wellness Pathway within the Associate of
Science Biology Major oprah winfrey
School of Evolutionary Herbalism

Advanced Clinical Herbalism Online Program

Hybrid Clinical Herbalism
Programs (Online with Some
In-Person Requirements)
Dominion Herbal College
(Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)
Clinical Herbal Therapy
Herbal Medics Academy

(San Antonio, TX)
Herbal Clinician Program
Maryland University of Integrative Health

(Laurel, MD)
Master of Science in Therapeutic Herbalism
In-Person Clinical Herbalism

Programs
ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism
(New York, NY)
Clinical Program in Herbal Medicine
Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine

(Asheville, NC)
Advanced Clinical Program
Clearpath School of Herbal Medicine

(Wendell, MA)
Cultivating Clinical Herbalism
Colorado School of Clinical

Herbalism
(Boulder, CO)
Clinical Herbalism
Columbines School of Botanical Studies

(Eugene, OR)
Apprenticeship and Clinical Internship
CommonWealth Center for Holistic

Herbalism
(Boston, MA)
Advanced Studies Program and Clinical Rotations
David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies
(Washington, NJ)
On-Site Herbalist’s Training
Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine

(Lowgap, NC)
On-Site Integrative Intensive Program
Farmacy Herbs
(Providence, RI)
Herbal Residency Program
Green Path Herb School

(Missoula, MT)
Clinical Program
Hawthorn Institute
(Ashland, OR)
Advanced Clinical Training
Hill College
(Hillsboro, TX)
Holistic Wellness Pathway within the Associate of
Science Biology Major
Northeast School of Botanical Medicine

(Ithaca, NY)
Community Herbalism Intensive
Ohlone Herbal Center

Do whatever brings you to
(Berkeley, CA)
Clinical Internship life, then. Follow your own
Pacific Rim College fascinations, obsessions, and
(Victoria, BC) compulsions. Trust them.
Western Herbal Medicine Programs
Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism Create whatever causes a

(Montpelier, VT)
revolution in your heart.
Clinical Herbalist Training Program
eliza beth Gilbert
Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine
(Cedar Creek, TX)
Clinical Herbcrafter
Chestnut School of
Herbal Medicine
Online Herbal Immersion Program • Online Medicine Making Course

Online Foraging Course: Edible and Medicinal Wild Herbs
www.ChestnutHerbs.com
HERBAL RESOURCES GUIDE
Part Two
Welcome to our special stash of herbal essentials and accoutrements! This
collection of resources has been handpicked over years (decades!) of personal experience.
Think of it as your one-stop “shop” for collecting herbal wisdom and practical tools to
enhance your herbal craft. Of course, these lists aren’t exhaustive. But they’ll give you
a great start…and you’ll get the scoop on what books we’re reading, what supplies we
fancy, and what herbs we love to grow.
5. Herbal Organizations & Publications..... 39

6. Herbal Conferences..... 40
7. Our Favorite Herbal Books..... 42
8. Our Favorite Online Resources for Learning
About Herbs, Wild Foods, and Foraging..... 57
9. Recommended Tools and Herbal Supplies..... 70
10. Sources of Bulk Herbs, Medicinal Mushrooms,
and Essential Oils .....75
11. R
ecommended Herbs to Start Your
Apothecary..... 82
12. BONUS: Herbal Resources from the
Chestnut School Archives..... 84

HERBAL ORGANIZATIONS
& PUBLICATIONS
We’re fortunate
5
to have access to some
excellent herbal publications that address everything from
and aims to preserve and develop the science and art
of herbal medicine.
clinical research to social justice to classic folk herbalism.
Plant Healer Magazine Plant Healer is the
Selecting one or a few publications to read regularly will
paperless quarterly journal of the new folk herbalism
keep you on the up-and-up with evolutions and exciting
resurgence—a downloadable, beautifully illustrated,
events within the field. And it may just inspire a new
full-color PDF magazine. An annual, condensed
herbal career or an unexpected alliance.
printed version is also available.
American Botanical Council The ABC publishes
United Plant Savers The mission of UpS is to
HerbalGram quarterly, which focuses on the herbal
protect native medicinal plants of the United States
industry and medical herbalism. Their website
and Canada (and their native habitat) while ensuring
has many searchable databases related to scientific
an abundant, renewable supply of medicinal plants
research on medicinal herbs.
for generations to come.
American Herbalists Guild AHG is an association
The Herb Society of America The HSA is dedicated
of herbal practitioners. Membership includes many
to promoting the knowledge, use and delight of herbs
educational benefits. They also host an annual
through educational programs, research, and sharing
conference held in a new location each year.
the experience of its members with the community.
Medical Herbalism As you might surmise, this
publication is geared toward the clinical practitioner

HERBAL CONFERENCES
Attending herbal conferences

6
Lake Eden, North Carolina—the former event site for the Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference
American Herbalists Guild Symposium

is one of the best ways to connect and network with Annual themed conference held in rotating locations.
herb teachers and other herb enthusiasts—especially
Breitenbush Herbal Conference
if you live in an area where herbalism is still under the
Conference takes place every year at the Breitenbush
radar. These events often feature live music, healing
Hot Springs in Oregon.
meditations, excellent keynote speakers, and a variety
of food and lodging options. This is a selection of Chesapeake Herb Gathering
conferences we have personal experience with, but An annual event organized by Wild Ginger Herbal
there are many other herbal events and earth skills Center bringing together inter-generational herbal,
gatherings all across the country. Look around to see land-based, and healing communities.
what’s happening in your neck of the woods.
Firefly Gathering
Afrobotany Herbal Conference The Firefly Gathering is held near Asheville, North
Conference in Costa Rica celebrating the ethnobotany Carolina, and teaches skills for living with the earth,
of the the African Diaspora. including plenty of herbal workshops.

Florida Herbal Conference Herb Rally
An annual gathering to connect and strengthen Not a conference but a directory of herbal events,
bioregional herbalist communities, featuring loads of classes, and conferences throughout the United
workshops for all levels of interest and experience. States; search by state or view a complete listing of
events by year.
Good Medicine Confluence
Organized by herbalists Kiva Rose and Jesse Wolf; International Herb Symposium
location varies annually throughout the southwestern Truly international, with teachers from around the
United States. globe; held every other year in Massachusetts.
Gullah Geechee Herbal Gathering Medicines from the Earth

An annual conference for BIPOC and people of Herbal conference taught by clinical herbalists,
Gullah Geechee heritage geared towards exploring integrative physicians, and naturopathic doctors; held
the historical and cultural uses of herbs and plant annually in June in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
medicine in the Gullah/Geechee Nation and within
the African Diaspora.

MidAtlantic Women's Herbal Conference Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine
Annual event celebrating plant medicine and Herbal conference taught by clinical herbalists,
connecting like-minded people in Kempton, integrative physicians, and naturopathic doctors;
Pennsylvania. held annually in Tempe, Arizona.
New England Women’s Herbal Conference Spiritual Herbalism Conference An intersectional

Organized by herbal fairy Rosemary Gladstar; takes meeting place of the different practices and
place annually in New Hampshire. practitioners of herbalism.
NOLA Herb Gathering A conference embracing self Traditional Roots Herbal Conference
care as health care through the intergenerational and An annual herbal conference based in Portland,
cultural uses of herbal and plant medicine. Oregon, that features clinical tradition and modern
scientific research; draws excellent herbal speakers.
Southeast Wise Women’s Herbal Conference
A much-loved herbal gathering held each fall in Black Ylang Ylang Herbal Gathering An annual week-
Mountain, North Carolina. long exploration of cosmology, people, plants, land,
liberation, birth, and beyond in Costa Rica.

OUR FAVORITE
HERBAL BOOKS
7
Just a few decades ago, there were only a few herbal books to be found. But these days,
glossy volumes on herbs, foraging, and wild foods abound. There are so many to choose
from it can make your head spin! But a well-chosen herbal library—even a small one—
will be its own reward. You’ll reach for these books again and again, for information
and inspiration. We’ve compiled a list of our personal favorites, but plenty of wonderful
books aren’t mentioned here—we had to stop somewhere! To be clear, we don’t receive any
compensation for promoting these books—they’re simply our staples.
*denotes Juliet's personal favorites

Medicine Making Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas,
Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural
The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook Remedies for the Entire Family
by James Green by Rosemary Gladstar
Detailed instruction in making tinctures, medicinal Great beginner reference written by the herbal queen
oils, salves, and so forth. An excellent first reference herself. Loaded with recipes that are fun to prepare. In
for the home medicine maker. fact, all of Rosemary Gladstar’s books are wonderful
Making Plant Medicine and have a place on the herbal shelf.
by Richo Cech Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and
This guide is part materia medica, part medicine- Stress Relief
making manual. You’ll find preparation instructions by David Winston and Steven Maimes
for a wealth of traditional herbs. Order the fourth An excellent and in-depth discussion of adaptogens,
edition from Strictly Medicinal Seeds. with detailed monographs of many adaptogenic and
Michael Moore’s Herbal Materia Medica nervine herbs. Includes a section on diseases linked
A brief outline of major medicinal plants, giving to stress. I reference this book frequently!
preferred media, strengths, common dosage ranges, *The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Ideal Companion
possible side effects, and ecologic status. This is great for Study and Practice
to reference when you want to find the appropriate by Anne McIntyre
proportions and dosages for your tinctures. Access
Extensive herbal profiles and materia medica; offers
this resource for free at the Southwest School of
treatment by condition and organ system. This is a
Botanical Medicine website.
great reference guide for the beginner to intermediate
student.
General Herbals *The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and
These are the classics that form the foundation of most Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life
herbal libraries. Students new to herbalism as well as by Robin Rose Bennett
clinicians will find value in their pages. They’re a joy A beautiful tour of some of our most healing herbs,
to read, contain loads of recipes, and combine folk written in Robin Rose Bennett’s lovely prose. Full of
herbalism with scientific information. anecdotes, recipes, and simple rituals for connecting
with plants.
Books are often far more than just books.

