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The New American Herbal: An Herb Gardening Book
A masterful, gorgeously photographed A-to-Z introduction to the full spectrum of herbal plants, including recipes, growing tips and tricks, DIY crafts, and more
For centuries, herbs have been prized for their beauty and utility in the garden, kitchen, and medicine cabinet. Modern garden master Stephen Orr’s lushly illustrated guide is the definitive resource for identifying, cultivating, and using these fascinating and varied plants.
With information on almost one thousand herbs, including detailed profiles of more than 125, each photographed in full color and accompanied by helpful growing advice, The New American Herbal takes the study of herbs and herbalism to an exciting new level. Orr covers the entire spectrum of useful plants, from culinary and ornamental to aromatic and medicinal, presenting them in an easily digestible format, giving you the tools to
• Learn how to plant and maintain a bountiful kitchen garden
• Propagate, harvest, and cook with the herbs you grow
• Use fresh, dried, and distilled herbs in seasoning blends, teas, vinegars, and more
• Create an easy DIY hanging herb garden, form an herb topiary, and mix herbal remedies and essential oils
• Whip up any of the 45 included recipes, such as Ragu Bolognese with Fennel and Lemon Semolina Cake with Lavender
Meticulously researched and exhaustive in its scope, The New American Herbal is an irresistible invitation to explore the versatility of herbs in all their beauty and variety.
For centuries, herbs have been prized for their beauty and utility in the garden, kitchen, and medicine cabinet. Modern garden master Stephen Orr’s lushly illustrated guide is the definitive resource for identifying, cultivating, and using these fascinating and varied plants.
With information on almost one thousand herbs, including detailed profiles of more than 125, each photographed in full color and accompanied by helpful growing advice, The New American Herbal takes the study of herbs and herbalism to an exciting new level. Orr covers the entire spectrum of useful plants, from culinary and ornamental to aromatic and medicinal, presenting them in an easily digestible format, giving you the tools to
• Learn how to plant and maintain a bountiful kitchen garden
• Propagate, harvest, and cook with the herbs you grow
• Use fresh, dried, and distilled herbs in seasoning blends, teas, vinegars, and more
• Create an easy DIY hanging herb garden, form an herb topiary, and mix herbal remedies and essential oils
• Whip up any of the 45 included recipes, such as Ragu Bolognese with Fennel and Lemon Semolina Cake with Lavender
Meticulously researched and exhaustive in its scope, The New American Herbal is an irresistible invitation to explore the versatility of herbs in all their beauty and variety.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
89 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 5, 2015
It's the middle of winter, so naturally my mind turns to... the garden! Of course, here in SoCal we can pretty much garden year-round and I've got pots sprouting with peas, carrots, lettuce, beets, and turnips. At this time of year I find myself irresistibly drawn to seed catalogs and gardening books, where I pore over the pictures and descriptions and dream of what I'd like my garden to be.
One beautiful gardening book I've been enjoying lately is The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr. This is a hefty book at nearly 400 pages that is comparable to Sunset's Western Garden Book for content but loaded with beautiful pictures and focused just on herbs. I've never grown many herbs myself, but I've got a monster rosemary and a struggling thyme, and I plan to add catmint and valerian to the garden this year. (The catmint is just because I like mint and the valerian is because it's one of those plants I remember from my dad's garden that we called 'garden heliotrope' and always smelled so wonderful – he says it's died out now.) But the thing that strikes you in going through the encyclopedia-like entries is the huge variety in herbal plants and the many uses. Sure, plenty of them smell great – like lavender or that rosemary – but there are so many ways they can be used in cooking. Orr gives ideas on what goes best with what kinds of dishes and even includes a few recipes here and there. I've been putting off reviewing this book because I wanted to try the caraway-orange biscuits – unfortunately I just haven't had the time lately and didn't want to put it off any longer. Many herbs also have medicinal properties from simple relaxing teas (I'm thinking of that catmint) to the folkloric insomnia cures (maybe that valerian will come in handy sometime...?), although he offers reasoned cautions (such as warnings about other uses for aloe than just sunburns). But mostly I find so many of them beautiful to grow in the garden – and another I'd like to add this year is bee balm: both pretty and useful.
