Recommended Books

Recommended Reading for the Home Apothecary and Apothecarists

This collection of books has been carefully curated for those seeking to deepen their understanding of traditional medicine systems, herbalism, and holistic health. Each title provides valuable insights into both foundational practices and advanced perspectives, offering a glimpse into the philosophy and knowledge that inform RAW Forest Foods’ approach to botanical formulations and company values.

With topics spanning Chinese herbalism, Western herbalism, general health and wellness, and the esoterica, these resources support readers in exploring the rich heritage and contemporary applications of herbal practices. Each title has been chosen to help inspire and guide a genuine appreciation for the depth of traditional health and wellness. All links open in the WorldCat database, which allows you to locate the book at your nearest library. If you choose to purchase any of these texts, we recommend AbeBooks.com,  Bookshop.com, or your local bookshop.

Classical and Traditional Chinese Medicine

These books are essential for those interested in the philosophy, practice, and depth of Chinese medicine and herbalism. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced practitioner, these texts provide an in-depth look at time-honored healing traditions and their applications.

• Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine – Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold (1992)
• Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion – Cheng Xinnong (Ed.) (1999)
• Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies – Dan Bensky and Randall Barolet (1990)
• Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica – Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble (2004)
• Chinese Natural Cures – Henry C. Lu (2004)
• Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing – Lorie Eve Dechar (2006)
• Foundations of Internal Alchemy: The Taoist Practice of Neidan – Wang Mu, Translated by Fabrizio Pregadio (2011)
• Pocket Handbook of Chinese Herbal Medicine – Zong Lan Xu (1996)
• Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: The Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica – Translated by Sabine Wilms (2008)
• The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment – Jwing-Ming Yang (1997)
• The Way of Chinese Herbs – Michael Tierra (1998)
• The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine – Ted Kaptchuk (2000)
• The Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis: Healing Personal, Cultural, and Ecological Imbalance with Chinese Medicine – Brendan Kelly (2015)

Western Herbalism

For those exploring Western herbal traditions, this selection includes both classical foundations and contemporary applications. These books provide practical guidance on the therapeutic properties of plants and how they can be incorporated into everyday wellness.

• The Energetics of Western Herbs (Vol. 1 and 2) – Peter Holmes (1989)
• Healing Wise – Susan S. Weed (1989)
• Herbal Healing for Men: Remedies and Recipes – Rosemary Gladstar (2017)
• The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual – James Green (2000)
• The Male Herbal: The Definitive Health Care Book for Men & Boys (2nd ed.) – James Green (1991)
• Sacred Plant Medicine: The Wisdom in Native American Herbalism – Stephen Harrod Buhner (2006)
• The Way of Herbs – Michael Tierra (1998)

General Health and Wellness

Blending ancient wisdom with modern research, these books cover nutrition, mental health, lifestyle, and holistic well-being. Each serves as a valuable resource for those looking to integrate health-supportive practices into daily life.

• Body Encyclopedia: A Guide to the Psychological Functions of the Muscular System – Lisbeth Marcher and Sonja Fich (2010)
• Holistic Anatomy: An Integrative Guide to the Human Body – Pip Waller Sweet (2008)
• Job’s Body: A Handbook for Bodywork – Deane Juhan (2003)
• Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide – Christopher Hobbs (2021)
• The Master Key: Qigong Secrets for Vitality, Love, and Wisdom – Robert Peng and Rafael Nasser (2014)
• The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation – Thich Nhat Hanh (1999)
• Natural Remedies for Low Testosterone: A Safe and Effective Guide to Restoring Hormone Levels – Stephen Harrod Buhner (2014)
• The Natural Testosterone Plan: For Sexual Health and Energy – Stephen Harrod Buhner (2007)
• Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health: A Complete Guide to the Food-Mood Connection – Leslie Korn (2016)
• Recipes for Self-Healing – Daverick Leggett (1999)
• The Sexual Herbal: Prescriptions for Enhancing Love and Passion – Brigitte Mars (2008)
• The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity: A Modern Practical Guide to the Ancient Way – Daniel Reid (1989)

Outliers and Esoterica

These books offer unique perspectives on nature, cultural practices, and holistic well-being. While they don’t fit neatly into other categories, each provides valuable insight into the broader context of health, the environment, and traditional knowledge.

• Atlas of Perfumed Botany – Jean-Claude Ellena (2022)
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body In the Healing Of Trauma – Bessel A. Van der Kolk (2015)
• Colors of the Mountain – Da Chen (2000)
• Fourth Uncle in the Mountain: The Remarkable Legacy of a Buddhist Itinerant Doctor in Vietnam – Quang Van Nguyen and Marjorie Pivar (2004)
• In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction – Gabor Maté (2010)
• The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age – Richard Louv (2011)
• The Noma Guide to Fermentation: Foundations of Flavor – René Redzepi et al. (2018)
• The Plant Hunter's Atlas: A World Tour of Botanical Adventures, Chance Discoveries and Strange Specimens – Ambra Edwards (2021)
• Reading the Forested Landscape: A Natural History of New England – Tom Wessels (1997)
• Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods – Sandor Ellix Katz (2003)

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