Llewellyn's Little Book of Herbs (Llewellyn's Little Books, 12) by Holly Bellebuono

Growing and identifying. Which herbs suit a beginner, which are worth the trouble, which to let grow wild, and which not to plant at all.

Recipes and preparations. Teas, salves, and the ordinary crafts of a herb garden.

Twenty-six years behind it. Bellebuono is a working herbalist, and the book reads like it.

• Author: Holly Bellebuono
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, Little Books series
• Pocket-sized hardcover
• SKU: BLLELITH

The book covers herbal preparations, and we would rather be plain: herbal remedies are not a substitute for medical care. They are not tested or regulated the way medicines are, some interact badly with prescriptions, and several common herbs are unsafe in pregnancy. If you are unwell, see a doctor. If you are taking medication, pregnant, or nursing, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before trying any preparation.

Knowing plants is the oldest practical knowledge there is, and it sits underneath most of what a witch's cabinet contains. Before an herb is a correspondence it is a plant that grows in particular soil at a particular time of year, and a practitioner who can recognize it in the ground works from a stronger footing than one who only knows the label on the jar.

That is the honest case for a book like this on a witchcraft shelf. It teaches the plants themselves. The magic can come after.

1. Start with the beginner list rather than the unusual ones.
2. Grow something. The book is written for people with soil.
3. Learn to identify before you harvest, particularly with wild plants.
4. Check any preparation with a doctor or pharmacist before you use it.
5. Pair it with a magical herbal, which covers a different question entirely.

• Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham: the magical side, which this book does not cover.
• Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences: the correspondence reference.
• Blank Journal: for a growing record.
• Whole Lavender Flowers, 1 oz: one of the herbs it covers.
• Jojoba Carrier Oil, 8 oz: a base for the external preparations.

Is it a magical herbal?

No. It covers growing, identifying, and preparing herbs. For correspondences and magical uses, Cunningham is the standard.

Are the remedies safe?

Not automatically. Herbal preparations are not tested or regulated like medicines, some interact with prescriptions, and several are unsafe in pregnancy. Check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

Do I need a garden?

It helps a great deal. Much of the book is about growing.

Is it for beginners?

Yes, and it includes a list of herbs suited to them.

How big is it?

Pocket-sized hardcover, part of Llewellyn's Little Book series.