r ox a n e g ay

*Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West medicinal uses of North American plants by native
by Michael Moore peoples. Available for free online. You can also buy
Michael Moore was a renowned—and funny!— the book if you prefer hard copy.
herbalist whose books contain clear and reliable
*A Modern Herbal
information on identification and safe use of plants.
by Maude Grieve
This series details appearance, habitats, collection and
This classic text was first published in 1931 and contains
storage methods, therapeutic uses, constituents, and
medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic properties of herbs,
preparations. Medicinal Herbs of the Mountain West
plus information on cultivation and folklore. It’s still
covers the entire range of medicinal herbs found in
incredibly relevant today. Available for free online.
New Mexico, Arizona, western Texas, Nevada, Utah,
Colorado, and California. Classic! Working the Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional
African American Healing
*Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West
by Michele E. Lee
by Michael Moore
An exceptional review of the Black and Native
See above. This guide covers Baja California to Alaska.
American healing fusion that has taken place in
*Native American Ethnobotany Database the Americas; features fascinating interviews with
by Daniel Moerman traditional healers and herbal materia medicas.
Thoroughly researched reference for fiber, food, and

African Ethnobotany in the Americas trained apprentice. She apprenticed for
By Robert Voeks decades with the late Anishinaabe medicine
Provides a comprehensive examination of woman Keewaydinoquay Peschel, who asked Geniusz
ethnobotanical knowledge and skills among the to write down her teachings and stories. Peschel was
African Diaspora in the Americas—explores the also the author of several books on Native American
complex relationship between plant use and meaning medicine and held degrees in anthropology,
among the descendants of Africans in the New World. ethnobotany, and education. Geniusz uses storytelling
to explain the uses, meaning, and history of plants.
African Medicine: A Complete Guide to Yoruba The book covers a wide range of plants and trees that
Healing Science and African Herbal Remedies can be used for food, simple medicines, and practical
by Dr. Tariq M. Sawandi botanical tools.
A combination of West African healing wisdom,
American Indian Healing Arts
spirituality, and modern science, this book presents
by E. Barrie Kavasch and Karen Baar
the history, philosophy, methodology, and medicinal
usage of African and Caribbean herbs, roots, and A magical blend of plant lore, history, and living
gemstones to address chronic diseases. tradition that draws on a lifetime of study with native
healers by herbalist and ethnobotanist E. Barrie
Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Kavasch. At the heart of the book are more than
Do Is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings sixty easy-to-use herbal remedies plus guidelines for
by Mary Siisip Geniusz assembling a basic American Indian medicine chest.
Mary Siisip Geniusz writes about herbs from
her years as an oshkaabewis, a traditionally

Herbals for Women, Infants, and Children
*Herbal Healing for Women: Simple Home *The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition,
Remedies for All Ages and Other Holistic Choices
by Rosemary Gladstar by Aviva Romm
Thorough and engaging herbal materia medica Follows the woman’s journey from baby’s conception
written by the herbal fairy godmother herself. This to birth, describing herbs that can promote and
was the only book Juliet brought with her on a three- maintain a healthy pregnancy, along with those
month trip to Central America, and she never tired women should avoid during their term.
of its pages. Information is very accessible, with a lot
*Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A
of recipes and formulas.
Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies,
*Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health Nutrition, and Health
by Aviva Romm by Aviva Romm
A comprehensive resource of medical and herbal Addresses the common health issues of children,
interventions related to women’s health issues, with from newborns to preadolescents. Filled with recipes
both traditional and scientific information. Geared and personal anecdotes. This guide is easy enough
toward the health care practitioner, this is the most to use and understand for parents just beginning to
advanced and detailed book on the subject. dabble in herbalism.

Clinical Herbalism, Herbal Safety,
and Advanced General Herbals
These are typically heavy tomes, and advanced in their The Energetics of Western Herbs, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
content. Anyone can access and understand them, but by Peter Holmes
they’re most often referenced by clinical herbalists, herbal Explores the Chinese energetics of our most
researchers, and writers. commonly used Western herbs.
Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of *American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical
Herbal Medicine Safety Handbook, 2nd Edition
by David Hoffmann by Zoë Gardner and Michael McGuffin
This is a textbook-style reference with sizable sections This is the most comprehensive and detailed guide to
on plant chemistry, body systems, herbal actions, and botanical safety and herb-drug interactions. A must-
medicinal profiles. have for clinical herbalists.
*The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology, and Essential Guide to Herbal Safety, Revised Edition
Therapeutics by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
by Harvey Wickes Felter, MD
Another good handbook on herbal safety, though not
Classic eclectic physician materia medica. Available as detailed as the AHPA's Botanical Safety Handbook,
for free online at the Southwest School of Botanical listed above.
Medicine website.
Herbal Medicines, 3rd Edition
*American Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and by Joanne Barnes, Linda Anderson, and J. David
Pharmacognosy Phillipson
by Finley Ellingwood, MD
A comprehensive source of scientifically rigorous,
Classic American materia medica. Available for impartial information on over 150 of the most
free online at the Southwest School of Botanical commonly used herbal medicinal products. Be sure
Medicine website. to get the latest edition, as this research is always
expanding. Very scientific!
Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern
Herbal Medicine, 2nd Edition *Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals,
by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone Vol. 1: Digestion and Elimination, including the
A thorough desk reference that covers traditional and Gastrointestinal System, Liver and Gallbladder,
scientific herbal materia medica, including herbs for Urinary System, and the Skin
specific diseases and some case histories. Midlevel to by Jill Stansbury, ND
advanced. Thorough discussion on pathology and herbal
treatment for a variety of conditions. Well referenced.
Highly recommended for clinical practice.

Gathering yarrow (Achillea millefolium) on a Chestnut School field trip, before we were online; photographer unknown
Foraging + Wild Foods

These are our top picks for books that blend wild food free, sugar free, raw—and Dina includes an array of
and medicine foraging with the art of preparing fine master recipes that can be adapted to different plants
herbal cuisine. These resources are highly applicable in throughout the seasons. There’s also a brief medicinal
most temperate climates and are generalist resources. discussion of each herb, as well as some nutritional
They are best accompanied by a regional field guide or tidbits. You can purchase her book and access her
two to help you round out your identification. *Note blog via Botanical Arts Press.
that some of these books cover medicinal and edible uses,
*The Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying,
whereas some cover only wild foods.
Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants
*Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild and Nature's Garden: A Guide to Identifying,
Food Cookbook Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants
by Dina Falconi, illustrated by Wendy Hollender by Samuel Thayer
We treasure this book for its beautiful illustrations Thayer’s books are hands down the best resources
and delicious recipes. It’s easily our most reached-for on wild foods, being enjoyable to read and very
wild foods cookbook. Many of the recipes are flexible informational. These two are companion guides,
to work for a variety of diets—gluten free, dairy each featuring unique plants. Thayer shares detailed

material on plant identification (accompanied by beginning with his guides. (Note: Thayer does not
color photos) and food preparation, along with discuss medicinal uses.)
entertaining anecdotes. Highly recommended. You’ll
Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal
need to buy the books separately, and they can be
Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places
purchased directly from the author here.
by “Wildman” Steve Brill and Evelyn Dean
*Incredible Wild Edibles: 36 Plants That Can You can gather an immense amount of wild food
Change Your Life knowledge from this book. Over five hundred edible
by Samuel Thayer and medicinal plants are organized by harvesting
Did you notice we’re recommending another book season, with identifying characteristics, detailed
by Sam Thayer? That’s because he’s simply one of preparation information, and beautiful line drawings
the very best wild food writers around. If you can to accompany each one. You can purchase the book
purchase only a book or two to get started, we suggest and visit Steve’s blog here.

Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate
by John Kallas
This is one of the finest books on wild edible greens,
with thorough species descriptions, beautiful
photographs, nutritional profiles, and lots of recipes.
Wild greens are an abundant food source in nearly all
temperate places—including cities—so this book is a
valuable resource for foragers everywhere. This book
focuses on identifying and harvesting wild foods; it
doesn’t explore medicinal uses.
Wild Food: A Complete Guide for Foragers

by Roger Phillips
This wonderful classic was written by a British family
who spent time in North America, camping and
preparing wild foods and drinks. A wide range of
wild edibles is covered, including mushrooms, herbs,
seaweeds, flowers, roots, greens, nuts, and berries. The
book features loads of simple recipes accompanied by
sublimely staged photos of wild foods dishes in their
native habitat. (Think glamping, with a wild foods
twist.) Be sure to purchase the 1986 edition of this
book, which is affordable to purchase used and offers Immature herbivores (Homo sapiens) grazing chickweed in Arizona
more recipes and species profiles than the newer edition.
Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, *ALSO CONSIDER READING:

the Northwest Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom,
by Janice Schofield Eaton Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Don’t let the title of this book put you off—it’s relevant by Robin Wall Kimmerer
to temperate climates around the world. And it’s a This book will grow your heart and soul, and we
superb field guide. The book covers 147 wild plants, recommend it to absolutely everyone. Though not
detailing their identification, range, traditional and technically about foraging, Kimmerer’s writing on
contemporary uses, and medicinal properties. Each our relationship to land, food, medicine, and legacy
plant is accompanied by photographs and line will change how you live—and yes, forage. Prepare
drawings. The book is currently out of print, making yourself for incredible storytelling, immense beauty,
used copies a bit more expensive than other field and possibly a lot of tears.
guides, but it’s so good that it still made our top 10!

The fairest thing in nature, a flower,
still has its roots in earth and manure.
d. h. lawr enc e
Botany + Field Guides

A good field guide is essential for identifying plants in The Best Regional Books for Plant Identification
the wild! Be sure to choose one that is applicable to your and Foraging Wild Foods and Herbs.
area, and always purchase the most recent edition. All of
Books Our Botanists Use is a great place to start, as
the guides listed below are ones that we have used and
it’s an incredibly extensive list of field guides compiled
can recommend.
by the USDA Forest Service, suitable for all regions
To check out our favorite selection of regional field of the United States.
guides that may be applicable to where you live, visit:

Wild plants have changed to stand in well-behaved
rows and wild humans have changed to settle
alongside the fields and care for the plants—a kind of
mutual taming.
robin wall kimmer er
*Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Photographic Atlas of Botany and Guide to Plant
Identification Identification
by Thomas J. Elpel by James Castner
A botanical classic and best seller that has a place Easy to read, with detailed color photographs that
on every forager’s shelf. Elpel shares what he calls illustrate plant family characteristics, this guide is
“the Patterns Method” of plant identification, a fast perfect for those who are really excited about botany
and easy way to begin recognizing the key traits of and plant identification. The book is spiral-bound
various plant families. This tutorial has helped more and quite hefty, so it’s more of a desk reference
budding botanists, herbalists, and foragers than any than an actual field guide. Some of the plant family
other identification guide I know! Elpel also features classifications are out of date, but the general botany
descriptions of plant families throughout North photos are still applicable, as is the bulk of the plant
America, along with profiles of notable members family photographs and descriptions.
from each family, including comments on edible and
Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated
medicinal uses. Highly recommended. Be sure to
Glossary
purchase the most recent edition.
by James Harris and Melinda Woolf Harris
Flowering Plant Families of the World An excellent reference for those studying botany or
by V. H. Heywood wanting to use technical keys in the field, this guide
A beautiful book for the coffee table or reference clearly illustrates nearly two thousand botanical
library, this hardcover classic is filled with gorgeous, terms!
scientifically accurate illustrations and range maps
A Tour of the Flowering Plants
for over five hundred plant families throughout the
by Priscilla Spears
world. Make sure to purchase the 2007 edition.
Filled with high-quality color photographs, this is
a wonderful reference for those who prefer visual
learning. The author illustrates and explains over
a hundred flowering plant families and includes a
botanical glossary to help the beginner get started.

