Chestnut Herbal School

Herbalism Books

Woman reading a book in a hammock by a log cabin in the woods
Last updated on June 30th, 2025

Fiction Books Featuring Herbalists and Herbalism

Ready to dive into some reading that’s as comforting as a cozy evening and as fresh as a bundle of handpicked herbs? We went on the hunt for the best fiction books featuring our favorite green-thumbed heroes—herbalists. Our readers have shared their most-loved herbal novels—the ones that made their hearts race, their minds wander, and their love for all things leafy grow even stronger. So, grab your favorite reading spot, a cup of herbal tea, and get ready to explore the art of herbalism in all its storybook splendor.

Calendula Tulsi Chai Recipe
Last updated on October 11th, 2024

Calendula Tulsi Chai Recipe

Astragalus, calendula, and tulsi are herbal tonics for the lymphatic, nervous, and immune systems. This Calendula Tulsi Chai Recipe will help ward off colds and flu during winter months. The aromatic botanicals in this chai—cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and ginger—keep the blood and lymph moving and are especially helpful for those who feel cold or sluggish. During warmer weather, dilute the concentrate with ice and your choice of milk for a refreshing summertime beverage.

Baobab tree.
Last updated on February 20th, 2025

African American Herbalism, Part 3: Resources and Further Learning

A plethora of resources are available for one interested in the rich traditions related to African American herbalism. Below are a few lists in various media. Included are books, conferences, Facebook groups, herbalists, organizations, and websites. This is of course only a subset of items in this field but will hopefully get you well on your way if you’re just starting to explore this area, and will be helpful to all one way or another.

An herbalist sitting at a desk using a laptop computer. Volunteering at herbal conferences is one of 17 free ways to learn about herbalism.
Last updated on June 24th, 2025

Free Ways to Learn About Herbalism: 17 Resources for Training as an Herbalist

When I first started learning about herbalism three decades ago, it was slim pickings in the educational arena. I could only find a few herbal books at my local bookstore. Perusing the bulletin board at the health food store for herbal classes or conferences proved fruitless. Finding books, teachers, or like-minded plant people was no small chore. You see, there was no Internet.

Anise hyssop growing with echinacea.
Last updated on April 11th, 2025

Get Growing: 15 of Our Favorite Resources for Spring Herb Gardening

We’ve been growing medicinal herbs for decades, and their return to the garden each spring is still one of the season’s great joys. As early as January, cold-hardy herbs like motherwort and lemon balm will start showing off new green leaves—followed shortly by purple-tinged anise hyssop, plush stinging nettles, and fragrant peppermint. Although it will be many more weeks before harvesting commences, their presence is a grand and hopeful sign of warmer days to come.