Herbalism & State Violence: Practical Herbal Medicine for Surviving State Repression

by Nicole Rose

State violence is a brutal reality for vast numbers of people. It is an experience that is racialised, classed and gendered in its design and application. It intersects with nearly all forms of oppression. Plant medicines can be a tool for solidarity and resistance; they can practically support us to survive and they can help us recover from trauma.

From herbal care for handcuff injuries to healing from incarceration, this book looks at examples from around the world of herbal solidarity in practice. Writing from her lived experience of incarceration, political organising and of running the Solidarity Apothecary, Nicole Rose explores some of the many connections between herbalism and struggles for liberation. Through recipes, remedies and stories from the herbal frontlines, she invites us to connect with our allies in struggle – the plants – to rest, to heal and to continue the fight.

Genres: Nonfiction

444 pages

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Kitty Stryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed full of information, and is incredibly detailed. I really appreciated the personal stories to ground the information, alongside recipes and applications that can be acted on. It is very accommodating to non-linear reading, which allows someone to pick it up and focus on their particular areas of interest first. I learned so much through reading this, and I feel like I will continue to learn a lot! Whether you are an activist looking to expand your knowledge, or an herbalist looking to do more solidarity work, I feel like this book is a wonderful resource.