I compared it to another book on my shelf, Herb Gardening for Dummies. Overall, the information is comparable. Both talk about the history of the various herbs along with the uses and tips on growing. Orr even sometimes shows a sense of humor that is often prevalent in the Dummies books. But Orr's book is ten times more pleasing to look at, and let's face it: with gardening books, sometimes you want as much inspiration as you do information, and you can get both with this one. (I received this book from BloggingForBooks.)
One beautiful gardening book I've been enjoying lately is The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr. This is a hefty book at nearly 400 pages that is comparable to Sunset's Western Garden Book for content but loaded with beautiful pictures and focused just on herbs. I've never grown many herbs myself, but I've got a monster rosemary and a struggling thyme, and I plan to add catmint and valerian to the garden this year. (The catmint is just because I like mint and the valerian is because it's one of those plants I remember from my dad's garden that we called 'garden heliotrope' and always smelled so wonderful – he says it's died out now.) But the thing that strikes you in going through the encyclopedia-like entries is the huge variety in herbal plants and the many uses. Sure, plenty of them smell great – like lavender or that rosemary – but there are so many ways they can be used in cooking. Orr gives ideas on what goes best with what kinds of dishes and even includes a few recipes here and there. I've been putting off reviewing this book because I wanted to try the caraway-orange biscuits – unfortunately I just haven't had the time lately and didn't want to put it off any longer. Many herbs also have medicinal properties from simple relaxing teas (I'm thinking of that catmint) to the folkloric insomnia cures (maybe that valerian will come in handy sometime...?), although he offers reasoned cautions (such as warnings about other uses for aloe than just sunburns). But mostly I find so many of them beautiful to grow in the garden – and another I'd like to add this year is bee balm: both pretty and useful.
I compared it to another book on my shelf, Herb Gardening for Dummies. Overall, the information is comparable. Both talk about the history of the various herbs along with the uses and tips on growing. Orr even sometimes shows a sense of humor that is often prevalent in the Dummies books. But Orr's book is ten times more pleasing to look at, and let's face it: with gardening books, sometimes you want as much inspiration as you do information, and you can get both with this one. (I received this book from BloggingForBooks.)
October 11, 2014
This newest gift from Blogging for Books is a gem. It's a rare find in so many ways. Beyond our world of fiction books, romance paperbacks, YA literature, and non-fiction biographies, there's still a desire for good old-fashioned reference books, kind of like the dictionary (which I more than secretly love). Which is only partially why I adore this book so much.
The other reason it's a great find is that packed between pages of beautifully photographed images of herbs and flowering plants lies a plethora of information. Everything from the safety of a plant to how it's harvested and why, this tome reduces the internet equivalent to dust. It really sheds just the right amount of light on each plant and the reason, including historically, why we use the plant and how to get the most benefit out of it.
This is not a light book, but the presentation of the information makes it appear that way. There are scads of tidbits on understanding herbs and how to propagate and harvest them; extraction processes for essential oils made from herbs and the best way to use them; creating your own garden; and a whole section on kitchen essentials that showcase recipes for adding herbs to spice blends, beverages, oils, and vinegar. Follow this up by a little sprinkling of different herb usage from around the world, as well as other cultures including Native American and older traditional herbs. I'm in heaven!
The book is laid out with information preceding the glossary of alphabetical herbs followed by a substantial resource section. Tucked between those herby pages are recipes using the said herbs in sweet and savory dishes. I love this. It's not a full-on recipe book, but it adds a little panache to your dinner by potentially trying something new. How about a little lavender in your cake? Yum!
I did find that I would have liked more information crammed into this already over-filled book. I would have liked more details, but that's the point. It's a reference book to get you started. Reference it, then dig deeper using the many tools we have all around us.
Nonetheless, what a splendid find! It will sit happily next to my beloved dictionary, ready for reference at a whim's notice.
The other reason it's a great find is that packed between pages of beautifully photographed images of herbs and flowering plants lies a plethora of information. Everything from the safety of a plant to how it's harvested and why, this tome reduces the internet equivalent to dust. It really sheds just the right amount of light on each plant and the reason, including historically, why we use the plant and how to get the most benefit out of it.
