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How to Grow Medicinal Herbs: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Making Herbal Remedies at Home
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.
1 pages, Audio CD
Expected publication June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 23, 2026
This was a very comprehensive overview of growing a medicinal herb garden. It began by detailing both basic and skilled gardening info to help plot, sew and care for your plants both in ground and in pot, perennial and annual. Then, it discussed the different methods to use the herbs and what all of those things meant and how they worked to get the needed medicinal part of the herb, for example, tinctures, salves and teas. These descriptions were each followed by a recipe showing how to put the method into practice. Then a large portion of the book detailed the properties of, growth directions and uses for over 50 specific herbs (ie: comfrey, lavender, fenugreek and violet.) This was so interesting and included the growth zones, medicinal properties and my favorite, listed each one's use, detailing how to turn what you harvest into an infused oil, tincture, tea, poultice or syrup. She was careful to list for each potential allergies and when not to ingest. It ends with helpful reference charts and an index. The illustrations throughout are lovely.
This is an excellent reference guide that would be dog eared like a favourite recipe book. The only thing I think would have been more helpful for me would have been if it was a bit more regional specific as, being Northern, my climate wont support many of the herbs detailed. Also I would have loved more multiherb recipes! I was hoping to see lungwort and milk thistle but I guess I will hope for a volume 2! 🌿
Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media for the advanced copy, I truly enjoyed it and it made me eager for Spring planting! Published March 24th!
This is an excellent reference guide that would be dog eared like a favourite recipe book. The only thing I think would have been more helpful for me would have been if it was a bit more regional specific as, being Northern, my climate wont support many of the herbs detailed. Also I would have loved more multiherb recipes! I was hoping to see lungwort and milk thistle but I guess I will hope for a volume 2! 🌿
Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media for the advanced copy, I truly enjoyed it and it made me eager for Spring planting! Published March 24th!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I genuinely loved How to Grow Medicinal Herbs by Vanessa Minton. This is one of those rare guides that manages to be beautifully produced, intellectually sound, and immediately useful all at once.
What makes this book stand out is how confident and generous it is with its knowledge. Minton clearly understands both horticulture and pedagogy: concepts are explained clearly, sequentially, and without condescension. Even if you’re starting from zero, you’re never overwhelmed — but if you already garden or grow herbs casually, you’ll still pick up smarter techniques, better habits, and a deeper understanding of why certain practices work.
The illustrations are exceptional. They’re not just pretty (though they absolutely are gorgeous); they genuinely enhance learning and plant recognition, making this a book you can keep open on the table while working rather than one that stays pristine on a shelf. It functions as a reference text as much as a guide.
Where the book truly shines is in its integration of growing, harvesting, and practical use. The herbal remedy, tincture, tea, and ointment recipes feel thoughtfully chosen and responsibly framed. Health benefits are presented sensibly, without exaggerated claims, which gives the entire book real credibility. It encourages confidence without encouraging recklessness — a balance many herbal guides fail to strike.
This is the kind of book readers will buy in hardcover, keep for years, annotate, and revisit every growing season. It will strongly appeal to beginners, small-space gardeners, sustainability-minded readers, and anyone curious about herbalism without wanting something overly mystical or vague.
I’m absolutely buying a print copy on release, recommending it widely, and using it regularly. If you’re even thinking about growing herbs or making simple remedies at home, this book is an easy recommendation.
What makes this book stand out is how confident and generous it is with its knowledge. Minton clearly understands both horticulture and pedagogy: concepts are explained clearly, sequentially, and without condescension. Even if you’re starting from zero, you’re never overwhelmed — but if you already garden or grow herbs casually, you’ll still pick up smarter techniques, better habits, and a deeper understanding of why certain practices work.
The illustrations are exceptional. They’re not just pretty (though they absolutely are gorgeous); they genuinely enhance learning and plant recognition, making this a book you can keep open on the table while working rather than one that stays pristine on a shelf. It functions as a reference text as much as a guide.
Where the book truly shines is in its integration of growing, harvesting, and practical use. The herbal remedy, tincture, tea, and ointment recipes feel thoughtfully chosen and responsibly framed. Health benefits are presented sensibly, without exaggerated claims, which gives the entire book real credibility. It encourages confidence without encouraging recklessness — a balance many herbal guides fail to strike.
This is the kind of book readers will buy in hardcover, keep for years, annotate, and revisit every growing season. It will strongly appeal to beginners, small-space gardeners, sustainability-minded readers, and anyone curious about herbalism without wanting something overly mystical or vague.
I’m absolutely buying a print copy on release, recommending it widely, and using it regularly. If you’re even thinking about growing herbs or making simple remedies at home, this book is an easy recommendation.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: How to Grow Medicinal Herbs by Vanessa Minton
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up How to Grow Medicinal Herbs by Vanessa Minton, and it’s both charming and practical guide for anyone curious about growing herbs and turning them into natural remedies. From common plants like basil and calendula to more unique ones like turmeric and yarrow, the book covers a wide range of herbs you can cultivate in your own garden or even indoors.
What I loved most about this book was how it breaks down not just the growing basics—like figuring out your climate zone and planning your garden space—but also how to harvest, dry, and transform those herbs into teas, tinctures, and salves. Vanessa makes it feel totally doable, even if you’re new to herbalism and don’t want to spend a fortune on supplies.
The book profiles fifty different herbs, highlighting their healing properties and giving practical growing tips tailored to each one. Visually, the book is lovely. The illustrations are beautiful, which made flipping through it an absolute pleasure. It’s the kind of guide that feels inviting—You’ll want to have it handy throughout the gardening season.
Overall, I’d give How to Grow Medicinal Herbs four stars. It’s a fantastic starter guide for anyone interested in exploring herbal remedies at home—practical, accessible, and beautifully presented. If you're looking to nurture wellness naturally right from your backyard (or windowsill), this book is definitely worth a look!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently picked up How to Grow Medicinal Herbs by Vanessa Minton, and it’s both charming and practical guide for anyone curious about growing herbs and turning them into natural remedies. From common plants like basil and calendula to more unique ones like turmeric and yarrow, the book covers a wide range of herbs you can cultivate in your own garden or even indoors.
What I loved most about this book was how it breaks down not just the growing basics—like figuring out your climate zone and planning your garden space—but also how to harvest, dry, and transform those herbs into teas, tinctures, and salves. Vanessa makes it feel totally doable, even if you’re new to herbalism and don’t want to spend a fortune on supplies.
The book profiles fifty different herbs, highlighting their healing properties and giving practical growing tips tailored to each one. Visually, the book is lovely. The illustrations are beautiful, which made flipping through it an absolute pleasure. It’s the kind of guide that feels inviting—You’ll want to have it handy throughout the gardening season.
Overall, I’d give How to Grow Medicinal Herbs four stars. It’s a fantastic starter guide for anyone interested in exploring herbal remedies at home—practical, accessible, and beautifully presented. If you're looking to nurture wellness naturally right from your backyard (or windowsill), this book is definitely worth a look!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The act of tending becomes medicine long before you brew a cup of tea or fill your first bottle of tincture."
"How to Grow Medicinal Herbs" is a great resource for any level of gardener and herbalist! I learned a lot, and probably have to go through it again because I should've taken notes on all of the herbs that are in my growing zone and have medicinal properties that I would benefit from. I definitely want lemon balm, St. John's Wort, marshmallow root, and so many more!
I have the ebook, but I think a printed copy is the way to go because the illustrations will be more beneficial.
I enjoyed that the author gives pointers on how to deal with pests and problems as well. Aphids can be such a pain!
I think I'll be making teas the most, but I'm keen to try infused oils and maybe even work them into balms and salves with beeswax. Wow, who am I? This book really made everything seem approachable for even the humblest of us who are doing their best at keeping plants alive :)
Thanks so much for the ARC!
"How to Grow Medicinal Herbs" is a great resource for any level of gardener and herbalist! I learned a lot, and probably have to go through it again because I should've taken notes on all of the herbs that are in my growing zone and have medicinal properties that I would benefit from. I definitely want lemon balm, St. John's Wort, marshmallow root, and so many more!
I have the ebook, but I think a printed copy is the way to go because the illustrations will be more beneficial.
I enjoyed that the author gives pointers on how to deal with pests and problems as well. Aphids can be such a pain!
I think I'll be making teas the most, but I'm keen to try infused oils and maybe even work them into balms and salves with beeswax. Wow, who am I? This book really made everything seem approachable for even the humblest of us who are doing their best at keeping plants alive :)
Thanks so much for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve always been curious about natural remedies, so How to Grow Medicinal Herbs by Vanessa Minton was right up my alley. This is a beautifully illustrated and very practical guide that walks you through growing herbs and then actually using them. It explains how to turn what you grow into salves, teas, and tinctures in a way that feels doable and not too expensively.
Most of the plants are meant for outdoor gardens, but I have grown some of the herbs indoors with an indoor herb garden. The sections on drying and preserving herbs were especially helpful.
My favorite tip was planting a whole echinacea flower. I also learned the plant naturally thrives only a couple of years, which honestly made me feel better because I always assumed mine failed due to something I did wrong.
This is the kind of book you keep nearby during gardening season and actually use, not just read once and forget. A great starter guide for anyone interested in growing and using their own medicinal herbs.
Most of the plants are meant for outdoor gardens, but I have grown some of the herbs indoors with an indoor herb garden. The sections on drying and preserving herbs were especially helpful.
My favorite tip was planting a whole echinacea flower. I also learned the plant naturally thrives only a couple of years, which honestly made me feel better because I always assumed mine failed due to something I did wrong.
This is the kind of book you keep nearby during gardening season and actually use, not just read once and forget. A great starter guide for anyone interested in growing and using their own medicinal herbs.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm so grateful for this ARC because my herb garden completely failed last year.
This is the perfect beginner's guide, a true beginner's guide, for people just like me! The information is broken down in an easy-to-understand way, and the format is perfect for application. This is the type of guide you bring to your garden, leave on your workbench as you're starting seeds, and return to when you're ready to create and consume with your harvest.
Honestly, this book is great even if you're not going to grow on your own and you're buying herbs. It's for everyone!
This is the perfect beginner's guide, a true beginner's guide, for people just like me! The information is broken down in an easy-to-understand way, and the format is perfect for application. This is the type of guide you bring to your garden, leave on your workbench as you're starting seeds, and return to when you're ready to create and consume with your harvest.
Honestly, this book is great even if you're not going to grow on your own and you're buying herbs. It's for everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a lay herbalist with my fair share of herbalism books varying from how to grow, how to use, what it can do; I found this book to be extremely informative while still being concise and not boringly over wordy. I received this as an ARC and as soon as I finished it I pre ordered it on amazon to add to my collection. This book contained very accurate information, useful, recipes, and proper care procedures. I think this book would be perfect for any level herbalist or hobbyist.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A wonderful handbook to growing medicinal herbs. This guide is incredibly informative all while being digestible. I learned about herbs I had never heard of before, and with the details in this guide - I feel quite confident I could grow them at home. This handbook is perfect for all levels of gardeners - I was lucky to receive an ARC version and absolutely plan to get myself a hardcopy to annotate at home!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received an ARC from Netgalley
This book is an absolute wealth of knowledge. It includes information about growing herbs. Plus recipes for making salves, tinctures. It includes which herbs for best in drinks for refreshment and for healing. I will definitely be buying this for both my public library and home library.
This book is an absolute wealth of knowledge. It includes information about growing herbs. Plus recipes for making salves, tinctures. It includes which herbs for best in drinks for refreshment and for healing. I will definitely be buying this for both my public library and home library.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a great handbook on medicinal herbs! It offers recipes and a section for each herb on the best way to grow them including things like whether to plant from seeds or cuttings or roots. It also describes all of the uses each herb has. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is beautiful and helpful. It has a super easy to understand layout that is lovey. I like how each herb has all the potential uses and beautiful picture along with the growing tips.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free digital ARC of this book through NetGalley. It was an ok (not bad, but not fantastic) overview/reference book, but I wouldn't recommend it as a "beginner's guide" if the person is new to gardening in general.
Pros:
There is a good overview of the different types of products that you can make with herbs: tinctures, oils, teas, etc. The author explains how to create tinctures and other concoctions by marinating the plant material in alcohol, oil, or even vinegars and honey.
The second part (about 3/4 of the book) is set up as an alphabetical encyclopedia of all the included plants. Each plant has an overview, details on how/when to plant and harvest, and a page on its medicinal uses. There is a chart in the back that lists ailments and then which herbs can be used for each one.
Cons:
The illustrations were all simply drawings of the plants. Beginners could benefit from instructive pictures such as where/how to trim certain herbs when harvesting. Because there are so many plants included in the book, a chart about companion planting would also be helpful so readers could more easily plan their garden.
Pros:
There is a good overview of the different types of products that you can make with herbs: tinctures, oils, teas, etc. The author explains how to create tinctures and other concoctions by marinating the plant material in alcohol, oil, or even vinegars and honey.
The second part (about 3/4 of the book) is set up as an alphabetical encyclopedia of all the included plants. Each plant has an overview, details on how/when to plant and harvest, and a page on its medicinal uses. There is a chart in the back that lists ailments and then which herbs can be used for each one.
Cons:
The illustrations were all simply drawings of the plants. Beginners could benefit from instructive pictures such as where/how to trim certain herbs when harvesting. Because there are so many plants included in the book, a chart about companion planting would also be helpful so readers could more easily plan their garden.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews