What do you think?
Rate this book
Making Plant Medicine
Making Plant Medicine is about making herbal medicine. This is a modern medicine making book and formulary with its roots in original herbalism designed for every medicinal herb gardener to cultivate the full potential of the plant-human relationship. Richo Cech tells very good stories based on his experience as a global wanderer, herbalist and medicine maker. In the context of his lifelong love of gardening, he has procduced this long-awaited book that is original, amusing and absolutely useful.
Part 1: Medicine Making
* drying and processing herbs
* making tinctures the easy way
* the mathematics of tincturing and solubility factors
* basic formulas for fresh and dry tinctures, including dosages
* vinegar extracts, glycerites, herbal succi and syrups teas, decoctions, herbal oils, salves and creams poultices, compresses and soaks
Part 2: A Gardener's Formulary
This section covers well over 100 herbs that are readily cultivated in North America. The listings include: conservation status, parts used, specific formulas, practical uses, dosages, contraindications and an overview of alternate species.
Since the beginning, the garden has been a haven of good values, both physical and spiritual. The act of gardening provides a balm for every wound. May your medicine be of the garden, and may it be of benefit to all.
Part 1: Medicine Making
* drying and processing herbs
* making tinctures the easy way
* the mathematics of tincturing and solubility factors
* basic formulas for fresh and dry tinctures, including dosages
* vinegar extracts, glycerites, herbal succi and syrups teas, decoctions, herbal oils, salves and creams poultices, compresses and soaks
Part 2: A Gardener's Formulary
This section covers well over 100 herbs that are readily cultivated in North America. The listings include: conservation status, parts used, specific formulas, practical uses, dosages, contraindications and an overview of alternate species.
Since the beginning, the garden has been a haven of good values, both physical and spiritual. The act of gardening provides a balm for every wound. May your medicine be of the garden, and may it be of benefit to all.
276 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2000
122 people are currently reading
1776 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 29, 2015
(also posted on my site The Paperback Stash)
Cech writes a book I've been waiting for - something truly in depth that talks about tinctures in more than just a paragraph or so. While saying it's perfectly fine to make tinctures in the 'simplers manner' - and he explains how to do this - his reasons for making consistent batches with measurements for continued accuracy and control makes perfect sense. He brings up the merits many herbalists do regarding the benefits of alcohol as a medium - besides preserving the herbal properties better than other products in nature, besides working better to extract from most herbs over glycerine and ACV, and besides bringing up how alcohol is such a wonderful carrier of herbs or other substances through the bloodstream into the body, he brings up the important points on how little of alcohol is consumed when taking the standard tincture dose, and eases some common misconceptions. Several chapters are devoted to tinctures alone, through various ways of extracting, detailed information on straining, pressing, and sifting. Things I've never read anywhere else were in here, quite a treat considering all the herbals I've read out there.
But of course that's not all. Full chapters are devoted to glycerites and which herbs are best suited for them, Vinegar extracts, Teas and Decoctions, Herbal Syrups and Succi, Oils, Salves, Creams, Poultices, Soaks, and Compresses. The best herbs for each are given, with examples, and it's hard to walk away without being more confident than if you read other standard herbals briefly brushing over this important aspect of herbalism.
A true gem of Making Plant Medicine is the Herbal Formulary, which showcases over 500 herbs with each having it's exact best method of preparation discussed, as well as ratio. Before reading this, for example, I hadn't known Astraglus was best extracted in water with just a bit of alcohol to preserve as an unusual type of tincture/tea, rather than just a tincture alone. Tidbits about my favorite herbs makes this book priceless. It's backed with contradictions and use of each herb, and even packs more punch by delivering personal testimonials, dosages, and - of course - a full chapter devoted exclusively to the mathematics of tincturing. Marvelous!
Written in a straight forward, down to earth, and enthusiastic manner, it's hard not to get excited about herbs all over again when you read the stories of Richo and his family, their adventures with the herbs, and how complex our plants and bodies really are. A book that does not merely skim the surface in any stretch of the imagination.
Cech writes a book I've been waiting for - something truly in depth that talks about tinctures in more than just a paragraph or so. While saying it's perfectly fine to make tinctures in the 'simplers manner' - and he explains how to do this - his reasons for making consistent batches with measurements for continued accuracy and control makes perfect sense. He brings up the merits many herbalists do regarding the benefits of alcohol as a medium - besides preserving the herbal properties better than other products in nature, besides working better to extract from most herbs over glycerine and ACV, and besides bringing up how alcohol is such a wonderful carrier of herbs or other substances through the bloodstream into the body, he brings up the important points on how little of alcohol is consumed when taking the standard tincture dose, and eases some common misconceptions. Several chapters are devoted to tinctures alone, through various ways of extracting, detailed information on straining, pressing, and sifting. Things I've never read anywhere else were in here, quite a treat considering all the herbals I've read out there.
But of course that's not all. Full chapters are devoted to glycerites and which herbs are best suited for them, Vinegar extracts, Teas and Decoctions, Herbal Syrups and Succi, Oils, Salves, Creams, Poultices, Soaks, and Compresses. The best herbs for each are given, with examples, and it's hard to walk away without being more confident than if you read other standard herbals briefly brushing over this important aspect of herbalism.
A true gem of Making Plant Medicine is the Herbal Formulary, which showcases over 500 herbs with each having it's exact best method of preparation discussed, as well as ratio. Before reading this, for example, I hadn't known Astraglus was best extracted in water with just a bit of alcohol to preserve as an unusual type of tincture/tea, rather than just a tincture alone. Tidbits about my favorite herbs makes this book priceless. It's backed with contradictions and use of each herb, and even packs more punch by delivering personal testimonials, dosages, and - of course - a full chapter devoted exclusively to the mathematics of tincturing. Marvelous!
Written in a straight forward, down to earth, and enthusiastic manner, it's hard not to get excited about herbs all over again when you read the stories of Richo and his family, their adventures with the herbs, and how complex our plants and bodies really are. A book that does not merely skim the surface in any stretch of the imagination.
December 22, 2008
My study of herbs was put on the side since I received my Master Herbalist certification and started to study nutrition in depth. Making Plant Medicine caught my eye when I was placing an order at Horizonherbs.com. What a valuable book! When studying to become a Master Herbalist at the School of Natural Healing, I never felt that I had mastered measurements in making tinctures etc.. and definitely not the mathematics of figuring percentages of the solutions.
The book contains specific ratios of solutions for many herbs and the generally accepted ratios to use for herbs not listed. Part one of the book is a pleasure to read. In his stories he describes some of his formulas. Part two is the list of herbs and what ratios and solutions are best for the particular herb.
Making Plant Medicine brought some herbs to my attention for a current condition in at least one of my children, of which I am grateful. I am going to order them tomorrow and make the preparation/formula described in the book. It also re-fired up my desire to get really familiar with a handful of herbs instead of knowing a little about a lot of herbs and relying on books for the detail. I was inspired all over again to study deeper into chemistry and to really know herbal constitutes and their actions.
An inspiring book! Now I really want the tincture press Horizon Herbs makes!
The book contains specific ratios of solutions for many herbs and the generally accepted ratios to use for herbs not listed. Part one of the book is a pleasure to read. In his stories he describes some of his formulas. Part two is the list of herbs and what ratios and solutions are best for the particular herb.
Making Plant Medicine brought some herbs to my attention for a current condition in at least one of my children, of which I am grateful. I am going to order them tomorrow and make the preparation/formula described in the book. It also re-fired up my desire to get really familiar with a handful of herbs instead of knowing a little about a lot of herbs and relying on books for the detail. I was inspired all over again to study deeper into chemistry and to really know herbal constitutes and their actions.
An inspiring book! Now I really want the tincture press Horizon Herbs makes!
August 11, 2008
Richo Chech somehow managed to stuff the teqnique and strengths for preparing teas, tinctures, poltice, salves, compress, and baths into a fairly compact paperback! He gives the reader confidence by allowing them to experiance making medicine through his short stories, this guidence encourages the reader to visualize the steps; allowing a smooth transition into application. It shares a variety of remidies that any house would be blessed to experiance. The presentation is unintimidating, yet very well organized and full of complex details ...(constituents and extraction meathods for the more experianced herbalist)... yet offers simple soaks and teas that are equally helpful! Not to mention a nice stock of herbs and thier uses. Very very easy to use! YES! Great first herbal book, great 26th herbal book... great book.
May 19, 2013
definitely in the top 3 most frequently consulted books in my herbal library. this book is indispensable. the information is excellent and the writing itself is concise and good natured. the anecdotes are priceless. if you have any desire to make medicine from plants, this book will be a trusty friend.
January 19, 2017
The most comprehensive books I've ever read on the topic. Excellent, detailed instructions on making folk and mathematical tinctures, plus teas and decoctions, syrups, salves, oils, creams, poulstices, compresses, soaks, Succi, glycerine's, and vinegar extracts. Also contains a dictionary of info on how to use specific herbs.