This is not a light book, but the presentation of the information makes it appear that way. There are scads of tidbits on understanding herbs and how to propagate and harvest them; extraction processes for essential oils made from herbs and the best way to use them; creating your own garden; and a whole section on kitchen essentials that showcase recipes for adding herbs to spice blends, beverages, oils, and vinegar. Follow this up by a little sprinkling of different herb usage from around the world, as well as other cultures including Native American and older traditional herbs. I'm in heaven!
The book is laid out with information preceding the glossary of alphabetical herbs followed by a substantial resource section. Tucked between those herby pages are recipes using the said herbs in sweet and savory dishes. I love this. It's not a full-on recipe book, but it adds a little panache to your dinner by potentially trying something new. How about a little lavender in your cake? Yum!
I did find that I would have liked more information crammed into this already over-filled book. I would have liked more details, but that's the point. It's a reference book to get you started. Reference it, then dig deeper using the many tools we have all around us.
Nonetheless, what a splendid find! It will sit happily next to my beloved dictionary, ready for reference at a whim's notice.
January 22, 2015
If I ever wanted to transform myself into some kind of apothecary/herbalist guru, this would be the book to have. The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr is a hefty encyclopedia of the plants and botanical wonders that have been staples in cooking, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and the full spectrum of medicinal and culinary crafts.
Entries (there are 145 of them, a sizeable sample) are listed alphabetically and feature informative, at-a-glance type sidebars, lovely histories of each herb, and recipes for dishes and tonics where appropriate. I also appreciated the various instructional sections that comprise the beginning of the book like: "Herb Basics," which describes the various classes of herbs (e.g., adaptogens, analgesics, bitters, digestives) and the families of herbs (e.g., the mints, asters, laurels, nightshades, among others). Then there are sections on working with herbs--how to tend them, dry them, extract the oils, and work with the oils. I recently started making my own skincare lotions and serums using essential oils and found that section useful, if a little breezy. Gardeners will appreciate the suggested backyard projects. There is even a section on "Controversial Herbs" that I found fun to read (ahem, coca leaves and ephedra get a little attention).
Using herbs for scent, flavor, and as curatives is as old as time and this book offers a lovely modern update. This isn't a comprehensive book by any means—such a book would probably weigh 20 lbs and be completely unwieldly—but Orr's book is a splendid quick reference.
[Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for an honest and candid review.]
Entries (there are 145 of them, a sizeable sample) are listed alphabetically and feature informative, at-a-glance type sidebars, lovely histories of each herb, and recipes for dishes and tonics where appropriate. I also appreciated the various instructional sections that comprise the beginning of the book like: "Herb Basics," which describes the various classes of herbs (e.g., adaptogens, analgesics, bitters, digestives) and the families of herbs (e.g., the mints, asters, laurels, nightshades, among others). Then there are sections on working with herbs--how to tend them, dry them, extract the oils, and work with the oils. I recently started making my own skincare lotions and serums using essential oils and found that section useful, if a little breezy. Gardeners will appreciate the suggested backyard projects. There is even a section on "Controversial Herbs" that I found fun to read (ahem, coca leaves and ephedra get a little attention).
Using herbs for scent, flavor, and as curatives is as old as time and this book offers a lovely modern update. This isn't a comprehensive book by any means—such a book would probably weigh 20 lbs and be completely unwieldly—but Orr's book is a splendid quick reference.
[Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for an honest and candid review.]
January 6, 2015
I have always been fascinated by herbs. I love to grow them, I use them both for cooking and medicinal purposes and I have a lot of books on the subject. Although I have been studying herbs for several years I know I still have so much to learn on the subject. I was so excited to receive The New American Herbal book. This book is so jammed pack with information! The pictures inside are absolutely gorgeous! I seriously, just spent some time flipping through the book and enjoying the beautiful pictures.
The book covers everything from herb basics, herbal preparations, garden projects, kitchen projects, specialty herbs and so much more. There is a Herbs A to Z section that fills the majority of the book. This section is a comprehensive guide that covers each herb beginning with Agrimony and ending with Yarrow. The pages are indexed on the side which makes it easy to flip through and find the letter and herb you are looking for which comes in handy for quick references. Each herb is described with plenty of information and pictures to give you apt knowledge on the individual herbs.
