These Are The 10 Best Native American Herbal Medicine Books

best native American herbal medicine books

Following our articles on the best herbal medicine books and top natural remedies books, many of our readers reached out to us asking for a list of – specifically – the best Native American herbal medicine books.

Native Americans have a long and rich history of using herbal medicine for healing. In fact, many modern medicines are derived from plants that were first used by Native Americans.

I ”scavenged” the web to find the best Native American herbal medicine books (both modern and traditional) that are currently available to purchase. These native American herbal remedies books will teach you about the healing power of plants, and how to use them for various conditions.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about native American herbal medicine, these books are a great place to start.

☝️ While I did my best to curate a list of great books, I might have missed a few. If you have any recommendations for Native American herbal medicine books that you think should be on this list, please let me know in the comments below!

Best Native American Herbal Medicine Books

Use the links below to “jump” straight to the book’s description

*Prices for each book are based on the date this article was written.

1. The Lost Book of Herbal Medicines (Recommended)

  • Authors: Claude Davis and Dr. Nicole Apelian
  • Pages: 304
  • Price: $42 (paperback)
  • Publication Year: 2020
  • Available as: Paperback, Digital

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is a comprehensive guide, written by Dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis,

Dr. Nicole Aperlian is a herbalist with over 20 years of experience and Claude Davis is a wild west expert who is passionate about herbalism and natural health. Together, they have created a well- researched book that is a must-have for anyone interested in herbal medicine.

With over 550 powerful remedies and over 800 medicinal plants and natural remedies – you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Plus, with improved print quality, colored images (2-3 per plant) and more plant identification details, this book is probably the best native american herbal book you can lay your hands on.

Read Also: The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Review (Dr. Nicole Apelian)

2. The Native American Herbalist’s Bible [9 Books in 1]

  • Author: The Green Which
  • Pages: 312
  • Price: $39 (Hardcover)
  • Publication Year: 2021
  • Available as: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback, Hardcover

The Green Witch – the author of this book – is a renowned author and herbalist who has decided to share all of her knowledge about healing herbs and long life elixirs in this collection of 9 books.

The Green Witch was born in 1921 in the American village of Hidatsa and spent 30 years traveling around the world, learning from different tribes about their herbal remedies and recipes.

This compilation includes all of the information she has gathered over her lifetime, making it the perfect resource for anyone interested in Native American herbalism.

Whether you’re looking for information on specific herbs or hoping to find new recipes to try, The Native American Herbalist’s Bible is sure to have what you need.

3. Healing Secrets of the Native Americans

  • Author: Porter Shimer
  • Pages: 208
  • Price: $13.19 (Hardcover)
  • Publication Year: 2004
  • Available as: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

Ancient cultures have longed understood the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. The Native Americans were no different. In their quest to heal the whole person, they utilized a variety of methods and practices that are only now being rediscovered by the modern world.

In Healing Secrets of the Native Americans, you’ll explore the various techniques used by these indigenous people to bring harmony and balance back to your life. From dream therapy and spirituality to healing with heat, massage, sound, and movement, you’ll learn how to implement these time-honored practices into your own life.

You’ll also discover the nutritional benefits of more than 40 herbs and plants used by the Native Americans. Learn how to obtain and use these powerful ingredients to make teas, tinctures, salves, and more. With this book as your guide, you’ll be on your way to discovering the many secrets of Native American healing.

4. A Handbook of Native American Herbs

  • Author: Alma R. Hutchens
  • Pages: 272
  • Price: $72.44 (hardcover)
  • Publication Year: 1992
  • Available as: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

Looking for a pocket-sized guide to medicinal plants? Look no further than A Handbook of Native American Herbs. This handy reference book includes125 of the most useful medicinal plants found in North America, complete with illustrations and detailed descriptions.

Just some of the helpful topics covered include how to create herbal remedies for common ailments, the herbal traditions of North America and beyond, and facts about medicinally-useful kitchen herbs that might surprise you. You’ll also find all your favorite folk medicine staples like echinacea and slippery elm.

So whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just getting started on your natural health journey, this book is sure to be a valuable resource.

