Herbal Horse - Suggested Reading

Check back frequently for new book listings.  This is by no means a comprehensive or exhaustive list; rather it presents a sampling of herbal publications.

Field Guides (North American only) and Reference Books

The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers-Eastern Edition or Western Edition     *****
Publisher - Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. under license from the National Audubon Society, Inc.
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Excellent field guides to North American wildflowers, coded by color and flower shape, this guide makes identification of wild herbs extremely easy and almost fool proof.

The first half is dedicated to photographs of the plants and second half is text detailing species, habitat, range (where found), etc. The comments section is full of interesting facts, history of use, and where appropriate medicinal use. 

Peterson Field Guides – Edible Wild Plants of Eastern/Central N. A. *****
By Lee Allen Peterson.
Publisher - Houghton Mifflin Company, New York
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Another excellent field guide with black and white line drawings and a section of photographs, this is a good companion book for the Audubon Guide.

The Information Sourcebook of Herbal Medicine *****
Edited by David Hoffman.
Publisher - The Crossing Press, Freedom CA
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• Bibliography of Herbalism and Herbal Pharmacology

• Glossary of Herbal, Medical, Pharmacological and Pharmacy Terms

• Guide to Computer Databases for the Herbalist

• Medline Citations for Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs

David Hoffman is highly respected and has authored many books on herbalism. He has edited this comprehensive guide to information on western herbal medicine.

Its structure makes an abundance of material easily accessible; a unique guide to computer databases for the serious herbalist.  Indispensible and one of a kind.

Herbals – General

The New Age Herbalist  *****
By M. McIntyre, P. Michael, G. Duff, J. Stevens.
Publisher - Collier Books – Macmillan Publishing Co. New York
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A glossary of over 200 herbs, it is a superb introduction to herbs and their multitude of uses - culinary through dye plants, it is informative, interesting, well illustrated and up-to-date.  Full of charts, photos, illustrations, practical applications, it is a great book for those who want a thorough exposure to the use of herbs in everyday living.  This book will guide the reader into the utilization of herbs for almost anything you can think of:  potpourri, cooking, gardening, decorations, beauty products, shampoos, lotions, soaps, non-toxic housekeeping products, dyeing wools, etc.

This edition examines scientific validation for herbal remedies and includes a complete herb garden plan from choice of plants to preserving the harvest.  Highly recommended. 

The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine *****
By Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D.
Publisher - Keats Publishing, Connecticut USA
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A must for the serious student of herbal medicine.  Excellent comprehensive book on the science, history, pharmacology and clinical application of herbs as healing agents, it clarifies and distinctly differentiates between fact and fiction.

Daniel Mowrey has been directly involved with toxicology tests and efficacy studies on numerous herbs and herbal formulations.  He is the Director of Mountainwest Institute of Herbal Science.  Daniel has written extensively in well known magazines such as “The Herbalist” and has produced many research studies and essays which have been published in such prestigious medical journals as the British “Lancet”.

His research on herbal blends is incorporated into many of the leading herbal product lines on the market today.   Very Highly Recommended.

The Way of Herbs  *****
By Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D.
Publisher -  Pocket Books
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A good up-to-date herbal guide including information from a scientific perspective, the author Michael Tierra is one of the foremost herbalists in North America.  He studied the art of herbal medicine and other healing modalities with experts all over the world, studying with top practitioners in India, China, Japan, Britain and North America.  He is also a Naturopathic Doctor.  Michael teaches herbology by correspondence in his East West Herbal Correspondence Course- a 37 lesson course integrating the principles of Western naturopathic, Chinese, Japanese, American Indian, Ayurvedic, and E. Indian herbology.

Indian Herbology of North America  ***
By Alma R. Hutchens
Publisher -  Shambala Publications, Inc. Boston
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For many years a standard guide for those wishing to study the uses of medicinal plants by aboriginal peoples of North America.  However, in earlier editions there are several errors, including misidentification of a poisonous plant “Dog Bane” which is erroneously identified as a different, non-toxic plant.  For the most part, it is a valuable addition to the herbal library but it is wise to double check all information if you intend to use this book.  Recommended – Apply with Caution. 

Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine *****
By Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold
Publisher -  Ballantine Books, New York
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One of the best books I have read on the subject of Chinese Medicine.  While not specifically an herb journal, it is interesting, and enlightening; presents Eastern medical philosophy in a manner that is easy to understand.  Highly recommended reading for anyone with a serious interest in the role of herbs and foods in healing.

Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas  ****
By Hitches Yeung
Publisher -  Redwing Distributors – Boston USA

Excellent book for the new herbalist; easy to read from a knowledgeable author

Gypsy Folk Medicine  ****
By Wanja von Hausen
Publisher -  Sterling Publishing Co. Inc., New York
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Gypsy ways of healing and good health drawn on their philosophy of closeness with Mother Nature and a holistic view of life.  Practical and time-tested remedies, there is a section with remedies for a variety of animals including horses. This is an older herbal and some plants mentioned are recognized scientifically as having toxic components.

Double check information before using remedies.  A beautiful read it shines a light on the philosophy, lifestyle and culture of a secretive, much persecuted race of peoples. 

The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable *****
By Juliette de Bairacli Levy
Publisher -  Faber and Faber, London and Boston
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An older herbal it is nonetheless informative and full of useful information.  The lady knows her subject, having extensive experience in the application of herbal remedies for the care and well being of domestic animals.  In light of recent scientific analysis of plants, use caution and double check more recent information if using any of the remedies.  Most are harmless, however, several plants used have received serious scrutiny for potential carcinogens or liver damaging alkaloids.

Be sure to check back frequently for new book listings.