This book is going on my shelf of favorites and I know it is something that I will be referring to for years to come. I can't wait to try some of the recipes that I found inside! If you are a beginning herbalist or have been at it for years this book will be a beneficial addition to your library!
The book covers everything from herb basics, herbal preparations, garden projects, kitchen projects, specialty herbs and so much more. There is a Herbs A to Z section that fills the majority of the book. This section is a comprehensive guide that covers each herb beginning with Agrimony and ending with Yarrow. The pages are indexed on the side which makes it easy to flip through and find the letter and herb you are looking for which comes in handy for quick references. Each herb is described with plenty of information and pictures to give you apt knowledge on the individual herbs.
This book is going on my shelf of favorites and I know it is something that I will be referring to for years to come. I can't wait to try some of the recipes that I found inside! If you are a beginning herbalist or have been at it for years this book will be a beneficial addition to your library!
October 1, 2014
I was absolutely delighted to get this book and when it came in the mail I was not at all disappointed, in fact, if anything this book exceeded my expectations. This book is everything one would want in an herbal book and more. It is filled with lush photographs that clearly show what the herb looks like and it intermittently has recipes that include some of the various herbs that look not only delicious but incredibly fun to make.
I just love the amount of detail that Mr. Orr includes on each and every herb he has selected to put in the book. He goes to great lengths on each of them, including such things as origins, safety (very important!!), season, how to grow and other names and types. The little blurb he writes on each herb is interesting and informative.
I cannot recommend this book enough and think it makes a great additions to any one who is interested in herbs.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I just love the amount of detail that Mr. Orr includes on each and every herb he has selected to put in the book. He goes to great lengths on each of them, including such things as origins, safety (very important!!), season, how to grow and other names and types. The little blurb he writes on each herb is interesting and informative.
I cannot recommend this book enough and think it makes a great additions to any one who is interested in herbs.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 11, 2015
I felt like I was in Herbology class at Hogwarts while I was reading this!
There are just so many wonderful aspects to this book, that I don't know where to begin. I have read many different books concerning herbs over the years, but this is now my favorite one. Unlike the others, this book really delves into the origins of the herb at hand. It provides a great number of details that someone might find necessary if they're considering adding to their gardens. The layout makes things so much easier to read and the photos are useful if you're looking to identity something you have come across.
One thing that I found to be most important was the addition of health warnings for certain plants. Most people don't seem to be aware of the dangers of just touching a plant, let alone ingesting one.
This is a book you'll want to add to your collection!
There are just so many wonderful aspects to this book, that I don't know where to begin. I have read many different books concerning herbs over the years, but this is now my favorite one. Unlike the others, this book really delves into the origins of the herb at hand. It provides a great number of details that someone might find necessary if they're considering adding to their gardens. The layout makes things so much easier to read and the photos are useful if you're looking to identity something you have come across.
One thing that I found to be most important was the addition of health warnings for certain plants. Most people don't seem to be aware of the dangers of just touching a plant, let alone ingesting one.
This is a book you'll want to add to your collection!
May 13, 2016
This book wasn't quite what i was expecting/hoping for it to be. It's a food and garden writer telling stories about herbs and a small collection of recipes. This is not a book to learn about medicinal uses of herbs and how to prepare tinctures, salves, etc. Everything in here just barely scratches the surface of information about the herbs themselves and how one might use them. But it's pretty and enjoyable enough to read, just not very informative.
October 28, 2015
What is an herb? According to Stephen Orr, it is "a plant that people use." And so this herb book with over 250 herbs includes culinary, medicinal, dying, and even toxic herbs. In fact, he even includes poison hemlock for the sole purpose of being "able to recognize its distinguishing characteristics when you find it growing in the wild." Consequently, I learned about many herbs I otherwise would not have even heard of. I now have a list of herbs that some day I would like to grow.
This book not only contains detailed information of herbs with beautiful pictures (taken by the author), but also some recipes interspersed throughout, an introduction with basic information about herbs, herb families, harvesting and preserving herbs, and resources at the end with herbal writings from the past, historic schools of herbal practice, and recommended readings.
