Herbal Pharmacy - by Betzy Bancroft (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This thorough guide is ideal for clinical herbalists, alternative medicine practitioners, and herb enthusiasts--providing detailed step-by-step instructions, how-to information, and "why-to" explanations so readers can confidently move from following recipes to designing and preparing their own herbal remedies.

More and more people are turning to herbal remedies for healing, whether they are purchasing the remedies or making them on their own. Herbalists want their clients to have good experiences with these remedies, both to help them heal and to foster a positive regard for herbs and, by extension, the healing power of nature. This in-depth guide teaches readers respect, care, and understanding for all aspects of preparing herbal medicines, to ensure what they make is safe and efficacious.

Herbal Pharmacy also covers the practical aspects of administering herbal remedies: figuring dosage, duration of care, and the specifics of deciding how to apply a remedy to produce the best outcome.

Throughout, Bancroft--a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild who has been educating for over three decades--provides detailed instructions to help even inexperienced or anxious medicine makers successfully design and prepare their own recipes for effective remedies.

"Herbal Pharmacy truly is a most special book, one that I picture will be on every herbalist's bookshelf and will be treasured by beginners and advanced herbal students alike."--Rosemary Gladstar

Review Quotes

"Betzy Bancroft is a seasoned expert in medicine making. In Herbal Pharmacy, she generously tutors us in a deep dive on the topic, offering instructions and concepts that are easy to grasp and helping readers build skills that they can implement immediately. I love the way Betzy brings soulful respect and gratitude to engaging with the plants and infuses earth rhythms and intent to the process of making healing products at home. This inspiring and accessible tutorial is a must-have for herbalists, homesteaders, parents, and others!"--Dr. Jillian Stansbury, award-winning author of Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals, Volumes 1-5; former chair of the Botanical Medicine Department, National University of Natural Medicine

"In this excellent new book, Betzy Bancroft offers a clear, organized, and tested roadmap that you can use to elevate your herbal pharmacy skills--without losing any of the joy that comes from engaging in this ancient art. You will find detailed answers that are hard to come by anywhere else: What alcohol strength should I use, and why? How can I troubleshoot a spoiled remedy? How can I make the equipment I need at home? What should be the dose of my custom-made formula? These pro tips alone make this an indispensable text. Betzy gently teaches us what many have come to know: that slowly, through daily practice, herbs remind us how to connect, relate, and engage in alchemical transformation. If you work through its pages, Herbal Pharmacy will take you there."--Guido Masé, chief formulator, Traditional Medicinals; cofounder, Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism; author of The Wild Medicine Solution

"Herbal Pharmacy is a rare achievement in the world of plant medicine: a book that speaks with equal clarity to the novice herbalist and the seasoned practitioner. Betzy Bancroft lays down the scientific underpinnings of herbalism with precision--from plant chemistry and pharmacology to formulation strategies and clinical reasoning. Yet she never allows the science to overshadow the deeper traditions that have shaped herbal practice for centuries. Her voice is patient, generous, and deeply informed. This book represents the culmination of her life's work."--Dr. Jody E. Noé, MS, ND, author of Textbook of Natural Integrative Oncology

"Once upon a time, Betzy did a wonderful job teaching herbal pharmacy to the students at my school. Now, decades later, her knowledge has grown exponentially, and through this book, she will teach these invaluable skills to the world."--David Winston, RH(AHG), DSc h.c., author of Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief

"Herbal Pharmacy by Betzy Bancroft is a welcoming guide for anyone who wants to bring the healing wisdom of plants into their everyday life. With clarity, warmth, and decades of herbal experience, Bancroft invites readers on how to safely prepare and confidently use herbal remedies for common ailments. From mugwort tincture to chamomile tea to elderberry syrup, this book is a must for anyone desiring to build a natural medicine toolkit rooted in folk tradition, science, and a deep respect for the plant world."--Mandana Boushee, cofounder, Wild Gather school of herbal studies

"What makes Betzy Bancroft's Herbal Pharmacy so absolutely spectacular? Is it that the book starts with the importance of harvesting and sourcing the highest-quality herbs? Is it the clear and practical directions for each preparation? Is it the collection of Betzy's favorite recipes? Is it the nuanced discussion of dosage? Is it the rich supply of information I've not seen in other tomes on the topic? Is it that I know Betzy has firsthand knowledge of absolutely everything she's written in this book? YES."--jim mcdonald, herbalist and founder, herbcraft.org

"Betzy Bancroft's Herbal Pharmacy is as enchanting as it is informative. This book brings you everything you need to prepare and administer plant medicine, from solubility charts to formulation points to the magic and energetics of plants. Betzy reminds us of the inherent love inside our relationship to plants and all living beings, and how to be in right relationship with the medicine we make. This book is the best kind of herbal teacher: one that infuses its student with practical information, reverence, and delight in the healing properties of plants. Each time you open it, you will find new inspiration and deeper wisdom to keep the medicine flowing and keep it delicious! I will keep this book open in my apothecary as my primary reference, from one of my most beloved teachers."--Tessa Landreau-Grasmuck, certified professional midwife and clinical herbalist

"This warm and inviting book, full of scientific minutiae and plant love, unravels the details and techniques so we can make the best potions and remedies. It's one of the most comprehensive books on the subject that I've come across."--Dina Falconi, author of Foraging & Feasting

About the Author

Betzy Bancroft has been teaching herbal medicine making for more than three decades at herbalism schools and events. Betzy is one of the founders of the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, where she teaches classes including medicine making and formulation, and is a mentor for clinical interns. She also teaches and often leads herb walks at Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary and is a regular presenter at the Vermont NOFA winter conference. She is on the advisory board of United Plant Savers.