Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide

by Rosemary Gladstar

Widely recognized as the godmother of modern herbalism, Rosemary Gladstar is renowned worldwide for her inspired teaching and trustworthy knowledge of healing herbs. With Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Gladstar offers a fresh introduction for a new generation of gardeners and natural health and self-sufficiency enthusiasts.

Thirty-three of the most common and versatile healing plants are profiled in depth to get the budding herbalist off on the right foot. Readers will learn how to grow, harvest, prepare, and use each herb. Step-by-step instructions explain how to prepare herbal teas, salves, syrups, tinctures, oils, and liniments to stock the home medicine chest.

Simple recipes explore each plant's healing qualities - aloe lotion for poison ivy, dandelion-burdock tincture for sluggish digestion, and lavender-lemon balm tea for stress relief. Gladstar shows how easy it is to make safe, all-natural, low-cost healing remedies for common ailments.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Gardening, Herbs, Reference, Nature, Food

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2012

About the author

Rosemary Gladstar is a pioneer in the herbal movement and has been called the "Godmother of American Herbalism." She began more than 35 years ago developing herbal formulas in her herb shop, Rosemary's Garden in Sonoma County, California. She is the founder of the California School of Herbal Studies, the oldest running herb school in the United States, author of The Science and Art of Herbalism home study course, and is the director of the International Herb Symposium and The New England Women's Herbal Conference held annually in NE. She is the author of numerous herb books including the bestseller Herbal Healing for Women, The Storey Book Herbal Healing Series, and Herbal Remedies for Vibrant Health. Rosemary is also the co-founder of Traditional Medicinal Tea Company and did all of the original formulations for the company. She has taught extensively throughout the United States and worldwide at venues as varied as backyard gardens, native villages, garden clubs to universities and hospitals. She has won numerous awards and certificates for her work with medicinal plants, but her greatest reward has been in watching the herbal renaissance soar from its birth and feeling in some small exciting way, a part of it.

Her greatest passion has been the work of United Plant Savers, a nonprofit organization that Rosemary founded in 1994 and is currently serving as Founding President. UpS is dedicated to the conservation and cultivation of at-risk North American medicinal plants and to preserving botanical sanctuaries across the U.S. to help preserve the land that these precious native species thrive on. For information on United Plant Savers, please visit: www.unitedplantsavers.org

Rosemary lives and works from her home, Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center, a 500-acre botanical preserve in central Vermont.

Reviews

[Rachael MacLean]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I bought it quite a while ago when I was at the height of my environmental activism and general witchiness and it has a lot of elements from that time period I like -- comprehensive descriptions, a real attention to the natural world, and a holistic ethos that routinely advocates for discussing with medical professionals. However, since then I have seen the rise of anti vaxx and related movements that make rampant use of this kind of information and as a result I have come to see it's major flaws -- the cherry picking of research, the primacy of faith and tradition over effectiveness, etc. Its well and fine to read about the stomach soothing properties of peppermint and the use of cayenne for clearing up a stuffed nose, but hearing about elderberry's anti viral properties just hits different in 2020 when elderberry syrup has been mass marked to the frightened and belligerently anti-mask alike. I got some fun ideas for a spa night from this book, some great gardening tips, and some good tips and tricks for the occasional headache or sore throat, but I did not get medical advice, and I feel like making that distinction much clearer than this book does is incredibly important right now.

[Isaac · Rating 1 out of 5]

what could have been a decent book turned quickly into a pretty crappy read very quickly. I Immediately lost interest when she suggested that leaving teas and tinctures to sit in the moonlight amplified their healing abilities. There are some unquiet recipes and herb usages but this is easily overshadowed by the fact that she lists the same general statement of "immune system booster" and is "is great for colds, coughs, & sore throats" for the medicinal use for almost every herb listed. worthless in the fact of what each herb does, where and when to find it, or how to even identify it.

[lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice little introduction to using medicinal herbs. I like how it focuses on a limited number of herbs and gives a pretty thorough description of their properties as well as how to cultivate them. There are also some easy recipes to get started in making tinctures, salves, infusions, and all sorts of other things. It made me want to make stuff.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The recipes and information in the book was great and incredibly helpful. However, my biggest issue with the book was that she did not have a bibliography or citation of sources.

Throughout the book Gladstar walks through different herbs/plants, their chemical makeup, medicinal uses (often supported by "some studies" or "several studies"), and several recipes. While I understand that these are recipes passed down from years of her practice, if you're going to cite clinical studies and list chemical compounds in plants, you need to cite your sources.

If I need to use the recipes in this book, I now feel I need to compound that knowledge with additional sources and research.

[Doug Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way before all of us were bombarded with countless ads for so-called wonder drugs on television, people turned to nature for remedies. Rosemary Gladstar has written a useful guide, “Medicinal Herbs, Learn How to Ease Common Ailments Naturally” which describes how to grow, harvest, prepare and use 33 of the most common healing plants. It is written in an easy to understand style with plenty of pictures. Highly recommended.

I spoke with Rosemary Gladstar about her book and that conversation can be heard here:
http://dougmilesmedia.com/?p=1949

[Abigail Burdett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was informative, easy to follow, and contained beautiful photography. She makes herbalism feel attainable and doable and I’m excited to put what I’ve learned to use.

[Aneesa]

Me: Where on earth would you get these ingredients?
My mom: [Finally takes me to The Food Mill which she has been referencing for 45 years]

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introductory and/or summary guide for incorporating medicinal herbs into your lifestyle. I appreciate that the author does not discount or disapprove of modern medicine and/or visiting your doctor for greater complications but instead advocates for simple herbal remedies one can try in replacement of over the counter medication for minor problems (headaches, digestive pains, burns and itching) and as preventatives. This book is highly accessible to anyone interested in learning about medicinal herbs.

The only annoyance I had with the text was the author not including references to certain claims for particular herbs. I would have appreciated the ability to access that literature esp. when she writes a statement such as, "Scientific research has proved.../shown.../demonstrated that herb X can..." We know there is evidence for the potency of medicinal herbs but not treating information as scientific (by referencing it appropriately) creates problems with understanding. Then again, this is a book for the layman and not the scientist so this may be my issue.

[Deborah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading one of Rosemary Gladstar's books, I went looking for others. In this book she provides pictures so you can recognize the plants, explains which parts are useful in which capacity, and even has safety sections. You will find many helpful uses for the spices you use for cooking. An excellent resource.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of pictures and recipes. Good amount of information for beginners guide. Enough to know you're just scratching the surface, but not enough to be overwhelming. Pleasurable and inspiring to read through. Now I just need to plant and make some stuff!

[C. S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herbalism doesn't have to be complicated and scary. Rosemary's advice is to start with just a few herbs - ones you know well, that grow near you. In this book she talks about growing and using such common garden sights as yarrow, St. John's Wort, dandelion, and basil. Basic, easy-to-understand directions for the common preparations are included right up front - tincture, salve, infusion, decoction, poultice - all in plain, non-technical language. Rosemary's signature wise-elder style comes through in her writing, so reading the book gives you a little bit of that magical feeling of just listening to a wise old aunt or granny talk you through your first few recipes.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

i need garlic honey syrup NOW!!!!

read it cover to cover just for lols and was kinda overwhelmed by the way every herb is described as being versatile in addition to its specific benefits lol. but excited to revisit specific herbs and recipes and to plant lots of chamomile, valerian, n calendula 🧪

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book on how to grow and use medicinal herbs. Gorgeous pages all full color! She's simple but knowledgable. She's from my awesome state of Vermont! I got this for a great price on Amazon! A gem!

[Marmar Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loopove this book its perfect for begginers in turning plant and herbs into medicine n how to use it on ur daily life. Doesnt just say that but how to even make pills out of them for example. Its amazing!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers simple practical instructions for tinctures, various remedies, and insights on commonly used medicinal herbal plants. Many or most of the plants referred to are likely accessible to you in some form regardless of locale.

As you turn the pages you feel the vibrance of who Rosemary Gladstar is renown to be. She has created a warm read for the plant lover at heart, someone starting into the practice of herbalism, or the experienced herbalist to use as a reference. This book will serve my family and I for a lifetime in natural, reliable, back to nature ways to promote health and vitality.

[Kim McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to get ideas for what herbs I’d like to plant in my garden this year. It’s a pretty good reference guide for the medicinal properties of different herbs. Not a comprehensive guide, but it does include many recipes, which is a bonus.

[Lauren Luedtke · Rating 5 out of 5]

my neighbor (i’ve talked to her like 3 times) came over and went “i own a copy of this book and i really like it. so i bought a copy for you since i figured you’d like it.”

thank u nancy

[Ej Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEED a physical copy of this book. I’m so inspired I already made my first herbal remedy (pls heal me from this cold)

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

really enjoyed this but less of a reading book and more as a reference book

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent beginner’s guide which provides information on a handful of medicinal plants and some recipes where you can utilize them. I found chapter 2 the most helpful which outlines the basic formulas for making your own remedies at home. I wouldn’t mind some information on how to identify the plants that grow wild so I don’t accidentally poison myself but maybe that’s a separate book.

[Joshua J · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, easy to read and simple guide to herbs for any beginner.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and approachable guide. Rosemary got me inspired to brew and decoct all weekend long.

[XcQ · Rating 1 out of 5]

ok listen, i think that traditional medicine is absolutely valuable, and i encourage people to/personally have grown herbs myself, but some of the shit that rosemary gladstar pushes in this book is just nonsense. herbal remedies are rarely (if ever) more effective or 'safer' than pharmaceuticals. store-bought herbal medications have much lower quality control standards, if any, than pharmaceuticals. the vast majority of people are not equipped to diagnose themselves and administer medicine to themselves, unless it's obviously proven treatments (washing & bandaging a cut, for example) or for very minor injuries, like a cut!

in fact, herbal remedies can often be harmful! goldenseal and st. john's wort, two plants mentioned in this book, are both well-known to have extremely negative effects in conjunction with other substances, especially pharmaceuticals that you might already be taking. goldenseal often slows the speed at which your body processes certain medications (ESPECIALLY ssri's), and st john's wort often increases the toxicity of ingested substances to insanely dangerous levels. i say 'often' because i can't speak with certainty that this will happen to anybody reading this, should you try this stuff. that's on you, man.

oh, also, stop peddling this 'organic' vs. 'non-organic' bullshit! do y'all not get that whether or not a substance grew out of the ground or not isn't gonna make a difference? pharmaceuticals, gardening additives, food additives, whatever, aren't these mysterious dangerous chemicals that just suddenly sprung out of some shadowy laboratory somewhere. we (as in, Scientifically Minded Humans) (not really me lol) create these substances based off of substantiated research, which is often based upon compounds and substances found in nature!! please for the love of god be skeptical of capitalism and the government and shit, not your medication!!!!!!

the gardening stuff in this book probably works though, iunno

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beginner's guide as stated in the subtitle. So it is neither comprehensive in its list of herbs nor in its list of applications.

I do believe that Ms. Gladstar has done an excellent job of explaining the benefits of herbs for health. Also in selecting some of the most readily available herbs, in North America at least, for readers to purchase or grow their own.

You will learn the difference between an infusion and a decoction and how to go about making them. Or simply making your own herbal teas and flavorful foods. There is discussion of medicinal oils, syrups, salves and tinctures and what each is good for.

You will also learn how to apply remedies by bath, poultice, or compress and considerations for treating children, and chronic or acute problems.

That said, you will probably not learn these all on your first read. I read this as a Kindle book and believe that would be the best format to own it in. This is a wonderful beginner's reference and the page links in the table of contents and the great index will help to quickly find what you need when you need it.

If you find yourself referring to it often you'll probably have the interest in a complete herbal manual. However, you won't find a better place to start your adventures in herbs.

[Sarah Rockwell-Kinney Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful beginner's guide to medicinal herbs. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and love how it sets out to dispel any negative feelings about growing, using and integrating into yours and your family's everyday life. I also greatly appreciate the simple breakdown on how to make your own tea blend, syrups, salves and tinctures. This book also contains a plethora of "recipes" to assist with everyday problems such as cold related coughing, allergies, relaxation aids, digestive aids, acne treatments, PMS symptom aids, and so much. A must have for herbalists and those looking to take their health into their own hands!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I've read it several times over the years and have tried several of her recipes. Fantastic beginners guide. Our favorite is the candula salve- we use it on a regular basis and it works very well. Her instructions on picking and drying the flowers and clear. Instructions for making salves is easy to follow.

I also really enjoy the Chamomile tea for sleep. I have several of the herbs she recommends now growing in our yard and I look forward to finding more favorite uses from them. Highly recommend for anyone interested in getting started with medicinal herbs.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure.

I have to admit, when I read the book's enthusiastic encouragement to use this herb or that, in this preparation or that, for anyone, adult or child – I was a little uneasy. I know herbs have been used for millennia, but I also know that the traditional medical community gets a bit shirty about self-doctoring; I also know children have very different needs and tolerances. But this isn't a casual hobbyist's manual – at least, it can be read that way, but it was not written so. It is a thoroughly knowledgeable guide to safe use of herbs., and lovely to look at.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle and affirming

This is a lovely overview of some of the most readily available and helpful herbs. So many herbalists have Ridgid lists of how to prepare, what the herb is good for and how to cultivate. Gladstar recognizes that there is not a whole lot of consensus with these common herbs and honors their hardiness in cultivation. I love her attitude towards her plants and her garden. I only wish she had gone further into the energetics of the herbs. She only does this with a couple of them.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great as an introduction to herbalism. Rosemary gives the concrete knowledge of what each plant does, its history, how to grow it, and ways to use it/what to make it into - all in lovely, easy to read prose and with plentiful photos to inspire. I also appreciate that she does not dismiss western science, but rather shows what's been done for centuries and how the two practices can work in conjunction with one another (though herbalism can be more preventative than western medicine). I will definitely be using this book as a source for years to come.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. Lots of god, basic information. It did cover a lot of what I already knew about general preparation (making infused oil, tinctures, salves, etc). The instructions were simple and will be a good reference.

I loved the pictures of all the herbs. The visuals made me realize how common a lot of herbs are. I was able to recognize a few by sight, but never knew they had medicinal qualities. Love it!

I would recommend this book.