Mushrooms: Identification,
Cultivation, and Medicine
*100 Edible Mushrooms
by Michael Kuo
Juliet’s favorite mushroom book for beginners. Easy
to use and detailed info on major edible species and
poisonous look-alikes.
Mushrooms Demystified
by David Arora
A classic; thorough and full of technical keys and
excellent descriptions. A tad of a West Coast bias, as
the author is based out of California. Not a beginner’s
guide.
Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing and

Working with Fungi
by Peter McCoy
Possibly the most comprehensive book there is
on knowing, growing, finding, preparing, and
understanding the complex ecological roles that
fungi play in our lives. It’s also an excellent medicinal
reference.
Maple medicinal mushroom concoction
Mushrooms of the Southeast
by Todd F. Elliott
A brand-new mushroom book on the scene, it mushroom species, a troubleshooting guide, and
instantly impressed me when I opened it up for handy gardening tips.
the first time. The photographs are gorgeous, the
Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of
information is solid, and the author includes some
Tradition, Healing, and Culture
mushrooms that are rarely covered in other guides.
by Christopher Hobbs
Written by a true North Carolina naturalist.
A handbook for exploring and understanding the rich
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, traditions of healing fungi in Eastern and Western
Revised Edition cultures. Provides the nutritional and health benefits
by Paul Stamets of over a hundred species of edible fungi.
Production techniques for home and commercial
cultivation, detailed growth parameters for 31

Herb Gardening Excellent all-around reference for popular Chinese
herbs. Includes information on medicinal use,
How to Move Like a Gardener: Planting and
processing, and cultivation for each herb. Written by
Preparing Medicines from Plants
an American author and herbalist, this book blends
by Deb Soule
traditional wisdom from both cultures with scientific
A gardening book with practical advice, imbued with verification of the medical effectiveness of many ancient
Deb’s spiritual connection to the earth and visually Chinese plants. This is one of Juliet’s all-time favorite
beautiful photos from her medicinal herb gardens at herb gardening books, as is the one below, also by
Avena Botanicals in Maine. Steven Foster. Both books are highly affordable used.
The Medicinal Herb Grower, Vol. 1 *Herbal Renaissance: Growing, Using, and
by Richo Cech Understanding Herbs in the Modern World
Written by an herbalist, gardener, and seedsman, this by Steven Foster
useful little tome covers Mediterranean herbs, Chinese Similar to the book above except this book covers
herbs, medicinal herbs from the English tradition, and Western herbs.
how to grow tropical perennials in the temperate North.
*The Illustrated Herb Encyclopedia: A Complete
Medicinal use, cultivation, and harvesting are discussed
Culinary, Cosmetic, Medicinal, and Ornamental
in detail. Available from Strictly Medicinal Seeds.
Guide to Herbs
*Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs: Cultivation, by Kathi Keville
Conservation, and Ecology
One of Juliet’s longtime favorite herb references. Covers
by Richo Cech
more cultivation info than most generalist herbals.
Detailed instruction on the cultivation requirements for Beautiful illustrations. Recipes, historical reference,
at-risk plants such as ginseng, goldenseal, the cohoshes, aromatherapy, and more. Very affordable used.
and bloodroot using only organic techniques. Currently
Plants for a Future: Edible and Useful Plants
out of print, but plans for reprinting are under way!
for a Healthier World
The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer: The Ultimate by Ken Fern
Guide to Producing High-Quality Herbs on a
Exciting permaculture plant reference with many lesser-
Market Scale
known edibles, including many North American natives.
by Jeff Carpenter with Melanie Carpenter
*Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of
Jeff and Melanie share their experiences at Zack
the United States and Canada
Woods Herb Farm in Vermont to teach readers how
by William Cullina
to successfully grow and market organic medicinal
Western herbs. They cover soil prep, seed starting, The native plant growers’ manual. Excellent photos,
cultivation, processing, and harvest. cultivation & propagation details for many of our natives.
*Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm: A Cultivator’s
West Guide to Small-Scale Organic Herb Production
by Steven Foster and Yue Chongxi by Peg Schafer

Presents information for growers interested in
producing high-quality efficacious herbs in all climates
of the United States, with the historical connectedness
of ancient practitioners.
Growing and Marketing Ginseng, Goldenseal, and

Other Woodland Medicinals, Revised Edition
by Jeanine Davis and W. Scott Persons
The most thorough and technical guide available
for growing at-risk woodland medicinals. Some
nonorganic info. Be sure to get the revised edition.
The Beautiful Edible Garden

Co-authored by Leslie Bennett and Stefani Bittner
This beautifully-photographed book shows gardeners
how to artfully incorporate organic vegetables, fruits,
and herbs into a stunning modern garden design. This
guide is perfect for anyone who wants a gorgeous and
productive garden.
Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical

Guide to Liberation on the Land
by Leah Penniman
An important book offering insight into the
regenerative farming practices and ritual elements
of agriculture in African societies. It’s the first
comprehensive “how to” guide for aspiring
African-heritage growers to reclaim their dignity
as agriculturists,and a resource for all farmers to
understand the distinct, technical contributions of
African-heritage people to sustainable agriculture.
The Medicine Wheel Garden: Creating Sacred

Space for Healing, Celebration, and Tranquillity
by E. Barrie Kavasch
A step-by-step guide for honoring the beautiful
tradition of the Native American Medicine Wheel
garden, including planting guides for every zone, an
illustrated encyclopedia of 50 key healing herbs and
how to grow them, and easy-to-follow herbal recipes.
Aromatherapy
*Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit

to the Healing Art by Gabriel Mojay
by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green An aromatherapy guide that synthesizes Eastern
Juliet’s favorite basic aromatherapy book! and Western approaches to restoring emotional and
mental health. Discusses the esoteric and energetic
healing properties of forty essential oils to help restore
balance to the body and psyche.
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy:

A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils
for Health and Well-Being
by Julia Lawless
A thorough aromatherapy text on using essential
oils for medicine, massage, and natural body care
products.

OUR FAVORITE
ONLINE RESOURCES FOR
LEARNING ABOUT HERBS,
WILD FOODS & FORAGING
8
There’s an impressive variety
of online herbal and foraging resources that are
completely free—and they deliver information
directly into your hands. But it’s essential to be
discerning, because anyone can publish anything on
the internet. Because your health is on the table (and
because even gentle herbs can cause complications
when used incorrectly), it’s important to know which
sources are reliable—and which are not. This is
especially true when it comes to foraging wild plants;
we’re talking serious truth or consequences—to the
tune of poisonous plants, mistaken identity, and
wrongful ingestion.
To help dispel any uncertainty, we’ve handpicked our

most trusted blogs, YouTube channels, and podcasts
to share with you. You might notice that some of
these sites are the work of our friends, but we’re not
being paid to promote a single one—we simply think
they’re great. And before you harvest any plants from
the wild, please take some time to read our article on
Sustainable and Safe Gathering Practices.
Herbal Blogs, Podcasts, and
YouTube Channels
A List of Herbal Blogs
Compiled by Rosalee de la Forêt, this is the most
comprehensive directory of herbal blogs that I know of.
A Radicle
Clinical Herbalism • Herbal Research
The blog of Guido Masé, a clinical herbalist based in

Burlington, Vermont. He writes extensively on herbs
for specific health conditions, blending science with
tradition. He is the author of The Wild Medicine
Solution and DIY Bitters: Reviving the Forgotten
Flavor.
Anima Sanctuary Blog

Herbal Editorials • Herbalist Interviews
Jesse Wolf Hardin shares deep personal editorials, Backyard Forager

interviews, and herbal guest writers from the Gila Northeast • Foraging
Wilderness in New Mexico. This is a great place to
An excellent recipe resource for common wild foods—
poke around if you’re looking for something more
including greens, berries, nuts, fruits, mushrooms, and
than materia medica and plant ID.
seeds. You’ll find plenty of information on gathering
Avena Botanicals and preparing a wide range of feral foods and herbs,
Northeast • Herbalism • Foraging • Gardening but not much on identification, so please reference
The videos on Deb Soule’s YouTube channel are a a reliable field guide as you forage. This is the blog
joy to behold, as she truly loves and connects with of Ellen Zachos, a Harvard graduate, author, forager,
plants. She shares real wisdom on both garden and and gardener based in New York.
wild herbs, including medicinal uses, harvesting, and Battle Ground Healing Arts Blog
preparation suggestions. Deb is the founder of Avena Clinical Herbalism
Botanicals, a handcrafted herbal remedies company
The smart and well-researched blog of Jillian
that grows nearly all of their own herbs on a certified
Stansbury, a medical doctor who specializes in natural
biodynamic farm in Maine's midcoast region. She
medicine. If you like academic discussions that still
also writes a fantastic blog and is the author of How to
retain the folksy roots of herbalism, you’ll like Dr.
Move Like a Gardener.
Stansbury’s writings. She discusses herbs for common
ailments, cancer, and heart health—plus she takes on
the more esoteric topic of plant intelligence.

