need a good herbal reference

[RandomName]

I'd like to begin growing and using herbs medicinally. What would you suggest for a good reference book? It must have information on preparation of herbs, what they're used for, what's contraindicated for each, and dosage. It should have info on their use for children, and preferably also for women who are pregnant/lactating.

I'm looking for something along scientific/technical lines, not with an earth mother or new age kind of vibe.

I'm in the northern middle US, so the herbs should be mostly ones I could grow here (indoors or out, although my indoor light is not very good).

One book I've been pondering is Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman. Your thoughts?

[Wonder-Full]

I have about a dozen books, but can't really claim one to be my one stop shop. They all have their own focus - otherwise it would be a HUGE book.

I have Medical Herbalism, and yes it has a more medical approach and imo is quite dry reading and doesn't really help you start. More for the advanced herbalist or as a supplement to other books (which is what I have it for).

I have a Readers Digest one (Nature's Medicine) that that is lovely and not at all new age - it has beautiful clear close up full colour photos of herbs, a full description of them, what bits to use, and its properties - not so good on "how" to use the herbs though although does have basic info on dosages etc. I use this a lot for id'ing and basic "what does this herb do". Broken down by herb with a small section at the back on specific ailments. Talks about how to make preparations, has contraindications but not so much about growing herbs (but imo, it's pretty much the same as any plant - most herbs prefer non-rich soil, thrive in sandy, well drained soil with full sun - you'd be able to google or library book this info easy enough without needing it on hand I think).

TBH, I prefer the ones written by a variety of authors and their own encounters, uses, how and when they harvest and through the conversational style of the book you glean interesting titbits. More mother earth though ime so I won't put their ones up here.

The Green Pharmacy is another I have and has a good solid mix of info and recipes. This one is broken down by ailment. MT linked a free download on the forum.

[Seaweed]

My fave is Witches Heal by Billie Potts.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Here are the ones the UK people like, and if you can find the ones USA people like, you can put them up:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/217936/thread/1197969532/last-1198942350/Top+5+Herbal+Reference+Books

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Book-Herbs-Spices/dp/0711223742/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263616327&sr=1-1

http://www.herbsociety.org.uk/bookshelf.htm

NZ ...I have a large range of books from all authors. I'd collect anything by Dorothy Hall.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-Drugs-Remedies/dp/0007307136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263615636&sr=1-1

Penelope Ody. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Penelopy+Ody

I have her 'complete medicine Herbal"

Maria Trebens: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Maria+Trebens

Swedish Bitters, both lesser and greater are great. I use the lesser externally, and the greater internally. I can't handle the amount of natural camphor in the SB lesser.

http://www.amazon.com/Nutritional-Herbology-Reference-Guide-Herbs/dp/1885653077/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263615506&sr=8-1
any of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_12?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=hedgerow+medicine&sprefix=Hedgerow+med

love this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lelord-Kordels-Natural-Folk-Remedies/dp/3991120577/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263615748&sr=1-1

This one, has 24 days left to go on auction Herbal Manufacturing by Jenny adams etc
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Herbal-Manufacturing-by-Adams-and-Tan_W0QQitemZ150404449597QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ2010 0111?IMSfp=TL100111227001r15904

USA sources:

http://www.emedicinal.com/

This place might have some recommendations: http://www.altnature.com/gallery/

http://www.herbsguide.net/

http://www.spicesmedicinalherbs.com/

The Green Pharmacy. http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/41/1.cfm

http://www.medicinalherbplants.com/

So you need to ask around and find out which books are most appropriate for the State you live in. Even though the web has good resources, nothing can replace paper.

[Mr. Beyondtheory]

Simon Mills is supposed to be a great authority.

Personally I just love "American Herbalism: Essays on herbs and herbalism by members of the American Herbalism Guild" edited by Michael Tierra. It is way better imo than the popular ones you see around because it really goes into some of the science, and also indigenous people's use of herbs. Gets into the theories of how the body heals itself too, and the philosophies behind healing systems.