The Herbalist's Bookshelf

By Tim Gamble 

All my links: https://linktr.ee/timgamble 

Herbalism (article link) is something I've been exploring in more detail recently, though I am far from a true herbalist at this point. For those interested, here is a peak at my herbalist bookshelf, so far. (Pics at bottom) Suggestions? Please leave them in the comments section below. Thanks!

The Green Pharmacy: The Ultimate Compendium Of Natural Remedies From The World's Foremost Authority On Healing Herbs. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3ZPDA9N

Native American Herbalist’s Bible [20 in 1]: Herbal Remedies, Guide to Rediscovering Ancient Natural Remedies; Growing Your Garden Cultures, Apothecary Table and Herbal Dispensary for your Wellness Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3Dc1TWB

Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4ivqd65

Herbal Medic: A Green Beret's Guide to Emergency Medical Preparedness and Natural First Aid. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4iJxIGK

Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3BtE9Nh

The Herb Bible - currently out-of-print, but you can still find used copies on the Amazon mafrketplace. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4ferawz

Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal: What to Eat to Beat Disease and Live Longer. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/49EgqXd

Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide (Falcon Guide). Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4ivuerb

Mushrooming Without Fear: The Beginner's Guide to Collecting Safe and Delicious Mushrooms. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/4gzuKTl (softcover edition). Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3ZuSh0N (a newer hardcover edition, I don't know the differences since I only have the softcover)

Peterson Field Guide To Medicinal Plants & Herbs Of Eastern & Central N. America: Third Edition. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3ZNLkt4

Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern/Central North America (Peterson Field Guides). Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3ZwCDlC

*****If you're looking for seeds to grow your own medicinal herb garden, check out the Ultimate Medicinal Herbs Collection - 36 Variety Pack of Herb Seeds for Growing Essential Healing Plants - Mixed Assortment for Homesteaders - Non-GMO Heirloom Varieties - Survival Garden Seeds. Amazon link: https://amzn.to/49EjbI3

Herbalism 100

By Tim Gamble 

All my links: https://linktr.ee/timgamble 

History of Herbalism 

Herbalism, the use of plants for health and healing, has been practiced for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. Throughout history, herbalism has been an essential component of traditional medicine practices worldwide. 

In the Western world, the use of herbs declined during the rise of allopathic medicine (modern medications, surgery and technology), in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, in recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in herbalism due to a growing desire for more natural and personalized approaches to health and wellness, as well as growing distrust in the modern medical system. 

Principles of Herbalism 

Herbalism is based on the belief that the human body has the inherent ability to heal itself when provided with the right tools and support. The primary principles of herbalism include:

• The use of whole plants or plant parts, such as leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds.
• The understanding that plants possess unique properties that can help address various health concerns.
• The concept of body-mind-spirit integration, which emphasizes the importance of addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being simultaneously.
• The belief in the power of prevention and the importance of maintaining optimal health through a holistic approach.

In recognition of the body-mind-spirit integration mentioned above, herbalists also often include practices such as prayer, meditation, breathing exercises, stress relief, physical activity and exercise. The importance of eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and stopping bad health habits such as smoking or drug and alcohol abuse is also often emphasized. 

Potential Benefits of Herbalism 

There are numerous benefits associated with the use of herbal remedies, including:

• Natural alternatives to pharmaceutical medications, which can have potentially harsh side effects.
• The ability to address the root cause of a health concern, rather than just treating symptoms.
• Improved overall well-being through the use of adaptogenic herbs, which help the body cope with stress and maintain balance.
• The potential for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Potential Drawbacks of Herbalism 

While herbalism offers numerous benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, such as:

• The lack of strict regulation and standardization in the herbal supplement industry, which can lead to inconsistencies in product quality and potency.
• The potential for negative interactions between herbs and prescription medications, particularly when used in combination.
• The possibility of allergic reactions or adverse effects caused by the use of certain herbs.
• The potential of misidentifying plants when collecting in the wild, which could lead to accidently using plants that are ineffective or even dangerous.  

Growing Acceptance of Herbalism 

Despite the potential drawbacks, herbalism continues to gain popularity in modern society. This can be attributed to several factors, including:

• A growing interest in natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness.
• The increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions and the desire for more comprehensive treatment options.
• The rise of personalized medicine and the recognition of individual differences in health needs and responses to treatment.

Herbalism is a unique and powerful alternative system of medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. With its emphasis on natural remedies, body-mind-spirit integration, and personalized treatment plans, herbalism has experienced a resurgence in recent years.

While there are potential drawbacks to consider, the benefits of herbalism make it an attractive option for those seeking a more holistic and natural approach to health and wellness. As the demand for alternative medicine continues to grow, it is likely that herbalism will continue to play a significant role in the future of healthcare.

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Ad: Herbal Medic: A Green Beret's Guide to Emergency Medical Preparedness and Natural First Aid (Amazon link) - With a focus on herbal medicine and first-aid essentials, former Green Beret medic and clinical herbalist Sam Coffman presents this comprehensive home reference on medical emergency preparedness for times when professional medical care is unavailable.

Review: The Natural History Book

By Tim Gamble 

All my links: https://linktr.ee/timgamble 

I recently bought a copy of The Natural History Book (Amazon link), which is part of the DK Definitive Visual Encyclopedias series. This is a gorgeous and informative book. Being a nature studies enthusiast, I really love it. I give it a full 5 stars.

The book is over 650 pages full of high quality, colorful photos. It is divided into six sections, but glossary and index. The sections are:

• The Living Earth
• Minerals, Rocks, and Fossils
• Microscopic Life
• Plants
• Fungi
• Animals

The Natural History Book normally retails for $60 but is currently on sale at Amazon for only $25 (Amazon link). The price subject to change at Amazon's whim, of course. It would make a fantastic gift for anyone who loves nature, science, wildlife, or the outdoors. 

Here are a bunch of photos to give you an idea of how gorgeous this book really is, in addition to being really informative. Sorry for the fuzzy photos towards the end. There is a reason I'm not a professional photographer!

Amazon link = https://amzn.to/3OF3Pt5

Math, Logic, Critical Thinking: Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land!

By Tim Gamble (and Donald Duck)

All my links: https://linktr.ee/timgamble 

For this week's lesson in critical thinking skills (link to last week's article), I am turning to none other than Donald Duck for inspiration! 

In 1959, Walt Disney put out a 27-minute animated film starring Donald Duck, entitled Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land. In it, Donald Duck explores a fantasy world where nature, art, music, and games are intertwined with mathematics. Just like our real world is. 

I remember watching this as a kid, but still enjoy it today. I hope you will watch it, by yourself or with your children, and enjoy it too. 

Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land (1959)

 

YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv4gWPurN9k

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Ad: McGuffey's Eclectic Readers Series (Amazon link) - This is a reprint of the 1830's version of the McGuffey Readers with the original Christian content. The intent is to not only teach reading and language skills, but to do so within a context that also promotes moral growth and positive life-long attitudes and habits. Great gift for families with children, homeschooled or not. 

Fun Gift Ideas - Cryptozoology

By Tim Gamble

All my links: https://linktr.ee/timgamble 

I tackle some fairly serious topics on this website, but I also have a fun side. One example is my interest in cryptozoology - the study of unknown and mysterious creatures that may or may not exist. Bigfoot, the Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster may be the most well-known, but there are literally hundreds or more possibilities hiding in the remote or difficult to access places. Here are some fun books, shirts, posters and toys based on these creatures that would make for some fun, interesting and unique gifts.

Books:

• Freaky Folklore: Terrifying Tales of the World's Most Elusive Monsters and Enigmatic Cryptids  (Amazon link)
• Adventures in Cryptozoology: Hunting for Yetis, Mongolian Deathworms and Other Not-So-Mythical Monsters (Amazon link)
• In Search of Real Monsters: Adventures in Cryptozoology (Amazon link)
• Cryptozoology A To Z: The Encyclopedia of Loch Monsters, Sasquatch, Chupacabras, and Other Authentic Mysteries of Nature (Amazon link)
• Bigfoot!: The True Story of Apes in America (Amazon link)
• Cryptid Creatures: A Field Guide to 50 Fascinating Beasts (Amazon link)
• Tracking the Stone Man: West Virginia’s Bigfoot (Amazon link)
• The Appalachian Bigfoot (Amazon link)
• Encyclopedia of Cryptozoology: A Global Guide to Hidden Animals and Their Pursuers (Amazon link)

Toys:

• Bigfoot Basecamp Cryptozoology Mini Figure Set (Amazon link)
• Bigfoot Action Figure (Amazon link)
• Grow a Sasquatch in Water, Set of 2 (Amazon link)
• Itty Bitty Bigfoot 8 Pack (Amazon link)
• Cryptozoology 7 Designer Figurines (Amazon link)
• American Cryptids Coloring Book (Amazon link)

T-Shirts:

• Cryptozoology 12 Creatures (Amazon link)
• Support Your Local Cryptid (Amazon link)
• Mothman (Amazon link)
• Cryptozoology For Beginners (Amazon link)
• The Man The Moth The Legend - Mothman  (Amazon link)
• Protect Cryptid Wildlife (Amazon link)
• All My Friends Are Cryptids (Amazon link)
• Cryptozoology - Bigfoot, Skunk Ape, and others (Amazon link)
• Bigfoot I Want to Believe (Amazon link)

Other:

• Cryptozoology Knowledge Metal Tin Sign (Amazon link)
• Bigfoot Playing Cards - Standard 52 Card Deck with illustrations and fun facts (Amazon link)
• Cryptid and Folklore Calendar 2025 (Amazon link)
• 2025 Cryptids Monthly Wall Calendar (Amazon link)
• Cryptozoology Tote Bag Cryptid Creatures (Amazon link)
• Bigfoot - Hide And Seek World Champion Tote Bag (Amazon link)
• Mothman Coffee Mug (Amazon link)
• Bigfoot/Sasquatch I Want To Believe Metal Poster (Amazon Link)