Blog Castanea Filled with place-based writings, this is a valuable site
Southeast • Materia Medica • Foraging • Herb for those living or traveling in the Southwest. The
Gardening blog is penned by John Slattery, an herbalist, forager,
and writer who calls the Sonoran Desert home. John
Our own personal blog! Come join Chestnut School
is also the author of Southwest Foraging: 117 Wild and
queen bee Juliet Blankespoor for a hearty dose of
Flavorful Edibles from Barrel Cactus to Wild Oregano.
botanical beauty and wisdom. Her blog is brimming
with herbal anecdotes, plant monographs, medicinal Eatweeds
gardening tips, and gorgeous photography—all Wild Foods • Foraging
written with cheeky humor and true plant passion.
A UK-based blog written by ethnobotanist and world
Juliet is a writer, teacher, forager, photographer,
traveler Robin Harford. Robin’s blog is an excellent
and plant-human matchmaker who lives in the
resource featuring traditional and modern herbal
Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.
monographs, recipes, videos, and a podcast on wild
Desert Tortoise Botanicals foods and foraging. Robin explores many plants
Southwest • Foraging (including seaweeds and tree foods) and includes lots
of tidbits about wild food culture. Although the blog
A regional blog on the herbs and food plants of the
is specific to Britain, information on many plants is
southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

applicable to other parts of the temperate world. The Edible Wild Food
website is clean and easy to navigate—always a bonus. Northeast • Wild Food • Foraging
Eat the Weeds An online field guide curated by Karen Stephenson,

Wild Foods • Foraging a Toronto-based herbalist, writer, and wild foods
enthusiast. Her site is blessedly easy to search by
The blog of Green Deane, a third-generation
category: weeds, flowers, fungi, and recipes. Each
wildcrafter and “the most watched forager in the
plant profile includes identification traits, along with
world.” His website is an impressive resource, featuring
comments on edibility and preparation. Her blog,
more than a thousand wild foods and herbs. Because
which features botanical musings and articles on
the content is so substantial, I recommend using the
health, foraging, and plant medicine, can be found
Search feature if you’re looking for a specific plant and
under its own tab.
the Archive tab if you’d rather scroll through posts.
You’ll also find an excellent series of videos on plants Foraging & Feasting
(helpfully arranged by season), a good introduction Wild Foods Cookery • Foraging
to foraging under the Foraging tab, and a fantastic One of my favorite wild food blogs, impeccably
YouTube channel that features nearly 150 clips on written by Dina Falconi and illustrated by Wendy
wild foods from around the world. Deane is based in Hollender. Dina shares seasonal recipes for herbal
Florida but writes and teaches about plants around beverages, greens, savory dishes, and desserts, along
the world. with engaging writing on gathering and preparing

wild foods. She frequently includes excerpts and
master recipes from her book, Foraging & Feasting: A
Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook (which is highly
recommended and can be purchased directly from
the author here). I use recipes from Dina’s blog and
cookbook more than any other! Dina is also a recipe
contributor in our Online Foraging Course.
For the Wild

Earth Justice Podcast
A truly excellent podcast hosted by Ayana Young,

an Earth steward who lives among the California
redwoods. While Ayana’s interviews rarely focus on
herbs in particular, she delves into subjects that are
crucial for relating to the wild world at this time. I
especially recommend these episodes: Rosemary
Gladstar on United Plant Savers, Peter Michael
Bauer on The Survival of the Wildest, Miles Olson
on Making a Life in Wild Places, Stephen Harrod
Buhner on Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal
Realm, and Robin Wall Kimmerer on Indigenous
Knowledge for Earth Healing. Harvesting sarsaparilla root (Smilax sp.)
Gather
Gold Roots and Threads
Wild Food • Wild Medicine • Foraging
Pacific Northwest • Herbalism
An absolutely fabulous blog on wild food, magical
Writings on the triangulation of herbal medicine,
cookery, and seasonal celebration. You’ll be treated
theory, art, and praxis in the wildlands of Cascadia.
to recipes for wild foods and drinks that range
Written by Renée Adele Davis, a clinical herbalist,
from simple to decadent, and there’s always an
educator, and board member of the American
accompanying story. This is home-style, creative wild
Herbalists Guild.
foods cooking with a mythic twist. The blog is written
by Danielle Prohom Olson and Jennifer Aikman, who Green Path Herb School Blog
live and gather in British Columbia, Canada. Their Northwest • Herbalism
recipes and writings are applicable to the temperate This is the blog of Elaine Sheff—the clinical herbalist
world and will soon have you taking part in wild, and codirector at Green Path Herb School—that
nourishing, and enchanting food traditions. features lots of herbal articles and herbal and body
care recipes.

Henriette’s Herbal Herbaria: A Plant Healer Newsletter
Herbalism • Wild Food • Wild Medicine Herbalism • Wild Foods • Social Justice • Materia
Medica
Henriette Kress is an herbalist and writer who grew
up in Germany and Swedish-speaking Finland and A free monthly newsletter published by Kiva Rose and
who now practices herbal medicine in Helsinki. Her Jesse Wolf Hardin, who live in the Gila Wilderness
blog is a wealth of brief but useful herbal monographs of New Mexico. Every issue varies, but frequent
that include information on plant identification and features include herbalist interviews, plant profiles,
medicinal use, plus occasional recipes. Because her recipes, and herbal editorials. Kiva and Jesse are
blog features a mix of English, Swedish, and Finnish the same incredible folks who publish the quarterly
entries, use the search engine in the upper-right corner Plant Healer Magazine and host the annual Good
of her page to find information on specific plants. Medicine Confluence—one of the most enchanting
herbal gatherings in North America.
Herb Geek
Herbalism • Wellness • Alternative Medicine Herbcraft
Northeast • Materia Medica • Foraging
An educational resource for natural healing featuring
articles on wellness and alternative medicine with a The online home base for jim mcdonald, a self-taught
strong focus on herbal medicine. Michigan herbalist who has an utterly charming and

Homegrown herbal tea blend
humorous approach to writing and teaching about Herbal Roots Zine

herbs. Jim shares some excellent herbal monographs Plant Identification • Herbalism for Kids
on his website (occasionally accompanied by videos) A delightful herbal e-magazine for children whose
that frequently include material you just won’t find charm won’t be lost on adults. Each issue focuses
anywhere else. He’s also compiled a fantastic Master on a single herb and includes medicinal info, plant
Herbal Article Index, which features a gold mine of characteristics, recipes, and activities. Planting a seed
selected writings from herbalists on all kinds of topics, of knowledge for a lifetime of herbal wisdom!
including wildcrafting. Highly recommended.
HerbMentor Radio and HerbMentor on YouTube
Herbal Radio Interviews • Wild Foods • Foraging • Herbalism
Materia Medica • Foraging • Herb Gardening
HerbMentor Radio is a wonderful podcast (the
A series of intelligent and interesting herbal podcasts real gem here) featuring interviews with a fantastic
hosted by Mountain Rose Herbs and featuring some collection of herbalists, naturalists, and foragers,
of today’s most iconic herbalists. The episodes are all including Doug Elliott, Rosemary Gladstar, Jon
free and can be streamed through iTunes. Young, Thomas Elpel, Dina Falconi, James Duke,

Emily Ruff, and Wildman Steve Brill. The YouTube
channel is also worth checking out and includes a
modest selection of videos on identifying, gathering,
and preparing wild plants. HerbMentor is part of
an online herbal learning community cofounded
by John and Kimberly Gallagher, who also facilitate
LearningHerbs.
Herbs with Rosalee

Materia Medica • Wild Foods • Foraging
Rosalee de la Forêt’s blog is one of my favorites to

share with herbal newcomers—she writes extensively
about herbs for health, food as medicine, and how to
develop a connection to the natural world. Her articles
are conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, and
she has an index featuring her recipes—which are
typically easy to prepare and ultra nourishing. Rosalee
is the author of Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday
Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal and a
recipe contributor in our Online Foraging Course.
Hunger and Thirst

Rocky Mountains • Foraging
Wendy Petty is a writer, cook, and wild foods consultant Hunter Angler Gardener Cook
in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado who serves up a West Coast • Foraging
blog on what I think of as feral comfort food. Think: A well-written and nicely photographed blog by
yucca flower quesadillas and acorn mole sauce. Her Hank Shaw, a West Coast forager and hunter whose
cooking is creative, and she integrates wild ingredients theme is “honest food.” In other words, he gathers
into simple meals that make wild foods accessible and and eats the most ethical, local, and whole foods he
exciting to both beginners and experienced foragers. can find. His writing is thorough, and he shares how
She shares a motherload of recipes on her blog, which to identify, sustainably gather, and prepare a wide
you can search alphabetically by clicking on the menu range of temperate wild greens, mushrooms, nuts,
icon in the upper-left corner and then scrolling down and vegetables. And as the name implies, this blog is
to select "Labels." about more than wild plants—you’ll find recipes for
wild fish and game as well. If you like what you see,
Hank also has a great podcast called Hunt Gather
Talk.

Kitchen Curandera Learn Your Land
Southwest • Herbalism • Wild Foods • Foraging Foraging • Mushrooms
The delicious blog of Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, a A YouTube channel with loads of engaging videos on
curandera, indigenous foods activist, and natural learning about the wild food and medicine growing
foods chef. Her blog features loads of glorious herbal all around us. There’s an emphasis on mushrooms,
and wild foods recipes. but plenty of wild fruits, vegetables, and herbs
are included. The channel is hosted
Kiva’s Enchantments
by Adam Haritan, a Pennsylvania-
Southwest • Herbalism • Wild Foods • Foraging
based forager.
The wild, weedy blog of Kiva Rose, a splendid
Maia Terra
writer and folk herbalist who has published a
Midwest • Herbalism • Gardening
phenomenal number of articles on traditional
herbalism, wild foods, foraging, and weedivory. Alyson Morgan's beautiful, mouth-
You’ll find fantastic herbal monographs, watering blog on herbalism, healing
personal stories, clinical wisdom, wild food, low waste homemaking,
musings, and wonderfully creative recipes conscious mothering, organic
on her site. I recommend using her Post gardening, and storytelling
Index to search for articles by theme. activism in search
Kiva lives in the Gila Wilderness of a slow, wild +
of New Mexico and is a recipe wholehearted
contributor in our Online life.
Foraging Course—sharing her
rambunctious take on wild,
herbal soul food.

