“Making Plant Medicine,” Fourth Edition by Richo Cech
$24.95
“Making Plant Medicine” is generally considered to be the most entertaining, level-headed and trustworthy reference available for learning to make standard herbal tinctures, teas, syrups, oils, salves and poultices. The book introduces the concept of healing with herbs in a story format, following the adventures of a young family homesteading in the wild mountains of the Oregon Coast. The rest of the book is about making safe, inexpensive, effective and harmless herbal medicines from herbs that can be grown in gardens in North America. The formulary includes such important favorites as: Arnica, Astragalus, Burdock, Calendula, Dandelion, Echinacea, Elecampane, Gentian, Goldenseal, Hawthorne, Ma-huang, Jiao-gu-lan, Lobelia, Nettles, Sage, Stevia and Saint John’s Wort. The fourth edition includes 28 new herbs including Aloe vera, Andrographis, Ashitaba, Brahmi, Chameleon Plant, Hops, Osha and Rhodiola. May your copy soon be anointed with the happy splatter of homemade herbal remedies!
344 pages, soft cover, illustrated by Sena Cech Olivier
“Making Plant Medicine has been to bed with me, what more can I say?” English herbalist Mike Brook
In stock
Amarae –
I bought a Kindle version of this book when my first child was only a few months old and I was a scared new mother. I have read many since and still favor this book over all others. I just got my first hardcopy of the book so I can have it in emergencies. Definitely 100+ stars.
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Randy leonard (verified owner) –
I gave mine to my daughter along with all the side notes and worn pages, so I’m starting with a new book for someone else someday
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Emily Leftwich (verified owner) –
I’ve been wanting to start growing medicinal herbs and making my own tinctures after several years of tinkering with medicinal teas, and this book has been so satisfying to my thirst for knowledge! It includes so much – recipes, usages, dosages, and tips on everything from processing to contraindications. I feel ultra-inspired and empowered.
At this point it’s only a matter of paycheck ability before I buy the 2-volume “Growing Plant Medicine” to ensure I make the most of the precious seeds I have received, and the ones I will soon order! I’m saving up for one of the beautiful tincture presses, too!
I ordered several seed packets along with this book that I already knew I wanted, but this book has inspired me to add more to my garden – I’m building a cart that slowly grows as I read through all the awesomely edifying tales and monographs.
Thank you Richo for sharing your knowledge, both in the books, and in the comments of the individual seed listings on this website! I’ve started taking notes. Gleaned some super useful tidbits from those Q&A’s.
A fabulous resource and inspiring to boot. Highly recommend.
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Karan H –
growing medicinal plant is one thing, but you need to know how to process and use them– this books explains it all. I recommend it to anyone serious about learning details of using herbal medicine.
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lsullivan667 (verified owner) –
I am really enjoying this book so far. Just got it this week, and already want to recommend it to family and friends. I have one question, though: how do you pronounce your last name? I want to say it right when talking about your book. Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
Wow, thanks for that! Pronounce the last name like “check.” To buy the book, we recommend using either this website or “Herbal Reads” website. Both provide free shipping within the USA. Try to avoid feeding the Amazon beast!
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Cindy Allen (verified owner) –
I love your book Making Plant Medicine. So much excellent information. I bought one for myself and now I’m buying one for a friend for a present.
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vordhr (verified owner) –
I’m a long-tíme outdoorsman and have fiddled with making some oils and salves in the past, but recently decided to get a little more serious about growing and making medicines for myself and those close to me. I’d purchased seeds from here before, and this book was recommended in at least two others I have, so it was a no-brainer.
I’ve gotten a lot out of it just skimming and reading through the formulary!
Can’t wait till I can get the “Growing” and “At Risk” books as well.
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Judy Brown (verified owner) –
This is, without question, my # 1 reference book for making herbal remedies. I do own many herbal medicine books from other authors but those do not compare to this one.
I referred my herbal grower friends to this book and they agree it is the best.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Judy,
Thank you for this, I appreciate it. I am drawing on 40 plus years of experience as a manufacturing herbalist including a very solid stint as the production manager at Herb Pharm. So much experimentation on how best to optimize these formulas. I’m glad if the book helps people–that is my main motivation,
Richo
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Lynn Armocida (verified owner) –
This is my most-used book (in a pretty extensive library about herbs and plants), and it shows—in the dog-eared page corners, the water-stains, the many bookmarks and underlines. Always the first book I turn to for herbal medicine answers. Between Richo and Stephen Buhner there is all the herbal wisdom you could want. I’m very excited about finally ordering the two-volume Growing Plant Medicine. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Cech family!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Lynn,
Wow, thanks for taking the initiative to express this. I, too, am excited about your getting the 2-volume set. It is the herbal I always wanted! Richo
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Michelle Moss (verified owner) –
I’ve purchased a lot of herbal medicine books, but this is my favorite.
