Complete Folk Herbal by Rebecca Beyer: Hardcover

From Simon Element comes The Complete Folk Herbal, a definitive and beautifully illustrated guide to the folklore, history, and everyday uses of nearly 100 plants, trees, and shrubs. Written by forager and ethnobotanist Rebecca Beyer, this richly researched book invites readers to reconnect with the wisdom of the land and the deep relationship between people and plants. Each entry celebrates a plant’s story, traditional knowledge, and healing legacy, blending practical insight with cultural history.

Inside, readers will find detailed plant profiles that explore origins, physical characteristics, folklore, traditional remedies, and modern applications. The book also offers accessible, everyday herbal solutions for common concerns such as headaches, burns, fatigue, insomnia, menstrual discomfort, and more. Practical recipes guide readers through making teas, tinctures, decoctions, salves, and balms at home, while an emphasis on sustainable foraging encourages ethical harvesting and mindful stewardship of natural resources. Both approachable and encyclopedic, The Complete Folk Herbal serves as a trusted reference and an inspiring companion for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with plants, traditional healing practices, and the natural world.