Michael Moore’s Southwest School of Botanical Mountain Rose Herbs on YouTube
Medicine Interviews • Materia Medica • Medicine Making
Southwest • Pacific Northwest • Rocky Mountain • An excellent collection of videos on medicine making,
Foraging • Herbalism herbal materia medica, aromatherapy, plant walks,
herbal folklore, and recipes. Features some noteworthy
Michael Moore was one of the herbal greats of our
guest speakers.
time (and one of Juliet’s primary herbal teachers), and
he’s left behind a wonderful online legacy, where many Natural MD Radio
of his tongue-in-cheek teachings are now available for Women’s Natural Health
free. If you’re a serious student and can handle the A weekly women’s health podcast hosted by Aviva
screen time, his Herbal Materia Medica (available Romm—a medical doctor, herbalist, and midwife.
through this link) is highly recommended. He’s also Topics include children’s health, vaccines, stress,
the author of a number of books that are invaluable supplements, and sexuality, but the focus is on a wide
for herbalists and foragers in the Southwest, Pacific range of women’s health issues and how to address
Northwest, and Rocky Mountain regions of the them with natural therapies. Highly recommended.
United States.
Northeast School of Botanical Medicine
Mountain Gardens Northeast • Foraging • Materia Medica
Southeast • Herb Gardening • Herbalism
The blog of dear friend, teacher, botanist, herbalist,
Joe Hollis’s YouTube channel shares an incredible and comedian 7Song. This generous guy shares his
collection of videos on wild woodland and meadow teaching handouts online, which include spring and
medicinals (alongside other Western and Chinese fall wildcrafting lists for the northeastern United States,
herbs that can be cultivated in the garden). Mountain plus a review of botanical field guides for much of the
Gardens is Joe’s home and a botanical paradise country by region. His blog features detailed plant
featuring the largest collection of native Appalachian monographs (with identification), tales of his travels,
and Chinese medicinal herbs in the eastern United and lots of writings on first-aid herbalism. 7Song is
States. Joe sells plants and seeds, shares a self-serve the director of the Northeast School for Botanical
library and herbal apothecary, and offers plenty of Medicine and the Ithaca Free Clinic in Ithaca, New
incredible classes, which you can check out here. York. He hosts an apprenticeship program through
Joe is one of the instructors in our Online Herbal his school and takes students on service-based trips
Immersion. throughout the country and abroad. He is also an
Mountain Rose Herbs Blog instructor in our Online Herbal Immersion.
DIY Herbalism • Herbal Recipes Numen Film
One of our favorite herbal suppliers also has a Sustainable Herbs
wonderful blog—featuring medicine making and This is the blog for Ann Armbrecht's Sustainable
natural body care recipes, herb harvesting tips, plant Herbs Project. The Sustainable Herbs Project is an
profiles, DIY herbal projects, and so much more. online multimedia project dedicated to educating

consumers about quality, sustainability, and equity in
the botanical industry.
Of Sedge and Salt

Materia Medica • Foraging • Travel
A gorgeous blog full of plant profiles compiled by Kelly

Moody as she travels the country in her slide-in truck
camper. Also be sure to check out her Ground Shots
project, a publication, podcast, creative practice, and
small-batch herbal medicine making endeavor. Kelly
is a Chestnut School graduate and Juliet's former
apprentice!
Old Ways Herbal

Herb Gardening • Medicine Making
This home-style blog features “farmcraft” wisdom from

Juliette Abigail Carr, a clinical herbalist and gardener
in Newfane, Vermont. Juliette’s writing zeroes in on
herbal gardening tips and medicine-making tutorials.
She's also a Chestnut School graduate!
Plants for a Future

Edible and Medicinal Plants Database
mushrooms—it’s easy to find something you’ll enjoy
An extensive online database featuring more than
with this one! You can also check out their blog.
seven thousand edible and medicinal plants, many
of which can be found growing wild throughout Take Care Herbals
the temperate world. To make the most of this site, LGBTQQIA Herbalism
you really need to use the Search tool to find specific Herbalist Rae Swersey’s blog, whose focus is radical
plants. Profiles include identification, medicinal use, health care and community clinical herbalism that
edibility, cultivation, and information on related supports LGBTQQIA and underserved populations.
species. A charitable organization, Plants for a Future You can expect to find goodness along these lines on
was originally founded by Ken and Addy Fern in their blog. Rae is also a Chestnut School graduate!
Cornwall, in the United Kingdom.
The Plant Path
Real Herbalism Radio Astrological Herbalism
Herbal News
A blog/podcast from the School of Evolutionary
A weekly herbal radio show hostessed by Candace Herbalism that touches on the fascinating topics
Hunter and Sue Sierralupé. Topics range from of traditional alchemy, medical astrology, clinical
current herbal news to herbal first aid to medicinal herbalism, and Ayurveda. The founders of the school,

Sajah and Whitney Popham, describe their niche as
“ancient teachings for the new paradigm of plant
medicine.” Their work is captivating!
Seed & Thistle

Herbalism • Monographs • Interviews
A series of monographs, recipes, and interviews by

Lara Pecheco, a Taíno Boricua Latinx herbalist and
mamita who dials in on ancestral medicine, BIPOC
herbalism, and traditional cultures.
Sistah of the Yam

Herbalism • Recipes • Remedies
The blog of Taylor Johnson-Gordon, a plant food

educator, vegan mama, herbalist, and home cook
whose mission is to help Black mothers nourish
themselves and their families through real plant-based
foods and herbal remedies. You’ll find loads of recipes,
plus a 28-part feature on traditional Pan-African
foods.
The 3 Foragers Destemming nettles for nettles pâté

Foraging • Edible Invasive Plants • Wild Foods Recipes
(find these under the Writings tab), editorials on healing
A delightful family of foragers who gather, photograph, and wild places, and some fascinating pieces on the
and blog about wild food from the northeastern and elemental temperaments (a constitutional approach to
coastal United States. This is a terrific resource, with health and healing). She features mouthwatering wild
lots of excellent photos, wild foods identification, foods recipes like nettle seed salt and acorn shortbread
recipes, and features on invasive plants (yes!). Most of with white sage icing. I dearly wish her site had a recipe
the plants discussed have a broad range throughout the index, since these treasures are sprinkled throughout
temperate world, but you’ll find some outliers—like a her many posts, but even so, it’s worth scrolling and
series on the edible plants of Hawaii. There’s also a video spending some cozy time on this blog. Also, I highly
library and a scrumptious recipe section (featuring fare recommend signing up for her newsletter, which
like chestnutella, a chestnut-inspired riff on Nutella; features all kinds of seasonal herbal wisdom.
dandelion flower pasta; and bamboo rice cakes).
Tieraona Low Dog's Blog
Thorn & Wonder Herbalism • Medicine Making
Southern California • Herbalism • Wild Foods
Dr. Tieraona Low Dog is an award-winning author,
A highly intelligent and wild-spirited blog written by herbalist, and integrative medicine practitioner who
Rebecca Altman, a Southern California herbalist and writes an accessible blog that highlights herbs and
forager. Rebecca writes outstanding plant monographs supplements for natural health.

Fabaceae mandala with mimosa, red clover, licorice, and astragalus
Todd Caldecott’s Blog Wild Harvests

Herbalism • Ayurveda Wild Foods • Foraging
Todd’s writings blend herbalism, Ayurveda, and I love the thorough and botanically well-informed
nutrition for a big-picture look at how we can nature of this blog, written by Abe Lloyd. Abe lives in
address health concerns. Todd is a medical herbalist, the Pacific Northwest and writes about the plants of
practitioner of Ayurveda, and executive director of that bioregion (many of which also grow throughout
the Dogwood School of Botanical Medicine. the temperate world). His articles share wonderful
information on identifying edible plants and berries,
Way of the Wild Heart
accompanied by vivid photographs, indigenous uses,
Herbalism • Materia Medica
and preparation suggestions. Abe has a master’s degree
The beautifully written blog of Gail Faith Edwards, an in ethnobiology and has been foraging wild foods for
elder community herbalist and founder of the Blessed the past decade.
Maine Herb Farm. Gail’s writings weave together myth,
Wildman Steve Brill
history, and plant-based wisdom—they seem to come
Wild Foods • Foraging
from a dreamier, more unhurried era. She is the author
of Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs. One of the wild godfathers of modern foraging,

Steve’s blog shares top-quality information on Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a
identifying, gathering, and using many wild plants Vibrantly Healthy Life (one of my favorite herbals), and
and mushrooms. You can catch him in person leading is a recipe contributor to our Online Foraging Course.
plant walks throughout the northeastern United States
Woolgathering & Wildcrafting
or access TV and radio clips of his teachings (via the
Herbalism • Foraging • Wild Foods • Flower Essences
home page on his website). He’s also the author of one
of my very favorite foraging field guides: Identifying Get ready to be charmed by this herbal blogger—Asia
and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild Suler is simply one of the most enchanting, tuned-in
(and Not So Wild) Places. medicine women I know. Her blog is a treasury of
herbal musings, recipes, earth magic, beautiful writing,
WiseWoman Healing Ways and photography. I promise you will find a rare depth
Herbalism • Materia Medica in her teachings. You can also connect with Asia on
The blog of Robin Rose Bennett, an elder herbalist and YouTube and by subscribing to her newsletter, which
writer whose teachings are infused with earth-based delivers heart medicine and herbal offerings to your
spirituality and intuitive wisdom. She writes about inbox every month. Asia is the herbal concoctress at
many temperate-climate wild herbs, but you won’t find One Willow Apothecaries and is one of the primary
a great deal on identification, so be sure to reference a instructors in our Online Herbal Immersion (not to
reliable field guide when foraging. You’ll also want to mention, a recipe contributor in our Online Foraging
check out her Plant Medicine Series on video. Robin Course).
lives in New Jersey, is the author of The Gift of Healing

