The Complete Folk Herbal An Illustrated Guide to Natural Remedies and Everyday Healing

A definitive, beautifully illustrated guide to the rich folklore, history, and utility of wild herbs that are readily available across North America.

The Complete Folk Herbal is a comprehensive guide to Western folk herbalism designed to help you harness the natural medicinal and healing powers of wild plants. Experienced forager and ethnobotanist Rebecca Beyer offers an in-depth exploration of how plants can be used for medicine, ethical considerations in foraging, and the unique histories of these herbs. With easy-to-implement practices that are grounded in sustainability, she demonstrates how to work with plants to soothe everyday pains, including headaches, burns, backaches, menstrual pain, itching, insomnia, fatigue, and dozens of other minor ailments and maladies.

The Complete Folk Herbal provides an encyclopedic deep dive into nearly 100 North American herbs, flowers, and fruits—from agrimony to yellowroot. Each entry includes:

-ORIGINS: Where does the plant originate from?
-PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: What does the plant look like in the wild?
-TRADITIONAL USES: How was this plant used historically?
-MODERN USES: How can you work with this plant today?
-MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS: Recipes to make with the plant, including teas, decoctions, tinctures, balms, salves, and more.

While it’s true no single book will ever offer a complete picture of the herbal arts, The Complete Folk Herbal will help you refine your skills and begin a lifelong journey of herbal healing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced herbalist.

Rebecca Beyer is the woman behind the Blood and Spicebush School of Old Craft. She lives in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she manages a homestead and teaches traditional witchcraft, foraging, and Appalachian folk medicine. She has a BS in plant and soil science from the University of Vermont and a master’s in Appalachian studies and sustainability, concentrating in Appalachian ethnobotany at Appalachian State University. She is also a member of the Association of Foragers. She spends her days trying to learn what her ancestors did and finding ways to share traditional skills while tackling cultural appropriation and the complexities of living in the modern world.