5. Herbalist’s Guide to Native American Remedies

  • Authors: Soveressence, Samantha Deere
  • Pages: 234
  • Price: $37.50 (hardcover)
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Available as: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

If you’re looking for a more holistic and self-sufficient approach to health, look no further than the Herbalist’s Guide to Native American Remedies. This comprehensive guide features three books in one, complete with full-color pages and detailed information on recommended dosages, stocking your own apothecary, and more.

You’ll learn about 40 different herbs, their recommended uses, and how to get the most benefits from each one. In addition, the book includes over 55 common health ailments and their indigenous remedies. With this guide, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, more natural lifestyle in no time!

6. The Cherokee Herbal

  • Author: J. T. Garrett
  • Pages: 288
  • Price: $15 (paperback)
  • Publication Year: 2003
  • Available as: Paperback, Kindle

Looking for a practical guide to the medicinal uses of over 450 plants and herbs? Then check out The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions! This helpful book details the uses of over 450 plants for the treatment of over 120 ailments, and is written by the coauthor of Medicine of the Cherokee – a book that sold over 40,000 copies.

Not only does The Cherokee Herbal explain the healing elements of the Four Directions and the plants associated with them, but it also includes traditional teaching tales as told to the author by Cherokee Elders. So if you’re looking for a one of the best native American herbal medicine books, be sure to pick up a copy of The Cherokee Herbal!

7. Native American Medicinal Plants: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary

  • Author: Daniel E. Moerman
  • Pages: 800
  • Price: $15 (paperback)
  • Publication Year: 2009
  • Available as: Paperback, Hardcover

Native American Medicinal Plants is an essential reference for students and professionals in the fields of anthropology, botany, and naturopathy. It is an engaging read for anyone interested in ethnobotany and natural healing.

This book describes the medicinal use of more than 2700 plants by 218 Native American tribes. Information includes 82 categories of medicinal uses, ranging from analgesics, contraceptives, gastrointestinal aids, hypotensive medicines, sedatives, and toothache remedies.

Native American Medicinal Plants includes extensive indexes arranged by tribe, usage, and common name, making it easy to access the wealth of information in the detailed catalog of plants.

The hardcover version of this 800-page behemoth of native american herbal medicine information costs $750 😱

8. Native American Herbal Apothecary: 2 BOOKS IN 1

  • Author: Tamaya Kawisenhawe
  • Pages: 215
  • Price: $11.97 (paperback)
  • Publication Year: 2020
  • Available as: Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle

If you’re looking to explore the fascinating world of Native American herbalism, this two-book set is the perfect place to start.

In “Native American Herbalism: 2 Books in 1,” you’ll learn about the spiritual history of herbalism and how to use herbs for physical and emotional healing. You’ll also get profiles of more than 40 Native American plants, with traditional illustrations and guidance on how to make effective use of their hidden powers.

Plus, you’ll find precise guidance on dosage and usage, updated with important modern warnings. With this comprehensive guide by your side, you’ll be able to confidently source, prepare, and use herbs for a wide variety of common ailments. So if you’re ready to experience the true power of herbal medicine, grab your copy of “Native American Herbalism” today!

9. Native American Herbalism For Families

  • Author: Daniel E. Moerman
  • Pages: 410
  • Price: $29.95 (Hardcover)
  • Publication Year: 2022
  • Available as: Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle

If you’re interested in herbalism and want to learn about plants that can help heal the body, mind, and spirit, Native American Herbalism for Families is the perfect book for you.

This 400-page book provides in-depth instructions on how to develop your herbal intuition and identify 100 different medicinal plants.

You’ll also find information on safe harvesting and processing methods, as well as how to create infusions, decoctions, salves, and more.

Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with herbalism, this book will be a valuable resource.

10. Essiac: A Native Herbal Cancer Remedy

  • Author: Cynthia Olsen
  • Pages: 144
  • Price: $9.79 (paperback)
  • Publication Year: 2004
  • Available as: Paperback, Kindle

If you’re looking for an all-natural cancer remedy that has been used by people for centuries -as well as the native American remedy that saved John F. Kennedy’s life, look no further than Essiac. This herbal-based formula has been shown to provide relief and regeneration for cancer patients, and is now available through health food stores.

The book provides a complete account of the recipe, doses and uses of Essiac, as well as testimonials from patients who have used it with success. You’ll also learn about the history and development of this remarkable remedy, and why it has been kept away from the mainstream medical establishment for so long.