Herbal Social Media Accounts
to Follow
Adaku Utah @harrietsapothecary⁣⁣⁣
Adriana Ayales @animamundiherbals
Alyson Morgan @alysonsimplygrows
Amanda David @rootworkherbals
Ash Sierra @ritual_botanica
Asia Suler @asiasuler
Aviva Romm, MD @avivaromm
Brandon Ruiz @brujobrandon
CLT Herbal Accessibility Project @clthap
Danielle Prohom Olson @gathervictoria
Deb Soule + Avena Botanicals @avena_botanicals
Dina Falconi @foragingandfeasting
Ellenie Cruz @asc3nsion_art
Farai @thehillbillyafrican⁣⁣⁣
Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz @kitchencurandera
Indy Srinath @indyofficinalis
Hood Herbalism @hoodherbalism Rosalee de la Forêt @rosaleedelaforet
Jade Marks @69herbs Sade Musa @rootsofresistance
Janet Kent + Dave Meesters @radicalvitalism Sajah + Whitney Popham @evolutionary_herbalism
Juliet Blankespoor @chestnutschoolherbs Samantha Blancato @terracotta_farmacia
Karen Rose @empresskarenrose⁣⁣⁣ Saralyn Bellmer @heilbronherbs
Katie Greer @kestrelherbfarm Tara Ní Máirín @catalystcommunityherbals
Kendra Payne @the.herbal.scoop United Plant Savers @unitedplantsavers
Mary Plantwalker @herbmountainfarm Val Elkhorn @woodspell.apothecary
Milla Prince @thewomanwhomarriedabear 7song @7songsevensong
Mountain Rose Herbs @mountainroseherbs Zach + Melanie Carpenter @zachwoodsherbfarm
Panquetzani @indigemama
You can also check out this incredible compilation
Rae Swersey @takecareherbals
by Jade Marks: 175 Black Herbalists, Healers +
Ricky Bratz @cazimihealing_nc Wellness Spaces

RECOMMENDED TOOLS
& SUPPLIES
9
The biggest adventure you can take
is to live the life of your dreams.
oprah winfrey
The supplies listed below are ones that idea of the tool. You may be able to find many of these
we’ve found useful after many years of gardening and items locally at a kitchen store, nursery, garden supply
making medicine. We don’t receive any compensation store, or big-box store. Depending on your budget
for our recommendations. We’re sharing product links and interest, you may opt to get creative and make
for the sole purpose of showing you certain tools! use of the tools you already have.
Please note that in most cases we are not specifying
the exact make, model, or seller but rather the general

Our Go-To Medicine-Making Tools and Supplies
Assorted stainless steel funnels request polyseal/phenolic caps (used to store
tinctures), as they’re not listed on the website.
Canning funnel with spout
Mason jars—Have a variety of sizes on hand: quart,
Amber glass bottles—These are standard apothecary
pint, half pint. Depending on how prolific you are
bottles used for storing tinctures, elixirs, flower
with medicine making, you’ll want twelve to twenty-
essences, and sometimes oils. We recommend
four jars. Buy wide-mouth jars for easier straining.
checking out Specialty Bottle, which can likely be
Weck jars are fine for storing dried herbs, but use
your one-stop shop for bottles. They have a huge
mason jars for your tinctures, as alcohol will corrode
variety, including amber glass Boston rounds with
the rubber gasket in Weck jars, and the rubber will
caps and dropper tops for tincture making, swing-top
end up in your medicine.
bottles for vinegars, salve jars and tins, and various
assorted jars for aromatherapy. Many bottles come Alcohol for tincture making—When tincturing
with different closures, such as pump tops for lotion. fresh herbs, we recommend 190-proof, pure grain
In our experience, their aromatherapy mister bottles alcohol (95% ethanol and 5% water). Grape, corn,
don’t work well, and we recommend purchasing these or cane alcohol is preferable for those with gluten
elsewhere. You’ll need to order by phone to special intolerance. However, each state or region differs in
the types of alcohol sold, and you may not be able to
easily purchase 190-proof alcohol. Alternatively, look
for high-quality vodka in the highest proof available.

Check out this interactive map from Organic
Alcohol Co. to find out the regulations in your state.
One-hundred-proof vodka is a good alternative if
you’re not able to find a higher percentage alcohol
near you or have one shipped. Here are some high-
quality suppliers:
Organic Alcohol Co.—Sells a number of different

kinds of organic alcohol, including grape alcohol
for gluten-free tinctures. Currently, one gallon
of organic cane alcohol costs $104.65 (including
taxes). Expect to pay about $50 for shipping if you
live in the United States. If you live near Ashland,
Oregon, you can pick it up at their facility.
Pharmco—Because of strict government

regulations, they can only ship their products
to a commercial facility, and not to a residence.
However, if you start a medicine-making business,
this is a great resource.
Catoctin Creek Distilling—Organic brandy for

flower essences.
Pressing out an herbal vinegar with a potato ricer
Potato ricer—A stainless steel potato ricer doubles
as an effective and affordable tincture press. You can
always choose to use your hands for pressing tinctures Porcelain/ceramic drip coffee funnel—A helpful
instead, but this can be irritating, especially when tool to drape your straining cloth over. It’s preferable
preparing alcohol-based tinctures. We recommend if you can find one with multiple holes, to allow for
this brand and model (all potato ricers are not equal!): faster straining. Here’s the one we use.
OXO Good Grips Potato Ricer.
Tea strainer—We like the Celestial Tea Strainer,
Straining cloths—These are essential for straining which fits over the rim of your mug or jar and holds
tinctures, vinegars, and infused oils and honey. I prefer a good quantity of herbs. You can find this strainer
using cotton gauze fabric, but specialty cheesecloth and others at Mountain Rose Herbs under Tea
designed for goat cheese works well too. You can Accessories. You can also use a teapot that comes with
also use muslin (although this makes for pretty a fitted strainer, or use a French press, or make your
slow straining) or a clean, old T-shirt. Keep your tea in a pot and use a fine-mesh stainless steel strainer.
oil-straining cloths separate from all other straining
cloths. Digital kitchen scale—For making weight-to-
volume tinctures (which results in more reliable

dosages than folkloric tinctures). Choose one that Infused Oils and Salve
has a tare function and can convert from metric to
Making
standard measurements (i.e., from grams to ounces).
• Metal salve tins (here’s an example) and/or glass
Glass measuring cups, assorted sizes salve jars
Double boiler—Or you can fashion one by nesting • Beeswax or beeswax pellets/pastilles—You can
a small pot inside a larger one, footed with mason jar buy larger chunks of beeswax that will need to
rings (used for infused oils, salves, honeys, fire cider, be grated, or you can save yourself the hassle
and some body care recipes). and buy beeswax pellets. Both are available from
And here are some additional supplies you’ll need Mountain Rose Herbs.
for specific medicine-making techniques: • Grater (if not using beeswax pellets)—Don’t use
your favorite cheese grater here! Have a separate
Tincture Making grater that you use only for beeswax. Remember
this general rule: once for beeswax, always for
• Amber glass bottles of various sizes—Usually beeswax!
sold as “Boston Rounds”—with both polyseal
caps and droppers. • Double boiler (or you can fashion one by nesting
a small pot inside a larger one, fitted with mason
• Alcohol (or glycerin if you’re alcohol-free) jar rings)

Recommended Gardening +
Wildcrafting Tools
Felco pruners—I recommend Felco brand pruners,
as they are very high quality, may be sharpened, and
Felco sells blade and spring replacements. I have used
my pair of Felcos extensively over the past twenty-
five years, and they are still in good working order! A
holster is indispensable for keeping pruners in handy
reach. If you don’t want to lose your pruners, ALWAYS
put them right back in your holster, even if you’re
about to use them again right then. Felco pruners
come in a variety of models. Look for a pair that will
reduce hand fatigue and strain. The pruner handles,
when fully opened, should not exceed in width your
extended grasp. The ones listed above work for most Sawing through the sochan root with a hori-hori
people, but you may want to go to the store and try trouble keeping track of a water bottle or keys (you
some out before purchasing, especially if you have easily misplace objects), you may want to paint the
large or small hands. Pruners are the tool I use most handle red, as digging knives blend in with the forest
often when gathering and processing foraged herbs. floor and garden beds. See this article for hori-hori
They are sold at some garden centers and online. Here reviews: Hori-Hori and Soil Knife Showdown:
are some more recommendations for pruners from Reviews of the Best and the Worst.
Gardening Products Review, Empress of Dirt, and
Digging fork—Excellent for digging roots or turning
Rodale Institute.
over soil. This tool has square and sturdy tines, unlike
Hori-hori or weeding knife or Japanese garden the manure or hay fork, which has flat, bendable
knife—This tool looks like it sounds. Heavy duty and tines. You can find more affordable options at garden
compact, it is a sturdy wildcrafting tool and excellent supply centers or big-box hardware stores, but
weeding tool. Garden knives cut through most clay remember that you get what you pay for, so I wouldn’t
soils and can even pry rocks out of the ground. go with the cheapest option.
Mine has seen its share of soils across the land and
* All of these supplies and more can be found at
is still strong as ever after twenty-five years. Again, a
Villagers (our online students currently receive a
holster is quite handy and will protect your pack as
discount here for one year after enrollment).
well as your person. The wooden-handled varieties
are purported to be stronger than the plastic. They Villagers sells high-quality gardening tools and
are available through seed catalogs and landscaping supplies, beautiful bottles and jars, and all sorts
outfitters as well as some specialty garden centers. of medicine-making supplies. The shop is a small,
Look for models that have a “lip” at the base of the woman-owned business, consisting of an online and
blade to protect your hand if the knife slips (click walk-in store located in Asheville, North Carolina,
on the link above to see what we mean). If you have and owned by a Chestnut School graduate.

SOURCES OF BULK HERBS,
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
& ESSENTIAL OILS
When making medicine to nourish
10
your health, it’s well worth it to splurge a little on
ethically sourced and organically grown herbs,
mushrooms, and oils. Be wary of ordering bulk herbs
In some Native languages the term
for plants translates to “those who
from sites like Amazon or eBay—too often these
herbs are old and of poor quality. We’ve listed our
take care of us.”
favorite sources here, and forgive us a little shameless robin wall kimmer er
self-promotion: if you enroll in any of our online
programs, you can receive generous discounts from
many of these businesses.

Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs—Quality source for bulk Frontier Co-op—Sells a large selection of organic
ingredients, including an abundant selection of bulk herbs. They offer a buying club program that we
organic and wildcrafted dried herbs, as well as carrier encourage you to take advantage of to enjoy wholesale
oils and essential oils for body care. They also sell pricing on Frontier products. Frontier offers a wide
medicine-making supplies, such as tins and beeswax variety of items, including medicinal herbs, culinary
for salve making, tincture bottles with polyseal/ herbs and spices, essential oils, bulk foods, and lots more!
phenolic caps, and various closures such as pump tops
Pacific Botanicals—Sells bulk herbs (both dried
for lotions and misters for aromatherapy sprays. Our
and fresh), seaweeds, superfood powders, spices, and
online students currently receive a 20% discount.
organic seeds.
Starwest Botanicals—Selection of organic bulk herbs
Oregon’s Wild Harvest—Distributes bulk herbs
and essential oils, beeswax, carrier oils, and butters.
and makes certified organic and biodynamic herbal
Ships to the United States and Canada. Our online
supplements in small batches. Currently offering our
students currently get wholesale pricing. Once you
online students wholesale pricing on bulk herbs.
sign up for a wholesale account through Starwest
Botanicals, you can continue to use it as long as you Rosemary’s Garden—Sells organic bulk herbs,
would like to, even when you are a Chestnut alum. powders, salts, medicinal mushrooms, Ayurvedic
herbs, and spices. Our online students currently
receive a 15% discount off retail pricing.

Harvest Moon Botánica—A Black-owned women’s
collective providing bulk medicinal herbs, oils, and
spiritual healing items. Located in Kansas City, MO,
they will ship their products. U.S. shipping only.
Sacred Vibes Apothecary—The online and brick-

and-mortar apothecary of herbalist Karen Rose. The
online shop is packed with bulk herbs from A to Z,
tincture formulas, and smoking blends. Shipping in
the U.S. only.
Bulk Herbs from Herb

Growers and Wildcrafters
We recommend supporting local growers whenever
possible. To that end, we’ve compiled this list of growers
and wildcrafters across the United States. We encourage
you to seek out local sources, and if you know of any that
we should add to this list, please let us know!
Herb and vegetable starts being readied for market
Ancestree Herbals – Twisp, WA
Barefoot Botanicals – Doylestown, PA

Oregon’s Wild Harvest – Redmond, OR
Black Locust Gardens – Dexter, MI
Oshala Farm – Applegate Valley, OR
Blessed Maine Herb Farm – Athens, ME
Sonoma County Herb Exchange – Sebastopol, CA
Cutting Root Farm and Apothecary – Pittsburgh, PA
Understory Apothecary – Olympia, WA
Desert Bloom Herbs – Silver City, NM
Voyage Botanica – Silver City, NM
Flack Family Farm – Fairfield, VT
Wild Faith Herb Farm – South Burlington, VT
Friends of the Trees Botanicals – Port Hadlock, WA
Will Heal Farm – Cedar, MN
Gentle Harmony Farm – Lexington, NC
Zack Woods Herb Farm – Hyde Park, VT
Healing Spirits Herb Farm – Avoca, NY
And for an excellent state-by-state guide to
Mountain Gardens – Burnsville, NC purchasing local herbs, see Rosalee de la Forêt’s
Directory of Herbal Farmers & Wildcrafters.
New Mexico Farmacy – Las Lunas, NM

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Medicinal Mushroom Harvest—Medicinal mushroom

powders, extracts, and capsules. Located in Ohio.
Mushroom Suppliers
Please note the difference between (1) fungi and fungal Mushroom Mountain—Mushroom cultivation
medicine being sold as mycelium (with the growing supplies, classes, instructional video, and
medium) and (2) fungi and fungal products made with mycoremediation. Tradd Cotter lives and lectures in
the fruiting body (what we commonly think of as a the Southeast.
“mushroom”). We prefer to use the fruiting body and not Aromatherapy Suppliers
the mycelium/growing medium for medicine making.
Eden Botanicals—Essential oils, CO2 extracts, and
Some of the sellers below offer the mycelium and not the
absolutes for aromatherapy, natural perfumery, and
fruiting body—double-check!
body and facial care.
Fungi Perfecti—Medicinal mushroom capsules,
Floracopeia—High-quality, pure essential oils and
tinctures, and so forth available for sale. Information,
aromatherapy products.
studies, and scientific papers on medicinal
mushrooms. Mountain Rose Herbs—Bulk organic herbs, spices,
and essential oils. Bottles, presses, strainers and
Mountain Rose Herbs—Bulk organic and wildcrafted
infusers, seeds, extracts, books.
mushrooms.

Juliet's medicinal herb garden
Herb Seeds + Starts

Many seed companies ship internationally. You may have healing traditions, along with many endangered and
more local suppliers; do your own research and ask around— hard-to-find Native American and European herbs.
this is not a comprehensive list. We’re especially interested in Certified organic. Small, woman-owned business based
hearing about international sources, so please drop us a line in northwest California.
if you know of a business you’d like to recommend!
Fedco Seeds—Organic gardening resources, including
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds—Extensive selection tools, books, biological control, and more. Many
of heirloom seeds: medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, heirloom organic vegetable, flower, herb, and fruit tree
vegetables & ornamental flowers. Based in Missouri. selections. They also have a great herb seed planting
guide.
Companion Plants—Herb nursery located outside
Athens, Ohio. Offers many varieties of common and Friends of the Trees Botanicals—Medicinal herb seeds
exotic herb plants, as well as over two hundred varieties wildcrafted or grown with organic methods in the
of seed, most of which they grow themselves using Pacific Northwest.
environmentally friendly methods. Garden Medicinals and Culinaries, Seeds &
Crimson Sage Medicinal Plants Nursery—Extensive Supplies—Coop that sells a large selection of
selection of rare and endangered live medicinal plants, ecologically grown, open-pollinated medicinal seeds,
including plants from the Chinese and Ayurvedic some certified organic. They also sell a few jars and

Saving seeds at Mountain Gardens—the seeds will be sold and also used on-site to grow nursery plants
bottles for medicine making. Based in Virginia. for general farm supply needs, with garden tools, soil
amendments, and much more.
The Good Seed Co.—Regionally adapted heirloom
and open-pollinated non-GMO seeds, including Medicine Garden—Medicinal plant nursery based in
medicinal herbs, vegetables, and flowers selected for Portland, Oregon.
their homestead, permaculture, and polyculture value.
Milkweed Medicinal Seeds—Certified Organic
Based in Whitefish, Montana.
medicinal herb seeds and nursery featuring organically
The Growers Exchange—Sells rare herb plants; not a raised live plants. Based in Vermont.
source for seeds.
Mountain Gardens—The botanical garden of Chestnut
Harding’s Wild Mountain Herbs—Stratified seeds School instructor Joe Hollis. Seeds and bareroot plants
and rootlets for cultivating ginseng. Based in Maryland. available by mail—specializing in Appalachian and
Chinese medicinal herbs. Based in North Carolina.
The Herb Farm at Midsummer Farm—Medicinal
plant nursery based in Warwick, New York. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply—Many organic seeds,
plants, and soil amendments; large selection of garden
Johnny’s Selected Seeds—Large selection of seeds
tools, and seed-starting and growing supplies.
and plants, with organic options. A great go-to site

Small herb farms can increase their profits by making value-added herbal products or selling herbal CSA shares
Prairie Moon Nursery—My favorite resource for excellent germination and cultivation information for
native plants of the eastern and central United States. each herb. Based in Oregon.
Their website has loads of germination and cultivation
The Thyme Garden Herb Co.—Organically grown,
info, superaffordable prices, organically grown
non-GMO culinary and medicinal herb seeds and live
plants (although not certified), and the company is
plants. Based in Oregon.
cooperatively owned. They rock!
True Love Seeds—Offers rare, open pollinated, and
Seven Springs Organic Farming & Garden Supply—
culturally important herb, vegetable, and flower seeds.
Organic farm supplies, including soil amendments,
Their seeds are grown by more than 20 small-scale
growing mixes, and cover crop seeds. Based in Virginia.
urban and rural farmers committed to community
They ship worldwide, but retailers can only be found
food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and sustainable
throughout the eastern United States.
agriculture.
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange—Heirloom
Useful Plants Nursery—Permaculture-based
varieties, with an emphasis on varieties that perform
nursery of the late Chestnut School instructor Chuck
well in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States.
Marsh. Specializing in useful, phytonutritional,
Their website has a great list of various growing guides
food, and medicinal plants well adapted to the
and resources.
southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounding
Strictly Medicinal Seeds—Formerly known as bioregions.
Horizon Herbs. Largest collection of organically grown
medicinal herb seeds and plants. Their catalog contains

RECOMMENDED HERBS TO
START YOUR APOTHECARY
11
These are herbs that we use frequently and planetary health, we highly recommend growing
in our practice, and they represent a sampling of your own herbs organically or purchasing organically
the ones we reach for again and again in medicine grown or sustainably wildcrafted herbs—from local
making and culinary recipes. Please note that this is sources—whenever possible.
not a complete list of all the herbs you’ll wish to work
(Note: Many of these herbs play a starring role in our
with, so follow your heart when placing bulk herb
online programs—the Online Herbal Immersion and
orders or starting a medicinal garden. For personal
the Online Herbal Medicine Making Course.)

Questions about Quantity?
If you’re just getting started, 4 oz. (112 g) of each
dried and sifted herb will be sufficient to get your
apothecary up and running—or by all means, order
more if you plan to make a lot of medicine!
• A
stragalus (Astragalus propinquus) – sliced
root
• C
alendula (Calendula officinalis) – whole
flowers, not petals
• C
hamomile, German (Matricaria recutita or
M. chamomilla) – flowers
• Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) – root*
• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – root
• E
chinacea (Echinacea purpurea or
E. angustifolia) – root, flower, leaves
• Elderberry berries (Sambucus nigra) – berries
• Elecampane (Inula helenium) – root
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – root
• H
ibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – calyx
(sometimes sold as flowers)
• H
oly basil/Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) –
leaves and flowers
Monarda didyma
• L
emon balm (Melissa officinalis) – leaves and
flowers
• Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) – leaves
Keeping Your Herbs Fresh
• Rose (Rosa spp.) – flower buds, petals, hips
Storing your herbs in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet,
• Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) – fruit
pantry, or medicine chest) will help them retain their
• Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) – leaves potency and longevity. A general rule of thumb is
• Usnea (Usnea spp.) – lichen that dried herbs and flowers will remain medicinally
• V
alerian (Valeriana officinalis) – root, potent for about one year, while dried roots and seeds
rhizome may have a longer shelf life of two to three years. If
• Y
arrow (Achillea millefolium) – leaves and in doubt about the freshness of an herb, take a closer
flowers look—it should smell aromatic and taste and look
*For topical use only. vibrant.

