17 Best Herb and Herbalism Courses and Books for Beginners [and Pros!]
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In 2020, people in the United States spent over $10 billion on herbal dietary supplements. That’s an incredible figure considering you can easily make many herbal remedies yourself, in the comfort of your own home, and you’ll know exactly what goes into it!
And, then consider that this figure only included supplements where the particular herb was the primary ingredient and didn’t include things like herbal teas or herbal drug ingredients in over-the-counter medicines!
It makes a strong case for starting a herbal business of your own though, which would make the perfect side hustle for homesteaders, or even a full-time income.
Perhaps not surprisingly, considering its recent increase in popularity for boosting your immune system, Elderberry came out on top, with sales over $275 million.
Ashwagandha root and apple cider vinegar both saw a big increase in sales growth, and I extend my congratulations to the Chaga mushroom, which made its first appearance in the top 40!
If you would like to make your own herbal products and remedies, I have some excellent resources for you. You’ll find a table of contents below which splits the resources up into courses and books so you can choose the medium that suits you best.
Enjoy your herbal journey and tell us about it in the comments, we’re in this together!
The Best Online Herbalism Courses for Beginners
1. Introductory Herbal Course by The Herbal Academy
Would you like to start your journey into herbal medicine but feel like you don't know where to start? Worried you may not have the time or the resources?
The Herbal Academy's Introductory Herbal Course is affordable, convenient, and self-paced. By the end of this course, you'll be excited to start making your own herbal teas, tinctures, and body products. You'll learn a range of recipes for the kitchen, and benefits of spices and herbs you never knew about.
This course is perfect for students who have little or no experience with herbs!
2. Making Herbal Preparations 101
Making Herbal Preparations 101 offers a broad foundation to the world of making your own herbal recipes. It's the perfect start to your journey into the world of herbs, covering basic herbal formulas that help you build your own nourishing formulas.
The course includes 33 herbal recipes from salves and oils to tea and tinctures. This short mini course is perfect for beginners and includes hands-on activities, videos, and charts to help you get started.
3. The Family Herbalist Package
The Herbal Academy's Family Herbalist Package combines both the introductory and intermediate level herbal courses - and offers a great discount vs buying them individually!
If you dream of having the knowledge to support yourself and your family naturally, this is a great starter course.
It helps you replace your household items with natural alternatives and gets you on the road to making your own herbal syrups, tinctures, first-aid, bug sprays, and much more.
4. The Craft of Herbal Fermentation
The Craft of Herbal Fermentation launches you into the world of exciting herbal fermentation, including herbal mead, kombucha, water kefir, herbal beer, and herbal lacto-fermented food.
This course is perfect for beginners, enthusiasts, and experienced homebrewers. Its focus is on incorporating herbs into your fermentation practice, with lessons loaded with techniques and inspiration.
5. Herbal Self-Care for Stress Management
Chronic stress takes a huge toll on all aspects of our health, and our life in general. Stress manifests in all areas, from our physical well-being to our emotional and mental well-being.
The Herbal Academy's Herbal Self-Care for Stress Management course explains the effects of stress on our well-being and teaches you several holistic methods of dealing with stress.
In today's environment, this course is an absolute lifesaver!
6. Herbalism for Kids [Online Nature Camp]
Herbalism for Kids is a wonderful 4-week journey into herbalism for kids of all ages. It's chock-full of engaging, hands-on educational activities and fun, designed to spark their curiosity and interest in the wild world of plants.
Week 3 is my favorite - Have Fun in the Kitchen! This lesson is packed full of kid-friendly herbal recipes and treats - how about some herb ice cream, yummy popsicles, or Flower Power Jigglers? Then, we'll make some herbal playdough!
Sign up a single camper or your entire family!
7. The Foraging Course by The Herbal Academy
Are you ready to create some wonderful plant-based recipes to soothe your soul and heal your body, using plant materials you foraged yourself?
This Foraging Course teaches you how to forage for wild edibles and herbs - ethically and sustainably. The course includes 48 recipes, guides videos, and 24 in-depth plant profiles.
It's perfect for beginners and experienced foragers!
8. The Mushroom Course
Enter the fascinating and mysterious world of fungi with this awesome Mushroom Course from The Herbal Academy!
This is your complete guide for learning everything about fungi, safe mushroom foraging, and how to incorporate them into your diet. The course includes videos and written modules to help you identify mushrooms correctly, as well as a deep-dive into 20 wild mushrooms.
Get started right away by registering for the course and ordering the Mushroom Foraging Kit so you're ready to hit the woods!
The Best Herb Books for Beginners
9. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine [550 Herbs]
This comprehensive guide outlines over 550 healing herbs for your health and well-being. It teaches you how to grow and harvest your own herbs, as well as make your own treatments.
This is a complete encyclopedia of herbs and plants with their healing properties!
10. Rosemary Gladstar’s Beginner’s Guide to Medicinal Herbs
This wonderful introductory guide shows you how easy it is to make your own herbal remedies. It outlines 33 common healing plants and explains how to grow, harvest, prepare, and use them. Stock your herbal medicine cabinet with homemade tinctures, oils, and creams!
11. The Green Witch: Complete Guide to Natural Magic
Learn the way of the green witch; the naturalist, the herbalist, the wise woman, and the healer. Embrace the power of nature and learn how to use herbs, plants, and flowers to make potions and herbal blends for everyday healing.
This book also includes info on crystals and gems to help you find balance and harmony, as well as recipes for sacred foods and how to listen to nature.
Embrace your own power and discover what nature has in store for you!
12. Herbal Medicine for Beginners
Confidently craft your own herbal medicine with this great guide for beginners. Heal yourself and your family with specific information about 35 essential plants, what they treat, and how to use them.
13. Fire Cider!
Fire Cider! is a lively collection of 101 recipes contributed by more than 70 herbal enthusiasts, with energizing versions ranging from Black Currant Fire Cider to Triple Goddess Vinegar, Fire Cider Dark Moonshine, and Bloody Mary Fire Cider.
Herbal Starter Kits
14. DIY Fire Cider Kit
Make your own quart jar of fire cider tonic to keep in your home remedy supply stash! This type of tonic is traditionally used for a variety of ailments, and even for cooking. Flavor is tangy and spicy. Sealed bag includes all organic ingredients and comes with directions on the label.
15. DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit
Making your own syrup is a fantastic way to save money and keep your family well. It is fragrant, sweet, and your kids will love it.
This kit contains enough to make 24oz or more syrup when you add your honey. To make the syrup just stew the contents of the bag in filtered water. Allow to cool and add honey. Full directions come with each bag.