February 6, 2008
This book is great for straight forward tincture directions. I like how it's broken down by plant and addresses all the possible uses.
March 22, 2021
Richo Cech's writing certainly makes for a delightful read; It meanders through stories and anecdotes to the concise, clearly given instructions for making plant medicines like tinctures, syrups, salves, balms, and other concoctions without being drawn out or making me feel like the author was trying to pad out the book for lack of, what most would consider, the "important" content.
I feel a lot of people might not like the casual tone of the book; sometimes it feels like reading someone's family stories rather than an instructional book for making medicine, but the stories are kept short (2-3 pages in most cases), and I wasn't annoyed or bored reading them.
The herbarium in the second-half of the book is also a definite help. There's a lot of plants in there that I had not heard of nor been able to find information about them online, and although the entries are short (1-3 pages usually), they contain a wealth of information given in a clear, easy-to-read format that isn't difficult to follow for beginners or casual readers.
I strongly recommend Making Plant Medicine for anyone who has even a passing interest in herbalism. It is not overly flowery, nor does it feel like any one part of the book is a padding to fill the pages. It's very easy to read and I'm sure novices and even the more "advanced" herbalists alike will be able to find something of worth in this lovely book!
I feel a lot of people might not like the casual tone of the book; sometimes it feels like reading someone's family stories rather than an instructional book for making medicine, but the stories are kept short (2-3 pages in most cases), and I wasn't annoyed or bored reading them.
The herbarium in the second-half of the book is also a definite help. There's a lot of plants in there that I had not heard of nor been able to find information about them online, and although the entries are short (1-3 pages usually), they contain a wealth of information given in a clear, easy-to-read format that isn't difficult to follow for beginners or casual readers.
I strongly recommend Making Plant Medicine for anyone who has even a passing interest in herbalism. It is not overly flowery, nor does it feel like any one part of the book is a padding to fill the pages. It's very easy to read and I'm sure novices and even the more "advanced" herbalists alike will be able to find something of worth in this lovely book!
November 22, 2018
Absolutely delightful intro to herbalism.
Cech goes over a wide variety of topics, including
- Tincture making (including mathematics of tincturing, tincture ratios, etc)
- Balm and salve making
- Succus (juice-making)
- Decoctions (Tisanes, or teas; water-based herbal refinements)
- Vinegars (rarely talked about these days)
- Poultice making
And much more. Cech starts almost every chapter with a pleasant, rambling kind of story that he uses as a segue into whatever the main topic of the chapter is. Some people find this annoying, but I didn't; I felt it helped keep up the reader's interest, and they weren't too long that I felt like I should skip ahead to get to the "meat" of the chapter either.
If you're looking for a good starting book, this one is excellent. The second half of the book is devoted to various herbs and their preferred methods of preparations. There's over 100 different herbs detailed and some of them are quite exotic; Several Chinese, Indian, and other exotics are detailed in this section which most beginner herbalists might not have access too or want to acquire when they start, but there are plenty of more common species described as well.
Cech goes over a wide variety of topics, including
- Tincture making (including mathematics of tincturing, tincture ratios, etc)
- Balm and salve making
- Succus (juice-making)
- Decoctions (Tisanes, or teas; water-based herbal refinements)
- Vinegars (rarely talked about these days)
- Poultice making
And much more. Cech starts almost every chapter with a pleasant, rambling kind of story that he uses as a segue into whatever the main topic of the chapter is. Some people find this annoying, but I didn't; I felt it helped keep up the reader's interest, and they weren't too long that I felt like I should skip ahead to get to the "meat" of the chapter either.
If you're looking for a good starting book, this one is excellent. The second half of the book is devoted to various herbs and their preferred methods of preparations. There's over 100 different herbs detailed and some of them are quite exotic; Several Chinese, Indian, and other exotics are detailed in this section which most beginner herbalists might not have access too or want to acquire when they start, but there are plenty of more common species described as well.
November 19, 2023
Great in-depth knowledge from a credible source on herbal medicine. Today the internet if flooded with “books” (PDFs) that call themselves herbal remedies. The fact is these cheap products have bad information and misleading claims both of which can lead to dangerous situations when deals with herbs. Richo Czech’s book is quite the opposite. Warnings about the correct and incorrect ways to use herbal medicine and the proper way to prepare and preserve your concoctions. More people should be referring to this book than internet groups or keyboard warriors.
