Skip to product information
1 of 1

Christina Stapley

A History of Plant Medicine: Western Herbal Medicine from the Ancient Greeks to the Modern Day

A History of Plant Medicine: Western Herbal Medicine from the Ancient Greeks to the Modern Day

Low Stock: Only 2 copies remaining
Regular price £41.40 GBP
Regular price £45.00 GBP Sale price £41.40 GBP
8% OFF Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

YOU SAVE £3.60

  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
  • UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension
Trustpilot 4.5 stars rating  Excellent
We're rated excellent on Trustpilot.
  • More about A History of Plant Medicine: Western Herbal Medicine from the Ancient Greeks to the Modern Day


A History of Plant Medicine is a comprehensive guide to Western herbal medicine throughout history, from pre-history to modern times. It is written by herbalist and historian Christina Stapley and provides practical advice and recipes for modern herbalists. The book also highlights the work of women physicians and seeks to re-evaluate the relationship between herbal medicine and knowledge and beliefs at particular times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 430 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Aeon Books Ltd


Spanning an impressive timeline of two thousand years, A History of Plant Medicine is a comprehensive and accessible guide to the theory and practice of Western herbal medicine throughout history. Authored by experienced herbalist and historian Christina Stapley, this textbook is a fundamental resource for students and practitioners of herbal medicine, as well as an engaging narrative for anyone interested in this rich and fascinating subject.

Through a wealth of historical research, Stapley takes readers on a journey from the origins of botany to the development of Greek and Celtic medicine, including Roman medicine and the Roman settlement of Britain. The book then explores Anglo-Saxon leechbooks, Arabic Medicine, Norman-influenced physicians and surgeons, and pharmacy in the Medieval Period. It also examines the physic garden in Britain, Culpeper and Astrology, concluding with changes and developments to herbal medicine in the modern day.

In addition to providing a detailed chronology of herbalism in the Western world, A History of Plant Medicine offers practical advice and recipes that can be implemented in the daily practice of the modern herbalist. Stapley weaves tangible threads through time, focusing on the most used herbs at different periods and tracing their evolution over centuries. Special emphasis is placed on seeking out effective recipes and practices abandoned in favor of new ideas and foreign herbs, and each is presented clearly and accessible throughout.

A History of Plant Medicine also sheds light on the work of women physicians across the ages, whose contributions have often been overlooked. By highlighting the contributions of these women, the book contributes to a more inclusive understanding of the history of herbal medicine and its impact on healthcare.

Overall, A History of Plant Medicine is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, theory, and practice of Western herbal medicine. With its comprehensive coverage, practical advice, and engaging narrative, this textbook is an essential tool for students, practitioners, and enthusiasts alike.


Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801520416

This item can be found in:

UK and International shipping information

UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

International deliveries:

Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

  • Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
  • Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
  • Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.
View full details