null

Ryan's Book Selection

Recommended Reading for the Home Apothecary and Plant Medicine Makers

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.

Covering topics from Chinese medicine and Western herbalism to general health and wellness, these resources support readers in exploring the rich heritage and modern applications of herbal practices. Each book was selected to inspire and cultivate a greater appreciation for the depth and wisdom of traditional (ethnobotanical) medicine.

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.

  • 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 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 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

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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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)