March 20, 2021
This is the book I go back to, over and over, for 20 years. Easy to read, easy to follow directions on making tinctures, salves, syrups, etc - and which preparation is best for which herbs. I find the index helpful as well - separate indices for plants by name, and for health conditions. Every now and then, I go to look up an herb only to find that it isnt included, but I still love this book.
May 21, 2017
Extremely useful, concise book on making herbal medicine in all forms. I'd recommend getting it first if you're interested in the topic, and any other book after you finished this one! It also contains materia medica for all herbs that are commonly used.
Read
January 6, 2022Richo is among the finest in the arts of medicine making, no doubt about it. This book is an essential apothecary tool especially for new or intermediate herbalists who will benefit greatly from his guidance in ratios and best preparations for individual plants.
May 9, 2020
I highly recommend this book as a reference for making herbal medicines. It is thorough, easy to read, and well organized.
June 16, 2020
If you are interested in making your own tinctures, this book is a MUST have!
July 10, 2022
Very well organized and a lot of detail on harvesting, tinctures, teas, dosage, etc.
August 24, 2022
A must have for anyone wanting to learn about herbal medicine making.
July 15, 2023
a composite of information so dense youd think itd be a chore to unpack, but genuinely such a beautiful and easy read :)
Want to read
March 11, 2017l can't even get access to the book l want to read, why?
January 23, 2023
“May your medicine be of the garden and may it be of benefit to all.”
Let me start with a disclaimer: While I’m beyond grateful for modern medicine and all the advancements that have been made in the medical field, sometimes I just feel like it’s a good idea to get back to the basics and seek out nature’s remedies when possible. I’ve been learning about and using essential oils with great success for several years now, but I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of making medicinal teas and tinctures, poultices and compresses, and balms and salves. Enter this book, Making Plant Medicine!
I love how the author uses anecdotal stories to describe his experiences as a global wanderer, herbalist, and medicine maker. I love a good story! He also gives clear, concise, and very detailed instructions for making medicines with herbs. The book is divided into two parts with part 1 explaining the different ways to use the herbs, as well as, the process of making the medicines, and part 2 containing a formulary of all the common herbs cultivated in North America.
This is a small book, but it packs a big punch, with a wealth of information written in an engaging, easy-to-read style. I heartily recommend it for anyone interested in herbalism.
Let me start with a disclaimer: While I’m beyond grateful for modern medicine and all the advancements that have been made in the medical field, sometimes I just feel like it’s a good idea to get back to the basics and seek out nature’s remedies when possible. I’ve been learning about and using essential oils with great success for several years now, but I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of making medicinal teas and tinctures, poultices and compresses, and balms and salves. Enter this book, Making Plant Medicine!
I love how the author uses anecdotal stories to describe his experiences as a global wanderer, herbalist, and medicine maker. I love a good story! He also gives clear, concise, and very detailed instructions for making medicines with herbs. The book is divided into two parts with part 1 explaining the different ways to use the herbs, as well as, the process of making the medicines, and part 2 containing a formulary of all the common herbs cultivated in North America.
This is a small book, but it packs a big punch, with a wealth of information written in an engaging, easy-to-read style. I heartily recommend it for anyone interested in herbalism.
May 1, 2009
Making Plant Medicine contains current info that could be used by anyone to make masterful tinctures, teas, or herbal syrups. It compliments Spagyrics The Alchemical Preparation of Medicinal Essences, Tinctures, and Elixirs, which preserves information about alchemical symbols and previous astrological corelations that aren't so popular since we got glasses thick enough to see pluto.
February 9, 2008
Great reference book, especially for tinctures, though i think richo is a kook. Probably a good kook.
April 3, 2008
Good reference!
Want to read
March 24, 2010Looking forward to this one! Hawthorne tree? Foxglove? Ashwaganda? Ring any bells for you?
February 25, 2011
A very thorough 'how to'. I keep it handy when making herbal things for myself, my family, and my online herbal store.
February 26, 2011
If your looking at making medicine with plants, this book should be on your shelf. From tinctures and extracts to salves and poultices.
December 11, 2014
great for beginners
January 8, 2016
This is my "Go To" book for dosing and ratios.
January 26, 2016
Richo Cech rocks.
February 25, 2019
This is an essential book for herbalists- excellent descriptions of the benefits (and dangers) of many herbs unaddressed by other authors. Clear guide to medicine-making. Richo and his family are dedicated herbalists who invite others to understand the earth and her medicine.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews