Book Review: “The Modern Herbal Dispensatory”

“The Modern Herbal Dispensatory” by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne is a practical and accessible guide to herbal medicine-making, uniquely bridging traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific understanding. It stands out as both a reference manual and a hands-on workbook for home herbalists, students, and practitioners alike.

The book has two parts that complement each other nicely. The first half focuses on medicine-making techniques, while the second half is a comprehensive materia medica featuring over 200 herbs — even seaweeds. Easley and Horne begin by carefully explaining the foundational concepts of herbalism, including terminology, dosage, and safety considerations. They address solvent choices, herb preparation ratios, and various extraction methods such as tinctures, glycerites, oils, salves, teas, syrups, and percolations. The percolation information included is rare for this type of herbal book and a great addition. The materia medica is organized alphabetically and includes the Latin binomial, parts used, properties, energetics, warnings, and common uses. Sources, or where to buy, are also listed. While they seem limited to the big-name players in the herb distribution world, it is a good start for someone who is not sure where to source these plants.

There is also an herbal recipes section with liquid formulations that have been clearly developed by advanced practitioners. For the beginner, it is broken down with descriptions of key herb, supporting herb, balancing herb, and catalyst that will help readers learn to formulate better themselves in the future. Easley and Horne make a point to demystify the process of making herbal medicine at home. An herbal hydrotherapy section is even added as an appendix, as well as a suggested reading list.

Unlike many contemporary herb books that focus either on clinical approaches or folk knowledge, “The Modern Herbal Dispensatory” bridges the two. Many entries include insights, like for mimosa flowers — “It is an instant dose of feel-good that insists you take a walk in nature and enjoy life” — as well as safety guidelines, such as in this case that “pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid.” The authors emphasize contraindications, herb-drug interactions, and note when herbs are safe for children, pregnancy, or prolonged use.

“The Modern Herbal Dispensatory” is a well-organized, in-depth, and clearly written guide to herbal medicine. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a first serious text or a seasoned herbalist seeking a go-to manual for formulation and preparation, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

– Denise DeSpirito, Of the Spirits Herbals

This review was originally published in the fall 2025 issue of The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener. Browse the archives for free content on organic agriculture and sustainable living practices.