Recommended Reading for the Home Apothecary and Medicine Makers
This selection is a carefully curated collection of books for those looking to deepen their understanding of herbalism, traditional medicine systems, and holistic wellness. Each work offers invaluable insight into both foundational practices and advanced perspectives, shedding light on the philosophy and knowledge that inform RAW Forest Foods’ approach to products and company values.
With topics spanning Chinese herbalism, Western herbalism, and general health and wellness, 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.
Classical and Traditional Chinese Medicine
These books are foundational texts for anyone serious about understanding the practices, philosophy, and depth of Chinese herbalism and traditional medicine. Whether you are a beginner or a practitioner, these titles offer a profound exploration of time-honored healing traditions.
Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing – Lorie Eve Dechar (2006)
The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine – Ted Kaptchuk (2000)
Pocket Handbook of Chinese Herbal Medicine – Hancheng Xu (1996)
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica – Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble (2004)
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies – Dan Bensky and Randall Barolet (1990)
Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion – Cheng Xinnong (Ed.) (1999)
Chinese Natural Cures – Henry C. Lu (2004)
The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets of Health, Longevity, & Enlightenment – Jwing-Ming Yang (1997)
The Way of Chinese Herbs – Michael Tierra (1998)
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: The Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica – Translated by Sabine Wilms (2008)
The Yin and Yang of Climate Crisis: Healing Personal, Cultural, and Ecological Imbalance with Chinese Medicine – Brendan Kelly (2015)
Foundations of Internal Alchemy: The Taoist Practice of Neidan – Wang Mu, Translated by Fabrizio Pregadio (2011)
Western Herbalism
For those interested in the Western tradition, this selection of books covers both the classical roots and modern practices of Western herbalism. These works are well-suited for both new students of herbalism and seasoned practitioners, providing guidance on the therapeutic properties of herbs and their practical applications.
The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual – James Green (2000)
Herbal Healing for Men: Remedies and Recipes – Rosemary Gladstar (2017)
The Way of Herbs – Michael Tierra (1998)
Sacred Plant Medicine: The Wisdom in Native American Herbalism – Stephen Harrod Buhner (2006)
The Male Herbal: The Definitive Health Care Book for Men & Boys (2nd ed.) – James Green (1991)
The Energetics of Western Herbs (Vol. 1 and 2) – Peter Holmes (1989)
General Health and Wellness
These books bring together ancient knowledge and modern insights, exploring topics such as mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle through the lens of holistic wellness. They serve as invaluable resources for anyone looking to integrate wellness practices into everyday life.
Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health: A Complete Guide to the Food-Mood Connection – Leslie Korn (2016)
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)
Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide – Christopher Hobbs (2020)
The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity: A Modern Practical Guide to the Ancient Way – Daniel Reid (1989)
The Master Key: Qigong Secrets for Vitality, Love, and Wisdom – Robert Peng and Rafael Nasser (2014)
The Sexual Herbal: Prescriptions for Enhancing Love and Passion – Brigitte Mars (2008)
Holistic Anatomy: An Integrative Guide to the Human Body – Tammi Sweet (2008)
Recipes for Self-Healing – Daverick Leggett (2001)
Body Encyclopedia: A Guide to the Psychological Functions of the Muscular System – Lisbeth Marcher and Sonja Fich (2010)
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation – Thich Nhat Hanh (1999)
Job’s Body: A Handbook for Bodywork – Deane Juhan (2003)
Outliers
These selected books provide unique perspectives and insights, offering value to those looking to broaden their understanding of wellness, nature, and cultural practices. While they don’t fit neatly into other categories, each title enriches the reading list with stories and teachings that illuminate the broader context of herbal and holistic practices.
Fourth Uncle in the Mountain: The Remarkable Legacy of a Buddhist Itinerant Doctor in Vietnam – Quang Van Nguyen and Marjorie Pivar (2004)
The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age – Richard Louv (2011)
Reading the Forested Landscape: A Natural History of New England – Tom Wessels (1997)
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine – Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold (1992)
Atlas of Perfumed Botany – Jean-Claude Ellena (2022)
Colors of the Mountain – Da Chen (2000)
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