Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians

Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians
by Patricia Kyritsi Howell

A trusted field guide and herbal reference for plant lovers, wildcrafters, and home herbalists, Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians is an essential companion for anyone interested in traditional plant medicine rooted in the Southern mountain region. Written by Appalachian herbalist Patricia Kyritsi Howell, this well-researched and highly readable book offers a practical introduction to 45 native and naturalized plants found in the woodlands, fields, and roadsides of the Southern Appalachians.

Each plant profile includes clear identification tips, habitat notes, ethical harvesting guidance, and traditional medicinal uses—backed by both folk knowledge and modern herbal practice. Recipes, preparation instructions, and dosage guidelines are included, making this book both informative and highly practical. Rather than being a dense academic tome or a superficial guide, this book strikes the perfect balance for beginner to intermediate herbalists wanting to deepen their regional plant knowledge and integrate herbs into daily life.

Whether you're walking a forest trail or planning your own medicinal herb garden, this book will help you recognize, understand, and respectfully use the powerful plants of this rich bioregion.

Key Characteristics

• Focused on Southern Appalachian flora
  Features 45 plants native or naturalized to the Southern Appalachian region, making it uniquely useful for herbalists in the Southeast U.S.
• Detailed medicinal use and preparation instructions
  Offers clear, safe, and practical instructions for preparing infusions, tinctures, salves, and other remedies using roots, leaves, barks, or flowers—depending on the plant.
• Emphasizes ethical wildcrafting and sustainability
  Encourages responsible harvest techniques and includes notes on plant populations, vulnerable species, and alternatives to overharvested herbs.
• Combines traditional and contemporary herbal knowledge
  Grounded in Appalachian folk traditions while integrating modern herbal practice, making it a valuable resource for both study and daily use.
• Written by a local herbalist
  Patricia Kyritsi Howell is a well-known regional herbalist, educator, and founder of the BotanoLogos School of Herbal Studies in Georgia, bringing decades of experience and insight to each page.

Product Details

• Author: Patricia Kyritsi Howell
• Format: Paperback, 188 pages
• Publisher: BotanoLogos Books
• Region Focus: Southern Appalachians (Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont, and surrounding areas)
• Ideal for: Herbalists, gardeners, foragers, homesteaders, and students of plant medicine
• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

Whether you're cultivating herbs at home or foraging mindfully in the wild, this guide will give you the knowledge and confidence to deepen your relationship with regional medicinal plants.