HERBAL RESOURCES FROM
THE CHESTNUT SCHOOL
ARCHIVES 12
To top off this herbal extravaganza, we’ve pulled some of our most
popular articles, recipes, and videos from the Chestnut archives. You’ll get a special glimpse into
our kitchen, apothecary, herb gardens, and lushest herbal passions. Enjoy the tour!

Medicine Making
Herbal Infusions and Decoctions: How to Prepare

Preparing Medicinal Teas Herbal Syrups and Honeys
Nopales Salsa
Herbal Finishing Salts and the Medicine of Prickly Pear
Keeping your body healthy is an expression

of gratitude to the whole cosmos—
the trees, the clouds, everything.
t h i c h n h at h a n h

Herbal Materia Medica and Therapeutics
Calendula:
Herbs for the Immune System
An Edible and Medicinal Flower
Goldenrod: Lavender's
The Bees Knees Medicinal and Aromatherapy Uses
Passionflower: Special Sneak Peek: Dandelion Lesson

Medicinal and Edible Uses from the Online Herbal Immersion

Herb Gardening
The Top 10 Medicinal Herbs 9 Tips for Planning

for the Garden the Herb Garden of Your Dreams
Guidelines to Growing Growing Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal Herbs from Seeds in Containers
7 Medicinal Herbs Cultivating Medicinal Herbs with a

for Urban Gardens Focus on At-Risk Woodland Medicinals

Wild Food, Medicine, and Foraging
Foraging for Wild Edibles and Herbs:

Violet's Edible and Medicinal Uses
Sustainable and Safe Gathering Practices
The Delectable Daylily Wild Greens Pesto Recipe
My work is loving the world.

Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird—
equal seekers of sweetness.
mary Olive r

Divinely Naughty Lavender Truffles
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 5 Tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup honey • Immersion blender or sheer brawn with whisk
• 11 ounces of 72% chocolate (weight, not • Parchment paper
volume measurement—use a scale or look on
the label) • 1 cup cocoa powder and/or shredded coconut
• ½ cup lavender flowers (volume—use a

measuring cup)
Directions: Pull your butter out of the refrigerator. blender. Both the chocolate and the cream need to be
Place your cream in a double boiler. Don’t have one? warm enough to emulsify, but not too warm or things
Improvise with two nested pans, the bottom one filled will melt and get wonky, not truffley. Now slowly add
with water and the top one lifted off the bottom by the room- temperature butter. Keep blending until
the handle. You can also place two mason jar lid rings your mixture resembles glossy chocolate pudding.
on the bottom pot to keep the upper one aloft. Heat Place in a pie pan lined with parchment paper and
the cream until you see steam rising but it's not yet refrigerate for an hour.
boiling. It shouldn’t be much hotter than your favorite
Then: Have your cocoa powder ready in a shallow pan.
hot springs (or 115°F, or 46°C, if you haven’t had the
Run your hands under very cold water (so they don’t
joy of soaking in hot springs). Add the lavender; turn
melt the chocolate as you are shaping the truffles).
off the heat, and let sit for thirteen minutes. Strain
Scoop off a teaspoon of chocolate and form into a ball.
while warm and press out as much of the liquid as
Dip the ball into the cocoa powder and place on a
possible. You should have ¾ cup of cream, and the
shallow pan lined with parchment paper. Repeat. You
lavender will have absconded with the rest. (Perhaps
may need to run your hands under cold water multiple
you will reclaim it in a cup of tea.)
times. Refrigerate the finished truffles, and they should
Now: Place your lavender-infused cream and honey last for a few weeks (with expert discipline).
back in the double boiler and heat it back up to
Thanks to Jade Chenoa for her expert instruction and
115°F (46°C). Heat up your chocolate similarly (the
for sharing her tried-and-true truffle recipe!
chocolate needs to be just fully melted). When all is
good and melted, slowly marry the cream and honey Read more about truffles and lavender's medicinal
with the chocolate while blending with an immersion and aromatherapy uses on our blog.

Roselle Hibiscus Pomegranate Fire Cider
• 64 ounces apple cider vinegar • 2 large pomegranates (plump, succulent,
• 10 ounces honey (use less for a more and garnet in color) or 8 ounces
savory vinegar) pomegranate juice
• 2 medium onions • 2 oranges
• 2 large garlic bulbs • ½ ounce, by weight, dried whole cayenne
peppers (about ¾ cup) or 1 Tablespoon
• 4 ounces, by weight, fresh ginger root dried cayenne powder
(1 cup coarsely chopped 1-inch pieces)
• 1¼ ounce, by weight, dried hibiscus
• 2 ounces, by weight, fresh turmeric root flowers (cut and sifted), approximately ¾
(½ cup coarsely chopped 1-inch pieces) cup
• 5 ounces, by weight, horseradish root
(1½ cups coarsely chopped 1-inch pieces)
1. P
eel the garlic, and coarsely chop the 2.
Place the slurried spiciness from both
onions, ginger, horseradish, and turmeric. batches into a double boiler. Don’t have
Place them in a food processor or blender, one? Nest a smaller pot inside a bigger pot
along with the cayenne peppers. Add or saucepan and use a couple of upside-
enough apple cider vinegar to cover. I prefer down mason jar rings to keep the inside
a glass blender, if it is available. Work in two pot off the bottom of the outer one.
batches. Blend carefully with the Add a little water to the outside pot and
lid on, and take care not to let voilà—double boiler! Add the rest of the
fumes or slurry get in your eyes. apple cider vinegar to the slurry and keep
the heat on low, with the lid on! Let the

mixture heat on low; don’t let it get above
120°F (49°C) for three hours, stirring
occasionally. Again, be careful with the
fumes!!!!
3. Meanwhile, back at the bat cave, peel your
oranges and deseed the pomegranates,
sneaking off a nibble or two. Put on an old
apron and mash the pomegranates and Straining the hibiscus fire cider with a potato ricer Step 1
oranges with a potato masher in the sink.
4. After a couple of hours, taste the slurry. If
it’s too mild for your fire cider pleasure,
this is your chance to add more of the spicy
herbs and cook for one more hour. After
three hours of total cooking time, turn off
the heat and add the hibiscus and the juicy
pomegranate/orange mixture. Let sit for
Straining the hibiscus fire cider ingredients Step 2
one hour and check the color—if it’s too
light, add more hibiscus. When the cider
is a beautiful red hue, strain the mixture
through a cheesecloth or potato ricer. You’ll
need to squeeze out or press the slurry, or
you will lose a great deal of the medicine.
(Don’t use your bare hands to squeeze out
the cider or you’ll burn/irritate your skin.)
Add the honey and mix well, making sure
all the honey is dissolved. Place in sterilized,
clear-glass jars, label, and refrigerate.
Dosage is 1 teaspoon as needed.
Read more about fire cider and the medicine

and cultivation of hibiscus on our blog.
Adding the honey to the strained cider

Herbal Flowered Persimmon Goat Cheese
• 8 ounces of soft goat cheese • Half handful of calendula “petals”
• 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh • Kiss of honey and fresh wild persimmon
rosemary pulp (peck, not smooch)
• Handful of pineapple sage flowers,
stripped from the stalk
If you don’t have some of these ingredients on hand, try freaking out.
That always works out so well for me, and my family especially benefits.
Alternately, you could use figs in lieu of the persimmon pulp, and any
other edible flowers in place of the calendula and pineapple sage.
Read more about pineapple sage, hummingbirds,

and herbal cheeses on our blog.

Herbal Ice Cubes
I use herbal ice cubes
to flavor plain water
when I have a full
day to make a quick,
cool herbal beverage,
or use them to flavor
and cool herbal teas.
Bring 1 quart of
water to a boil and
add 2 Tablespoons of
hibiscus (dried calyces
of Hibiscus sabdariffa,
Malvaceae). Let sit for
twenty minutes and
strain. Let the tea cool before
adding to ice cube trays.
1½ cups fills average ice cube
tray.
Read more about herbal

ice cubes on our blog.

Hibiscus Mint Herbal Iced Tea
• 1 Tablespoon hibiscus
• ½ Tablespoon lemon balm
• 1/2 Tablespoon lemon verbena
• 1 Tablespoon peppermint
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and add all

ingredients. Cover and let steep for twenty
minutes. Strain, and add ice to bring the
volume up to 1 gallon. Serve in any fancy
way you please—garnish of mint, ice cubes
with frozen flowers. If you have any of
these herbs fresh, use them in this recipe!
Substitute one handful of the fresh herbs
for 1 Tablespoon of the dried, cut and
sifted herb (bulk). Makes 1 gallon.
Read more about this tea on our blog.

Chestnut School of
Herbal Medicine
Online Herbal Immersion Program • Online Medicine Making Course

Online Foraging Course: Edible and Medicinal Wild Herbs
www.ChestnutHerbs.com

How To Start Your Herbal Career

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H O W TO S TA R T

Your Herbal Career

training | herbal jobs | legalities | resources | & more!

content and Photography Credits

it’s an exciting time to be an Herbalism is a calling and a traditional branch of

Let’s start at the beginning—getting yourself an herbal education that reflects

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Education is the the key to unlock golden door of freedom.

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Clinical Herbalist Training

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DDid you know there are literally dozens

Whatever your path, here are my two cents: find a

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Here’s another example: if you want to

There are countless ways that herbalists

Making Herbal Products

Retail, Marketing + Sales Teaching + Herbal Education

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Writing + Blogging Herb Farming + Wildcrafting

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How Much Does an Herbalist Make?

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TThe practice of herbalism

raises all kinds of questions about herbal certification

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All of this is to say: if you live in the United States, you

Because herbalism is unregulated, herbalists are

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The Apothecarist Program through Herbal Medics

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Online Herbal Online Foraging

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Online + Distance Learning

School of Evolutionary Herbalism

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Herbal Medics Academy

Maryland University of Integrative Health

In-Person Clinical Herbalism

Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine

Clearpath School of Herbal Medicine

Colorado School of Clinical

Columbines School of Botanical Studies

CommonWealth Center for Holistic

Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine

Green Path Herb School

Northeast School of Botanical Medicine

Ohlone Herbal Center

Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism Create whatever causes a

Online Herbal Immersion Program • Online Medicine Making Course

5. Herbal Organizations & Publications..... 39

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Attending herbal conferences