National Geographic Herbal – 100 Herbs From the World’s Healing Traditions

Explore the remarkable world of herbs through traditional knowledge, botanical history and modern scientific context.

National Geographic Herbal by Mimi Prunella Hernandez is a beautifully illustrated reference exploring 100 significant herbs from around the world and the ways different cultures have understood, grown and used them throughout history.

From familiar plants such as rosemary, garlic, chamomile, ginger and turmeric to lesser-known species including ashwagandha, Japanese knotweed and shatavari, this substantial guide combines traditional herbal knowledge with contemporary research, gardening information, preparation ideas and conservation awareness.

With 336 pages of detailed information, vintage botanical illustrations and contemporary photography, this hardback reference is an excellent addition to a preparedness library, home reference collection or bookshelf for anyone interested in plants, gardening, ethnobotany and traditional herbal practices.

✅ Profiles 100 herbs from around the world

✅ Combines traditional herbal knowledge with contemporary scientific context

✅ Covers familiar culinary, garden and traditionally used plants

✅ Beautiful vintage botanical illustrations and contemporary photography

✅ Includes gardening and cultivation information

✅ Explores traditional preparation and home-apothecary practices

✅ Discusses conservation and sustainability of important plant species

✅ Examines herbal traditions across multiple cultures

✅ 336-page hardback reference book

The book introduces readers to an extensive selection of herbs, spices, garden plants and traditionally valued botanical species.

Examples featured within the book include:

🌼 Dandelion
🌿 Red Clover
🌱 Rosemary
🧄 Garlic
🫐 Blueberry
🌼 Chamomile
🫚 Ginger
🟠 Turmeric
🌿 Ashwagandha
🌱 Ginseng

It also introduces lesser-known species and explores why certain plants have become culturally, historically and botanically significant.

One of the strengths of National Geographic Herbal is its exploration of the relationship between people, plants and culture.

The book discusses knowledge and traditions associated with areas including:

🌿 Ancient Chinese herbal traditions
🌿 Ayurvedic traditions
🌿 Latin American curanderismo
🌿 Gullah Geechee plant knowledge
🌿 Western herbal traditions
🌿 Contemporary herbalism

This global perspective helps provide context for how plants have been cultivated, prepared, valued and passed down through generations.

🌿 Detailed individual herb profiles
📸 Botanical photography and illustrations
📜 Historical and traditional uses
🌱 Growing and garden information
🥣 Traditional preparation ideas
🏡 Home herbal and apothecary concepts
🔬 Contemporary scientific context
🌏 Cultural and ethnobotanical information
♻️ Conservation and sustainability discussions

The accessible format makes it suitable for both casual reading and ongoing reference.

Preparedness is not only about the supplies you store — knowledge is one of the most valuable resources you can build.

Understanding plants, cultivation, traditional preparation methods and the ways natural resources have been used throughout history can add another dimension to a well-rounded preparedness library.

This book is particularly valuable for those wanting to expand their knowledge of gardening, botanical resources, traditional plant practices and self-reliance.

Ideal for:

✅ Preparedness and survival libraries
✅ Homesteaders and off-grid households
✅ Home gardeners
✅ Herbal enthusiasts
✅ Plant and botanical enthusiasts
✅ Naturalists
✅ Self-reliance education
✅ Home reference libraries
✅ Students of ethnobotany
✅ Anyone interested in traditional plant knowledge

Mimi Prunella Hernandez is a clinical herbalist and ethnobotanist with extensive experience studying and teaching herbalism.

Her background brings together traditional plant knowledge, ethnobotany and contemporary herbal education, helping make the book approachable for both newcomers and experienced plant enthusiasts.

The book also features a foreword by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D.

Full Title: National Geographic Herbal: 100 Herbs From the World’s Healing Traditions
Author: Mimi Prunella Hernandez
Foreword: Tieraona Low Dog, M.D.
Publisher: National Geographic
Format: Hardback
Pages: 336
Dimensions: Approximately 202 × 255 × 28mm
Weight: Approximately 1.27kg
ISBN: 9781426222399
Original Publication: November 2023
Australian Release: February 2024
Language: English

This book is supplied as an educational and reference resource. References to traditional, historical or contemporary herbal practices should not be interpreted as medical advice or as a recommendation to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

Herbs and herbal preparations can cause adverse effects, interact with medicines or be unsuitable for certain individuals. Seek appropriate professional advice before using herbs for health-related purposes, particularly if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a medical condition.

Correct plant identification is essential. Never consume or prepare an unidentified wild plant based solely on a photograph, common name or single identifying characteristic.

Always follow applicable laws, land-access requirements and conservation restrictions when collecting or interacting with wild plants.