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THE BOOTSTRAP GUIDE TO MEDICINAL HERBS IN THE GARDEN, FIELD, AND MARKETPLACE
by Lee Sturdivant

In this guide to growing and selling medicinal herbs, part 1 presents detailed information on growing medicinal herb blossoms, echinacea, ginseng, Chinese medicinal herbs, and mushrooms. The authors discuss "wildcrafting" (collecting herbs from the wild and from public land), the practice of medical herbalism, processing herbs into products, and regulations governing the herbs. Part 2 discusses the importance of growing herbs and what machinery and tools are needed to get started. Instructions are given on propagation, planting and cultivation, harvesting, processing, drying, and selling. There is an alphabetical list of 75 medicinal herbs, including bloodroot, catnip, dandelion, garlic, horehound, lavender, licorice, nettle, plantain, and Saint-John's-wort (which seems to be the accepted cure-all these days). The latest in the publisher's Bootstrap guides. (George Cohen)
The COMPLETE BOOK OF HERBS
by Lesley Bremness

Look no further, this book will give you everything you ever wanted to know and more about herbs. The only thing else you might want is a more elaborate book on herb garden design...but don't be dismayed the section on herb garden design is very complete and inspiring. ACTUALLY TELLS YOU HOW TO USE THEM! My wife and I love to use herbs particularly culinary, tea, and medicinal. This was the only book we came across that had detailed and useful information that was easily understood on how to use herbs in practical ways.

The book covers garden design, making herbal decorations, use in the kitchen with many recipes, household uses of herbs, beauty care use of herbs, essential oils, health uses of herbs, cultivation and harvesting of herbs and a very complete index of over 100 herbs. The herbal index is great. It contains full color photographs of the foliage, flowers, seed, dried leaves, and roots as applicable to each herb. A short history is given along with cultivation, harvest information, and uses (including what parts for what use).

It has a nice section on making potpourri. The beauty use section is complete with recipes. The table of essential oils is very complete and useful. The health section describes different general preparation techniques and an A-Z guide of ailments with accompanying herbal remedies. The herb cultivating section is complete and useful.

The title says it all, get this book and you will learn something new about herbs every time you pick it up. We reference it all the time. It is invaluable to any gardening or health library. (Robert T. Tynan)
GROWING AND USING LAVENDER
by Patricia R. Barrett

What could be more delightful than a row of lavender in the garden or a big pot of lavender next to the doorway, delighting all who pass with its heavenly fragrance. This Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin can increase your knowledge about lavender. Patti Barrett describes the types of lavender that can be grown: hardy lavenders, tender lavenders, and other types of lavenders. Growing and culture of Lavender. Propagation, planting location and growing hints and tips, container gardening, pruning, and harvest, with many sketches and line drawings. Patti Barrett explains the many uses of lavender. She also includes sections on the medicinal uses of lavender, cooking recipes with lavender, and many lavender home crafts for gifts.

Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins contain practical, hands-on instructions, pictures and sketches designed to help you master country living skills quickly and easily. From traditional outdoor skills to the newest organic gardening techniques, Storey's Bulletins provide a foundation of earth-friendly information for the way you want to live today.

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.
GROWING HERBS FROM SEED, CUTTING AND ROOT; An Adventure in Small Miracles
by Thomas Debaggio

Another a top-notch reference from Thomas DeBaggio for herb- gardening enthusiasts. This offers detailed information and instructions for those who want to learn how to grow their own herb plants from seeds, cuttings or division. He covers a variety of herbs, from basic kitchen staples to more exotic types. Along with his book on basil, "Growing Herbs ... An Adventure in Small Miracles" has a choice spot on my bookshelf. (Leslie Coons, Red Hook, NY)
HERBS FOR SALE
by Lee Sturdivant, Peggy Sue McRae

Sturdivant offers insightful interviews with entrepreneurs who have developed creative approaches to small businesses related to herbs. In most cases, the personal goals cited are tied to a more gratifying lifestyle, a love of gardening, or a desire to live in rural areas. For anyone thinking about venturing into the world of herbal products and herbal lore, or interested in delving into aspects of growing fresh herbs or selling craft items, the research here will be an asset. Sturdivant has many tips on basic small business skills, and her book is also a good resource for related publications, associations, and suppliers of plants, seeds, and equipment for growing and marketing herbs. (Alice Joyce)

I am an extension specialist who counsels people daily on new business opportunities in horticulture. This is one of the main books I recommend for someone who is considering starting a herb business. It is delightful to read and full of stories from folks who have done it. (Anonymous, Hendersonville, NC)
START YOUR OWN HERB AND HERBAL PRODUCTS BUSINESS
Entrepreneur Magazine's StartUp

Make a good living naturally, growing and selling herbs and herbal products

There's a huge demand for herbs and herbal products today. Cooks use herbs to enhance the flavors of their meals. Bath and beauty products use herbs for both their scents and therapeutic qualities. And herbal teas, candles, and potpourri are more popular than ever. As a result, the herb business is booming.

There are lots of ways to cash in on this lucrative opportunity. You can:
  • Sell fresh cut herbs to restaurants and markets
  • Sell potted plants to garden centers and home gardeners
  • Operate a display garden, retail shop and tea room on your own farm
  • Make herbal products from wreaths to herb vinegars and sell them at farmers markets and arts and crafts fairs
Best of all, your business can be as small or large as you want. You can start in a rooftop garden, a section of your backyard, an empty lot, or go all the way with your own farm and greenhouse. This essential guide not only shows you how to grow herbs, but also how o develop a wide range of herbal products you can sell to expand your business and improve profits. You'll learn everything you need to know, including expert advice on how to:
  • Grow, harvest and package the most popular herbs and edible flowers
  • Construct, operate and maintain your own herb garden or greenhouse
  • Create your own herbal products, including dips, jellies, teas, dream pillows, soaps, shampoos, fragrances, wreaths, note cards, and more!
  • Expand your business through wholesaling, mail order catalog sales, and newsletters
You also get useful sample forms, a glossary, additional resources, plus step-by-step instructions, checklists, and worksheets to guide you through each step of the start-up process and help you get started making your dream of owning your own business come true.
THE WAY OF HERBS
by Michael Tierra

This book is an excellent staple to understanding the basic properties of herbs, their energy (cool or warm) and what systems are affected. The definitions of herbal properties were clear and concise (alteratives, diuretics, etc.) The section on diagnosis and treatment listed Yin and Yang conditions and how to apply Yin/Yang theory to herbal medicine. This was helpful in understanding the energy of a plant. Both Western and Oriental herbs are listed in seperate sections and is fairly extensive. Most dosage recommendations, however, are listed in tincture or infusion form with little information on application through "00" or "0" capsules. In the Treatments for Specific Ailments section, the ailments are generalized like menstrual cramps, colds, constipation, coughs and sore throats, etc. While a very good basic foundation it does not elaborate on the different symptoms, for example, of a cold. Do they need a respiratory relaxant or stimulant, a demulcent or an anticatarrhal? Many of the remedies are in infusion or decoction form which is not practical for someone to have dry herbs in bulk to prepare this recommended blend. Also for client compliancy it is not realistic. The last chapter on magnetic therapy, while highly informative, has no place in an herbal resource book. I found this book to be in an easy to read format and a valuable basic resource book for a begining to intermediate herbalist. (Anonymous, Mooresville, NC)
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