As I ease in to writing regularly (and coherently) for the first time in a long time, I thought I’d start off with something I’m always at ease with….lists!
On my path so far I have built up quite a neat little library of books and podcasts and other resources that I find to be invaluable/inspIring. The following is but a taster so perhaps I’ll share some more in the future.
Books (specifically herbal)
- Herbal Medicine for Beginners: Your Guide to Healing Common Ailments with 35 Medicinal Herbs by Katja Swift and Ryn Midura
What can I say, I love Katija and Ryn. I got to know them through their podcast (see below). They explain everything in the most accessible way and this book is one of my most referenced. It’s worth mentioning that they’re based in the USA though so not all of the herbs they mention are quite so easy to get a hold of in the UK. - Herbal Revolution by Kathi Langelier
This is my most recent buy, it only being released in December 2020, and I’m still working my way through it. However, I’m loving the mix of recipes included. Plus I’ve been obsessed with Kathi’s branding since I first came across Herbal Revolution. - The Handmade Apothecary and The Herbal Remedy Handbook by Kim Walker and Vicky Chown
Kim and VIcky are another two who make herbalism really accessible. Both books are full of useful info and a stack of recipes which I why squeezed in both books as one item. I am completely in love with their floating apothecary too – check it out. - Your Period Handbook by Natasha Richardson
Natasha focuses on all things menstrual, which let’s face it, affects us all, one way or another. This is one of those books I suddenly felt the urge to buy and give to every woman I know because for all you think you know, there’s bound to be something you’ll learn from this book. - The Prisoner’s Herbal by Nicole Rose
I love this book. I’ve never been to prison, I’ve never been in a position where accessing nature is a luxury locked away from me, and I hope never to be but this book opened my eyes to the experiences of those people who have or who are currently. Nicole also donates copies of the book to prisoners with support from those who buy and more books in prisons is something I think we should all support.
Books (non-specific but enjoyable reads)
- The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm by Hilarie Burton
This is a bit of a “hug” book for me. Part recipe book, part memoir, sometimes heartbreaking, at other times so completely optimistic that it’s contagious. If you have even a twang of a happy memory when you think of the countryside, I’d say it’s a worthy read. - Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake
It’s taken a while but it seems everywhere I turn now people are waking up to the magic of the humble mushroom. This book is like an ode to the mushroom with some good chunks of science thrown in that let us see just how magical they really are. - Women Healers Through History: Revised and Expanded Edition by Elisabeth Brooke
Just what it says on the tin. This book introduces the reader to women healers throughout history. I love that there are names stemming so far back - Pretty much any Terry Pratchett book with Granny Weatherwax or Susan in.
Strong women, satire and humour that always tickles me. I was introduced to Discworld by being loaned any book with Susan in and then eventually Granny Weatherwax. I remain convinced that this is the best way to start reading them.
Podcasts
- Creative Rebels – @rebelscreate
Not herb-based at all but one of my all time fave listens. Adam and David talk to a wide range of creative guests who have managed to make their dreams their reality. Brimming with advice and inspiration, it tickles all of that creative energy tapped away inside us all. - Commonwealth Herbs – @commonwealthherbs
Katjia and Ryn talking all things herbs and holistic healing in the most accessible way. I can (and have) binge this podcast repeatedly and still pull out seemingly new info. It’s accompanied with a Youtube channel too if that’s more your thing. - Forage Botanicals
This series is no longer running but what is out there is well worth a listen. Each episode focuses on a specific herb which I like for an in-depth study. There are also guests which is always welcome for mixing up the listening. - The Practical Herbalist
I’ve listened to this podcast so much that their “catchphrase” has made it into one of my regular mantras – “put a herb on it”. I love the conversational style of the podcast and it’s an absolute fountain of knowledge. - Ear Hustle
Another non-herbal podcast but one I always think is worth mentioning as it’s an amazing listen and we all need to mix it up now and then anyway. Broadcast from San Quentin State Prison, Earhustle, introduces us to prisoners and aspects of prison life. Whatever I write won’t do it justice so give it a listen.
Blogs and Instagram
- My Tiny Laguna Kitchen – @mytinylagunakitchen
- Mila’s Apothecary – @milasapothecary
- Ostara Apothecary – @ostaraapothecary
- Forage Botanicals – @foragebotanicals
- Grow Forage Cook Ferment – @growforagecookferment
- Solidarity Apothecary – @solidarity.apothecary
- Handmade Apothecary – @handmadeapothecary
Other
- Hackney Herbal journal – @hackneyherbal
- The Herb Society UK – @theherbsocietyuk
NOTE 1: I actually tried to stay strictly to five items per list but, just like when choosing herbs, it wasn’t possible.
NOTE 2: I’ve tried not to be too obvious with my list and picked the books i’ve been reaching for most recently.
NOTE 3: Where possible, I’ve provided links to books outside of Amazon. Coming from the publishing industry I just can’t link there it if I know there is a better alternative. In this case, I’ve either linked directly to to the author’s store, Bookshop.org (who actually support independent bookshops. Another alternative is Hive) or from a source where I know there are no backorder issues from experience. Some, if not all, of these books are available on Amazon though so if that’s your bookseller of choice then have at it. I’m not here to judge.
Herbal She Wrote 
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