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Question
Karen –
Any change of an ebook version of this?
I see Amazon has the 3rd edition available on Kindle, but I’d like to get the latest version. Are you planning on an ebook version, either for Kindle or a PDF?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Karen,
Thanks for contacting and for wanting this. We haven’t been able to connect with Amazon about the e-book thing. Somehow they just took the book and the proceeds from us (we probably failed to read the fine print or were inept at learning the amazon 2-step, so we’re not updating it to the new version. Like you say, the 4th edition of “Making Plant Medicine” has significantly more content than the other editions. I would be stoked to get you a hard copy. All the best, Richo
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Ian moore (verified owner) –
Great book. Wondering about the salve ratios. Alot of other recipes online call for equal parts herb and oil. Like 4 cups of herb and 4 cups oil. I know you’re ratios will make a much stronger medicine. Just wondering I can increase the oil a quarter or a third more than your recipe to stretch the herb without making the medicine really weak. Thanks
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Richo Cech –
Hello Ian, The internet is full of advice from people who know what they’re doing and people who do not know what they’re doing. Measuring that way “a cup of herb such-and-such” is fraught with inaccuracy–such a measure would give variable output depending on grind and loft. Please stick with the methods in “Making Plant Medicine,” they are based on good herbal pharmacy. Richo
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Ian moore (verified owner) –
Yes I had a feeling!
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Question
Brooke –
Does this include instructions for harvesting and drying different herbs?
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Richo Cech –
yes, it has a go-through on picking and drying herbs and specific parts recommended fresh or dry for each of the many herbs in the formulary–this is your core herbal reference
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Question
Cliff –
My mother has my copy of your MPM book and she is out of town… was hoping you could quote me a rate. I have a coconut oil infusion of milkweed blossom; the thin greenish yellow oil from the flowers has the stuff pretty soft at room temp. How much beeswax?
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Richo Cech –
yes, for every 100 ml of oil use 17 g of beeswax for a medium textured salve.
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Pat –
Curious what this salve is use for?
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Richo Cech –
For questions such as this we need to refer you to “Making Plant Medicine” (specifically page 88) where actions, indications, dosages and contraindications are all spelled out.
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bekki –
I’ve been collecting herbals since the mid 1990s, and have a number of herbals that I am fond of. Every author has contributed meaningful information that has assisted my herbal explorations. Richo gives us the distilled wisdom of his many years of not only making medicine with the plants, but of growing them and living with them. As an herbalist who loves to grow and live with the plants I am grateful for his dedication to the plants themselves and to sharing his knowledge of their use and how to make medicine with them. I have the previous editions- this volume surpasses them all. But if you are growing your own herbs for harvest, “Growing Plant Medicine Vol 1” Is a must-have as well.
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amy Stein –
This book is the only book I travel with, it is my go to in all situations and I am so grateful that he took the time to write this. It is full of incredible information that is lovingly written. You have everything you need in this book. You will love this book so much you will have to buy it again and again for friends and to replace the one you destroyed because you brought it with you on hikes and walks and to rivers, ponds, lakes, oceans and seas. I have often thought that I should just scan the book so I have it with me at all times.
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Laura Meyer (verified owner) –
I agree, I love this book so much! Shortly after receiving it I took a bad fall and wound up with bursitis in both knees. A comfrey poultice (the comfrey also came from Richo) took down the swelling in record time. Since then I’ve enjoyed making herbal oils and the medicated cream recipe yields the best results I’ve ever encountered. The stories are delightful and transportive on a cold winter evening, and I’ll be referring to the formulary for years to come. Thank you!
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laura.mangels (verified owner) –
While I have several herbal books that I treasure, I’ve always found them ALL to be lacking in the practical medicine-making instructions I really need to make my own medicine from the plants I grow. Many guides seem to assume you’ll be buying pre-powdered roots, pre-dried leaves, etc. The herbals that DO acknowledge the gardeners among us can be frustratingly vague when it comes to the specific requirements for processing and preparing each herb. Not so with this book. I have finally found the guide that is able to tell me exactly how this or that root should be dried, which herbs can be reliably juiced, etc. etc.
I am equally impressed by Richo’s depth of knowledge in his understanding of the herbs’ medicinal properties. I am about halfway through his materia medica descriptions (takes up about 200pp of this 300+pp book), and I am struck by all the details I’ve learned so far. I consider myself to be reasonably knowledgable when it comes to herbs (reading herbal monographs is one of my favorite pastimes), it isn’t easy to impress me. I am very impressed. While the entry for each herb is not particularly long, the information is carefully selected, and each entry is quite dense.
All I can say is that I hope Richo writes more books! An easy one (maybe) would be to have someone collect all the answers he’s given on this website into an organized format. That alone would be a very valuable book, with much practical herbal information that’s lacking elsewhere, particularly about growing medicinal herbs. In the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy this book!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Laura,
Thanks for staying in touch, and I’m glad that “MPM” is helpful to you. I do have a new book coming out that has hundreds of more in-depth monographs. In every case I’m trying to provide unique info from my own experience. The new book is called “Growing Plant Medicine” and will be available starting late September 2022.
Richo
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laura.mangels (verified owner) –
This is excellent news. I really appreciate that you draw on your practical experience. So many herbals parrot info that’s already out there. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
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Anna –
Hi Richo,
I am new to making herbal medicine. I picked up a book by Rosemary Gladstar and her recipes have too many ingredients. (I don’t have room for all of those plants). Would you suggest I purchase this book or wait for the Grower’s Guide (2nd Edition).
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Richo Cech –
Hi Anna, “Making Plant Medicine” focuses mainly on simples (single herb extracts) and simple formulas. I recommend it. Richo
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Melissa Hofer (verified owner) –
I find this book to be full of practical general information and it also has specific information on a large number of plants.
It’s solid and simple. I think anyone could follow the math examples. The solubility information – which menstruum will be most extractive – is appreciated. It makes things easy.
I’m a pharmacist but also old and my organic chemistry is remembered in broad terms. I don’t pretend to be an herbal expert. But I’m not totally easy to fool on the subject, either. For what it’s worth, this is the most valuable herbal book I’ve come across.
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Sara –
This guide is comprehensive and chock full of helpful information. Easy to find what you need, A+++. The only downside for me is there are no herb illustrations but that would probably detract from how concise and easy it is to use and find what you need. Plus I know that would drive up costs too.
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Richo Cech –
hi sara, wow, thanks for wanting to review “MPM,” i’m really glad its of help on your herbal path. As for illustrations, the new book coming out in September has all the illustrations you’ve missed in “mpm.” it is really a sister book, i hope you get a chance to have them both. richo
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Jackie (verified owner) –
Very informative. Used it to start my medicinal herb garden and will soon use the harvesting and tincture information.
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Question
Mara –
Do you ship to Europe (Italy)?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Mara, Thank you for wanting this book. Please order the book at herbal reads. Here’s the link https://www.herbalreads.com/
Richo
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Question
Gwen –
Could you please explain the menstruum formula given in chapter 4 (The Mathematics of Tincturing) in more detail with a given example of figuring the math. The given formula is (50A:40W:10Gly) You explain the alcohol water formula math well, but the more complicated formula has no such examples. I have wanted to do one of the tinctures containing glycerin but am uncertain of the math. and being honest math is not my forte. So could please give a detailed example of said formula. Many thanks in advance. Gwen
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Richo Cech –
OK, you missed the first part of the formula which is 1:5. So if you use 20 g of herb then the menstruum is 5 times that or 100 ml. of that 100 ml at (50A:40W:10Gly) you’re using 50 ml grain alcohol, 40 ml water and 10 ml glycerine. hope that helps. r
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Sherry Miller –
Can you please tell me what book or where to start. I know nothing, just starting to get prepared. I would like to be able to grow everything me and my family will need and be prepared for total isolation and self sufficiency. Not rely on having to purchase things if things get difficult to obtain if you know what I’m getting at. Please help me get started fast and in a hurry.
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Question
tuffy –
hello 🙂 this looks like the book i need.
i may need some clarification: is this book only about MAKING herbal medicines? Or is there also info on HOW to treat certain conditions? are there any sources, aside from personal experiences (which do count for a lot) to back up treatment and efficacy claims?
also, are there specific precautions, for example, certain tannins or astringent qualities in some (common medicinal) plants can cause mild toxicity or at least reactions in certain people; are these kinds of properties also discussed? (trying to ascertain depth of detail and completeness…).
once i discover which plants work for me, hopefully i will be ready for your other book(s) for growing these plants at home 🙂
thanks so much 🙏
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Richo Cech –
Hi tuffy, The standard methods for tincture making are well illustrated. There is a formulary that discusses a wide assortment of herbs in detail, giving the parts used, the formulas for extraction, the expected activity against different ailments and the contraindications when applicable. This is all direct experience from the author who has over 40 years in the herb industry as a manufacturing herbalist and in herbalism as a village herbalist. There are no bibliographic echoes here, no this and that from the internet, just common sense and experience. richo
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kris10.ann.smith (verified owner) –
I wasn’t sure how much I’d use this book, but wanted to have it to cross-reference other texts I have. It quickly became one of my favorite herbal books! In fact, I just ordered a second copy because my original has been misplaced during home construction and I don’t want to be without it. If I find the copy I bought earlier this year, I’ll give it to an herbal friend. Richo writes as someone with decades of experience and a genuine desire to help others. He has a conversational tone that makes the whole book enjoyable simply for the sake of reading. Anyone who makes their own herbal remedies will be blessed by this book!
