Our Favorite Herbalism Books

We recommend purchasing from small and/or BIPOC-owned bookstores whenever possible. Here is one list of Black-owned bookstores, many of which offer an online store. Some books on this list may be more difficult to find and/or more expensive, since they are offered by smaller publishing houses with smaller print runs. To access these books, here are a few suggestions:

• Many public libraries allow patrons to request books to be added to their catalogue. Get in touch with your local library to find out if they offer this service.
• Many public libraries are members of countywide or multi-county library systems and participate in interlibrary loan services. If your local library doesn’t carry a book, check the interlibrary loan catalogue to find out if another library in your system has it available. (For many public libraries, a catalogue search automatically includes media from other libraries in their network).
• To access ebooks and audiobooks from your library system on your device, Libby is a popular app for Android and Apple devices (phones and tablets). OverDrive is the classic app that is compatible with more devices, including personal computers.
• University libraries often allow folks who aren’t students to use their books. Community members may be able to obtain a community library card, or simply use the books while they are on the library premises.
• If you wish to purchase a book that is more difficult to access, below are a few websites that specialize in rare books:
  • Alibris
  • Abe Books
  • Book Finder allows you to compare prices from different sellers
  • Biblio specializes in out-of-print books. They work with over 5,500 bookstores

Most historical works about Native/Indigenous and Black traditions and practices have been written by white authors, which brings to question the books’ relevance and authenticity. It is impossible for any author to remove oneself from their own cultural lens when writing about another culture, and there is potential for perpetuating colonial relationships when white authors and white-owned publishing companies make a profit off of the knowledge of BIPOC communities. Because women and BIPOC communities have often been excluded from literacy and publishing, it can be difficult to find historical herbal books authored by BIPOC folks and women.  

Despite these facts, we’ve included historical works with possible problematic origins because they hold important knowledge, especially considering that genocide, witch hunts, and forced acculturation has limited or even destroyed many traditional herbal oral lineages. Please write support@chestnutherbs.com with book suggestions, concerns, or critiques. 

On the other hand, first-hand accounts of one’s own cultural traditions and practices are optimal for authenticity, consent, attribution, and compensation. Titles by BIPOC authors or co-authors (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) are written in purple. 

Have you noticed how herbal books are a dandelion-a-dozen these days? There’s a veritable meadow to choose from! It can be like finding a pin in a poppy patch trying to select a few that will meet your botanical needs and blooming interests. In this article, we sing the praises of herbal books that inspire us, touch our hearts, deepen our love for the plants, and grow our capacity to know and use herbal medicine.

Are you ready to take your herbal book game to the all-star level? These are our recommendations for advanced and clinical-quality herbal texts and references, including Ayurvedic and Chinese herbals. Curious if these books might be right for you? Advanced herbals aren’t just for clinical herbalists—they’re highly relevant for herbal instructors, writers, researchers, herbal product makers, and folks who are generally over the moon about plants!