This is a very thorough herb encyclopedia and if you are at all interested in herbs and growing herbs, I highly recommend this book. I should also mention that this book was not dry, simply stating facts. Orr included anecdotes from his own life as well as common tales and myths of herbs to make the book an interesting read. It received four stars instead of five because there were some glaringly editorial mistakes throughout (not many, but noticeable).
This book not only contains detailed information of herbs with beautiful pictures (taken by the author), but also some recipes interspersed throughout, an introduction with basic information about herbs, herb families, harvesting and preserving herbs, and resources at the end with herbal writings from the past, historic schools of herbal practice, and recommended readings.
This is a very thorough herb encyclopedia and if you are at all interested in herbs and growing herbs, I highly recommend this book. I should also mention that this book was not dry, simply stating facts. Orr included anecdotes from his own life as well as common tales and myths of herbs to make the book an interesting read. It received four stars instead of five because there were some glaringly editorial mistakes throughout (not many, but noticeable).
December 15, 2014
I received this book from Blogging for books and it is published by Random House. I was excited to get a chance to review this book because I love fresh food, and fresh herbs just add such a blast of flavor to every meal. This book has most everything you need to know about most every herb out there, the good and the bad. It starts with chapters on how to recognize different families of herbs, how to grow them, harvest them, and preserve them. Then it lists all the herbs in alphabetical order. It is a great big book and a must for every herbal enthusiast. The only thing missing that I would have liked was recipes. I'm never quite sure which herbs will complement which meal best. But over all, I highly recommend this book.
March 1, 2016
I was so excited when I found this book on the Blogging for Books website! I have been wanting to learn more about using herbs, both the history and qualities of herbs. This book has been the answer to my desire!
When it first arrived, I was stunned by the beautiful pictures, not only on the cover, but throughout the book itself! I flipped through just staring and soaking in the vibrant artwork. You can almost feel the textures and smell the herbs!
Check out the rest of my review: http://www.tapestrychronicles.com/bea...
When it first arrived, I was stunned by the beautiful pictures, not only on the cover, but throughout the book itself! I flipped through just staring and soaking in the vibrant artwork. You can almost feel the textures and smell the herbs!
Check out the rest of my review: http://www.tapestrychronicles.com/bea...
December 31, 2015
A very good reference work of 140+ herbs that can be grown in your garden for culinary, medicinal, fragrance or dying purposes. Each herb receives two pages of description, photos, and sometimes a recipe. Good listing of resources and bibliography.
December 1, 2017
A nice book for those who are getting started with herbs, especially if you are more interested in culinary herbs and container gardens. There are beautiful photos, recipes, and an A-Z index of more common herbs, among others.
You can tell that Orr has done his research on varieties of the plant and locations; however, I didn’t feel like there was anything helpful on growing these herbs if you’re in an area beyond Zone 5; but I did cherry pick my way through the A-Z list. That said, a number of the plants listed as zone 4-5 are ones I have seen growing in Zone 8.
Orr does pull from authors that are available for free online, such as multiple references to Maude Grieve’s herbal found at botanical.com, but he also cites such excellent herbalists such as Rosemary Gladstar.
As I’m focusing on medicinal herbs right now, I’ll probably go directly to the source (Grieve, Gladstar, etc) but check this book out again from the library. It’s a pretty, thorough book that’s fun to read and daydream about plants.
You can tell that Orr has done his research on varieties of the plant and locations; however, I didn’t feel like there was anything helpful on growing these herbs if you’re in an area beyond Zone 5; but I did cherry pick my way through the A-Z list. That said, a number of the plants listed as zone 4-5 are ones I have seen growing in Zone 8.
Orr does pull from authors that are available for free online, such as multiple references to Maude Grieve’s herbal found at botanical.com, but he also cites such excellent herbalists such as Rosemary Gladstar.
As I’m focusing on medicinal herbs right now, I’ll probably go directly to the source (Grieve, Gladstar, etc) but check this book out again from the library. It’s a pretty, thorough book that’s fun to read and daydream about plants.