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GieGie (verified owner) –
I am loving this book so much – very informative, very digestable, and very entertaining! I so appreciate Richo’s connection to Mother Earth and his unshakeable belief in plant medicine. It is so refreshing! As a woman of color, I also appreciate his many nods to traditional herbalist of Africa, East Asia, and indigenous Americans.
Richo has the type of knowledge that I believe was built over several lifetimes. There is a part in the chapter on infusions where he describes “the original mother of the wise woman tradition” making tea and muttering to herself the “cave equivalent of ‘pretty good’.” I laughed to myself thinking “maybe this was a past life regression, Richo?! ?”
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Richo. I am committed to using only herbal medicines in my life and can’t wait to create them MYSELF! What an honor.
Herbal power to the people!! ✊?
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Richo Cech –
GieGie, wow, thanks for sharing your thoughts on all this. I lived for three years in East Africa and I sweated with the Lakota. Both experiences completely changed my clueless preconceptions. Two nights ago I found a tick on my side (I know, really gross) and it had barely bit me but by the next day there was already a secondary infection. It was not a typical bullseye but it was itchy and pustular. I showered and went to bed but then my wife made me treat the spot with my herbal antiseptic (saint johns wort, yarrow and calendula). The itchiness went away and by morning I could barely see the lesion–all pustules gone–like you said–herbal power to the people. r
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Richo Cech –
hi gie gie, any way you can get the juice out of the herbs, you can then combine 2 parts juice to 1 part strong alcohol and you have a succus! richo
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Magdalene –
Hello,
I have the previous versions of the book, but I would like to see the updated table of contents with the new herbs. Is it possible?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Magdalene,
Give me your full domestic delivery address to herbseed (at) budget.net and I’ll send you a copy of the 4th edition. it is really a lot better. richo
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Question
Danielle Russell –
Hello! Does this book include tincture recipes for different herbs?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Danielle,
Yes, that is specifically what this book does.
Richo
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lazywildswan (verified owner) –
If you are interested in herbal medicine, this is an invaluable resource. Even if you aren’t going to make the herbal medicine, this book gives details that will help you when you buy. For herbalists, I highly recommend getting this book because it provides a solid reference that is well-organized and concise. It is worth a few bucks to have a reliable resource, do not rely on random internet posts for herbs. After serving on a Cybersecurity Roundtable for five years, I have made sure that all my resource material is in print at my home, not online, on the computer, or in the cloud.
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Question
Marcie Hinker –
Is this a good book for someone who knows nothing of the properties of herbs? For example, if I know a loved one with bad cramps would I be able to look up what might be helpful in here or would I need know know what I’m looking for an then this would tell me how to make it? Thanks so much!
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Richo Cech –
Hello Marcie,
Yes, this is a good description of the usefulness and format of “Making Plant Medicine.” The book is very good for all stages of herbal understanding and it has a very complete glossary and index. Richo
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Jenni Donahue –
Greetings! Your Making Plant Medicine fourth ed. has rave reviews! Do you have it in stock? Does it cover how to make rose hip oil? Can you briefly tell me how to do it, which oil is the best to infuse? Thank you! I will order the book and after I figure out which seeds I want, I will order some, as well! Thank you for getting me primed to change my life! I am a 30-year gardener and LOVE IT!! Really want to add medicinal plants to my repertoire! Thank you!!
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Monica –
This is one of my favorite books for making medicine. I have many books on the topic but this is my go-to. Richo makes it easy to follow a formula and includes information, examples, and explanations that can only come from exceptional knowledge, experience, and passion. It is entertaining and easy to follow. This is the book that gave me what I needed to make medicine that I could treat my family and friends with confidence.
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Monica,
Thank you for this review, it was very kind of you, and I’m glad the book has been helpful to you. We’re dusting off herbal medicine, shining it up, and centering it in our hearts.
Richo
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Jerome River Jones. –
Any of the botanical work that Richo and his beautiful family around him have published since the the early 1980’s cannot be over estimated. What you read in any of the publications are true experiential writings and will prove to be derived from golden-honey and benevolent wisdom. It may drip from your lips for a long time after you put the book down. Always authentic in flavor, sweet or tannic as needed.
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Hannah M. (verified owner) –
This lovely book came in the mail today and after sitting and reading through I will say it is an easy to understand entertaining must-have for anyone interested in the power of plants as wellness!
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Beatrice Chris –
Great resource for any herbalist. Easy read of complex information. Thank you for this beautiful gift to the herbalists community. Making plant medicine is equally an art and a science. Knowing herbs from seed to maturity helps us being connected with the soul of the herbs. I can see this connection on your book.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Beatrice,
Why, thank you for saying all that, it is very kind of you. I’ve had 4 editions with which to hone the magic.
Richo
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