Check scientific articles and research on Essiac here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Navajo people, also known as the Diné, have a rich tradition of using medicinal plants for healing purposes. Some of the herbs commonly used by the Navajo for healing include:

  1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – used for treating wounds, reducing inflammation, and as a digestive aid.
  2. Sage (Salvia spp.) – used for purification, protection, and as a smudge for ceremonial purposes.
  3. Juniper (Juniperus spp.) – used for respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, and as a smudge for ceremonial purposes.
  4. Cedar (Cedrus spp.) – used for respiratory issues, as a smudge for ceremonial purposes, and for purification.
  5. Osha root (Ligusticum spp.) – used for respiratory issues, digestive problems, and as a general tonic.
  6. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – used for respiratory issues, as a smudge for ceremonial purposes, and for purification.
  7. Yerba Mansa (Anemopsis californica) – used for skin issues, digestive problems, and as a general tonic.
  8. White sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana) – used for respiratory issues, as a smudge for ceremonial purposes, and for purification.
  9. Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.) – used for respiratory issues, as a smudge for ceremonial purposes, and for purification.
  10. Bee plant (Cleome serrulata) – used for digestive issues, as a smudge for ceremonial purposes, and for purification.
  11. Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.) – used for purification, protection, and as a smudge for ceremonial purposes.
  12. Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) – used for digestive issues, as a smudge for ceremonial purposes, and for purification.

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other herbs and plants used by the Navajo for healing purposes. 

The tobacco offering to ancestors is a Native American tradition that involves offering tobacco as a way to honor and communicate with ancestors and spirit guides.

This practice is rooted in the belief that tobacco is a sacred plant with powerful spiritual properties. By offering tobacco to ancestors, the living seek guidance, protection, and blessings from the spirit world.

Some of the herbs commonly used by the Comanche for medicine include:

  1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow was used to treat wounds, stop bleeding, and as a general pain reliever.
  2. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): Echinacea was used to boost the immune system and fight infections.
  3. Sage (Salvia spp.): Sage was used for its antimicrobial properties and to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats.
  4. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): Mullein was used to treat respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and asthma.
  5. Cedar (Juniperus spp.): Cedar was used for its antiseptic properties and to treat skin conditions and infections.
  6. Cottonwood (Populus spp.): Cottonwood bark was used to make a poultice for treating inflammation and joint pain.
  7. Yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica): Yerba mansa was used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
  8. Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.): The pads and fruits of the prickly pear cactus were used to treat digestive issues and as a source of nutrition.
  9. Wild cherry (Prunus serotina): The bark of wild cherry was used to treat coughs and soothe sore throats.
  10. Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Juniper was used for its antiseptic properties and to treat urinary tract infections.

A Cherokee medicine man is a spiritual leader and healer within the Cherokee tribe. He possesses deep knowledge of traditional Cherokee medicine, rituals, and beliefs.

The medicine man serves as a guide for his people, using his understanding of the natural world and spiritual forces to maintain the tribe’s health and well-being.

He is responsible for performing ceremonies, providing spiritual guidance, and performing healing rituals. His role is highly respected and essential to the community, as he helps to preserve and pass on the tribe’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

A Medicine bag, also known as a medicine bundle, is a sacred object in many Native American cultures. It is usually a small pouch or container made from animal skin or cloth, and it is used to hold various items believed to have spiritual power or healing properties.

These items may include stones, herbs, feathers, or other objects considered significant to the owner.

The Medicine bag is often considered a personal and private item, and it is believed to hold the owner’s spiritual essence.

It is often used in ceremonies and rituals, and it serves as a reminder of the owner’s connection to the spirit world. The contents of the Medicine bag are often considered sacred and are not to be shared or touched by others without permission.

Native American Medicine bags serve as a symbol of the owner’s spiritual connection, and they are an important aspect of many indigenous cultures.

Final Take

So, there you have it, a selection of the Best Native American Herbal Medicine Books.

Native Americans used nature as their medicine cabinet and achieved a great deal of success in preventing and treating illnesses.

Now it’s your turn to explore the world of herbal medicine and see what plants can do for you!

We hope that you found this list helpful and that it has given you some ideas on what to read next.

Do you have a favorite book on herbal medicine? Let us know in the comments below!

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