February 21, 2020
Beautifully photographed, concise information, and bits of social history made this book a good read for myself. I am not a botanist, nor did I purchase this book to fulfil that purpose, but I can understand why some would be disappointed if they were seeking in-depth information on each individual herb.
Consider this book a well written overview of many popular herbs, some that are lesser know, and a handful of deadly additions. The author also includes a clear botanical introduction for quick reference, and a smattering recipes that I don’t find personally enticing, but fun, nonetheless. I did, however, very much enjoy the social histories given, and found some fascinating facts I hadn’t known.
I have little doubt this will be a useful and quick reference, and a good read in between more detailed books on the subject.
(Personal note: I have found that some of the given history/superstitions included may not be appropriate for young readers.)
Consider this book a well written overview of many popular herbs, some that are lesser know, and a handful of deadly additions. The author also includes a clear botanical introduction for quick reference, and a smattering recipes that I don’t find personally enticing, but fun, nonetheless. I did, however, very much enjoy the social histories given, and found some fascinating facts I hadn’t known.
I have little doubt this will be a useful and quick reference, and a good read in between more detailed books on the subject.
(Personal note: I have found that some of the given history/superstitions included may not be appropriate for young readers.)
May 10, 2019
This is a beautiful book! The pictures and very well done, and actually look like the plant described. Too many pictures of plants don't accurately resemble the plant in real-life, but this book far exceeds expectations when it comes to photographs. History and use of the each plant is well-told and even recipes are included on some of the herbs. A great book for the library, especially if you are a gardener or a cook.
July 11, 2017
I came across this book while looking for something about gardening when I was first getting into it, and I love it. I flip through it all the time when I'm thinking about adding a new herb. It's descriptive with beautiful pictures, it has recipes, and it also has a really great index of other reference sources - new and old.
January 30, 2025
Overall I enjoyed this book. By no means does it cover an exhaustive list of herbs. However I enjoyed the author’s writing and the personal stories included under various entries. I liked that some cooking recipes were included, but I wish it had medicinal herb recipe content as well.
September 19, 2017
Someone buy me this? It's so pretty and helpful! 😻
June 7, 2020
I really like Stepehn Orr's manner of speaking, and I find his information enjoyable.
Great read!
Great read!
June 11, 2020
Practical, with resources and references.
January 18, 2021
I got this from the library and loved it! This is a very thorough book on plants and herbs. This is something I would love to own.
May 14, 2022
Interesting array of plants and certainly comprehensive. I especially appreciated the interweaving of history and practical uses.
HOWEVER.
Orr's repeated mentions of homeopathy automatically put this in the category of "use with caution - this is written by someone who's slightly divorced from reality". So that's less than ideal.
HOWEVER.
Orr's repeated mentions of homeopathy automatically put this in the category of "use with caution - this is written by someone who's slightly divorced from reality". So that's less than ideal.
September 17, 2018
Very informative. helpful with choosing plants for personal garden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2014
What a great book! I was not expecting such a huge beautifully organized book. I love books about herbs because I always find something new. I grew up around herbs and usually them for everything. It's nice to have a book of info for the times when you don't feel good or just need a reference. The first part of the book is the Herbal Handbook, garden projects, how to dry herbs, and a bunch of other great ideas. Then the book gets into Herbs A-Z which lists herbs and their properties. There is a great index and the book is really well organized. I love the pictures and the history behind each herb plant. The only thing I wish was that there were more medicinal descriptions with each plant. Many of the herbs do have a recipe which makes it fun, you can cook with them too!
This is such a great book and reference for anyone interesting in herbs, growing a herb garden, or looking for specifics.
Highly recommend.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."
This is such a great book and reference for anyone interesting in herbs, growing a herb garden, or looking for specifics.
Highly recommend.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for free in exchange for an honest review."
February 3, 2017
A simply amazing collection of information related to herbal medicine. I had originally borrowed this book from my local library and repeatedly checked it out again. Finally I just ordered my own copy because I loved it so much.
January 8, 2015
Wow, this is a wonderful book. Packed full of information about the different herbs and how to use them, along with beautiful photographs. My husband is a cook and this is one of new favorites.
*FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
*FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews