Books are an amazing way to expand our knowledge — you’ll find that there’s no shortage of books on the topics of herbalism and gut health. I love using books as tools to gain different perspectives on topics of interest and expand my toolkit as a practitioner.
Below you’ll find a guide of some of my favourite herbalism and gut-health-related books. Whether you’re working through some personal health challenges, or are simply interested in learning more about herbalism and gut health, I’m sure you'll find something of interest to you here!
Gut Health Books I Recommend
Gut by Giulia Enders
If you’re looking for one gut-related book to get you started on your gut-healing journey — this is the one! This book is a great place to start learning the ins and outs of how our digestive system functions, what to do to support good gut health, how to support a healthy gut-brain connection, and more. A quick, quirky, easy-to-follow read, Gut will keep you engaged and entertained while you learn about one of the most important systems in our body.
Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer
With the mind-gut connection being so prevalent nowadays, this book is a must. Emeran Mayer, an MD, gastroenterologist, and neuroscientist, dives deep into the world of the microbiome, and the bi-directional communication between the gut and our brain. It explores how when the communication between these two systems is dysfunctional, health concerns can start to develop. This book covers practical steps you can take towards better gut and brain health, as well as the science around what can influence the connection between the two.
Healthy Gut, Healthy You by Michael Ruscio
In his book, Dr. Michael Ruscio, takes a highly evidence-based approach to exploring therapeutic diets, supplementation, and more as it relates to optimal gut health.It also dives into common digestive imbalances, and what you're able to do about them.This book covers a step-by-step guide to help you improve your gut health without the rigorous protocols, in a practical, and economic way. This is a great guide if you’re looking for someone who can strip back the noise, and provide you with evidence-based tools to help move you forward.
Fiber Fueled by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
Dr. B is a board-certified gastroenterologist who focuses on plant-based gut health. His first book, fiber fueled, digs into the science behind the microbiome, and how you can use plants not only to support healthy microbial populations but good digestive function, as well. He dives deep into controversial topics like gluten, lectins, low vs. high carb, and focuses on simple, tangible tips you can easily integrate into your life. The real kicker of this one, is that is also includes 70 plant-based recipes that will support the beneficial flora in your gut!
Gut-Immune Connection by Emeran Mayer
Dr. Emeran Mayer again! In this book, Mayer covers the connection between our gut, our immune function, and many of the critical health crises that our society is currently experiencing. This read explores how our gut microbiome has far-reaching effects on many systems in the body, and how critical it is for good immune function. It also explores how our microbiome (specifically imbalances in the microbiome), can play a role in the development of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and conditions associated with the immune system. For a deeper look at the interconnectedness between our gut, and our body at large, this book is a must-read!
Herbalism Books I Recommend
The Lost Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner
If you're looking for a book to get you fired-up about plant medicine, this is the one! Stephen Harrod Buhner does a great job of bridging the gap between science and spirituality in a very poetic way. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the "why" behind herbal medicine and anyone who feels deeply connected to nature.
The Boreal Herbal by Beverley Gray
This is my favourite herbal! An "herbal" is a book that compiled information about medicinal plants. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, read this book! This is a fantastic way to connect with your local plants, learn about them, and how to use them. There are plenty of recipes and beautiful photos to help you take your learning even further.
Plant Spirit Medicine by Eliot Cowan
This is the most "woo-woo" book on this list, but if that's what you're looking for - this is the book for you! Eliot Cowan shares so much incredible insight about his time apprenticing with Huichol shaman, Don Guadalupe Gonzalez Rios. Much of this information is about our connection with plants and nature beyond the physical realm. If you love energy medicine, intuition or strong psychic abilities, I really recommend picking this one up.
The Plant Clinic by Erin Lovell Verinder
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to build a home apothecary and start incorporating plant medicine into their self-care. There is even a section on herbs and recipes for gut health specifically. Erin's book is beautiful and makes a great gift for any herbal enthusiasts in your life.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer is an indigenous scientist and her perspective and writing style makes for an incredibly engaging and moving book. In the pages Braiding Sweetgrass you'll find stories helping you connect with plants, animals, people, and creation as whole. This is a book I keep going back to, it's balm for the soul during hard times.
If you want to read books like these alongside a community, join my Bacteria + Botanicals Book Club here.
To learn more about how to support good gut health through nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation, check out my “Beginners Guide to Gut Healing”