Tools, Suppliers, Books & Community Connections
Everything you need to support your herbal practice in Aotearoa New Zealand – from finding quality herbs to connecting with the herbal community.
π Educational Resources
Books & Publications
Available at NZ Libraries (Free):
- A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand by Andrew Crowe
- The Forager’s Treasury by Johanna Knox
- MΔori Plant Use by Murdoch Riley
- Medical Herbalism by David Hoffmann
- The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook by James Green
Recommended Herbal Texts:
- The Complete Herbal Tutor by Anne McIntyre
- Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy by Mills & Bone
- Herbal Constituents by Lisa Ganora
NZ-Specific Resources:
- MΔori Healing and Herbal by Murdoch Riley
- Weeds in the Heart by Johanna Knox
- Local council native plant guides (free online)
Online Learning
Free Resources:
- YouTube – NZ plant identification channels
- iNaturalist app and community
- NZ Plant Conservation Network (nzpcn.org.nz)
- Local council websites (foraging regulations, spray schedules)
Herbal Forums & Groups:
- NZ Herbal Medicine Facebook groups
- Reddit herbalism communities
- Local herbal guild websites
πΏ Sourcing Herbs & Supplies
Growing Your Own
Seeds & Plants:
- NZ seed companies offer affordable options
- Native nurseries for kawakawa and other NZ natives
- Local garden centers (check seasonal sales)
- Community plant swaps (free!)
- Seed libraries at some public libraries
Tip: Search “NZ native plant nursery [your region]” or “medicinal herb seeds NZ”
Buying Bulk Herbs
Where to Look:
- Health food stores with bulk herb sections
- NZ-based online herb suppliers
- Asian supermarkets (medicinal herbs)
- Farmers markets (local herb vendors)
What to Look For:
- Organic certification (when possible)
- Fresh smell and vibrant color
- Fair pricing on bulk quantities
- Good packaging and storage
- Responsive customer service
Buying Tips:
- Start with 25-50g to try herbs first
- Buy 100-250g once you know you like it
- Store in airtight containers away from heat/light
- Split bulk orders with friends
Equipment & Supplies
Basic Equipment (Often Already Have):
- Glass jars (reuse from kitchen)
- Cheesecloth or clean cloth
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Pot for double boiler
- Coffee filters
Worth Buying:
- Good quality carrier oils (olive, sweet almond)
- Beeswax for salves
- Vodka for tinctures
- Amber bottles (or store in dark cupboard)
- Basic scale (if making large batches)
Where to Find:
- Warehouse/Kmart for basics
- Online craft suppliers for bottles
- Health food stores for oils and beeswax
- Op shops for equipment
ποΈ Community & Organisations
Local Resources
Community Gardens:
- Learn from experienced gardeners
- Access to herb plots
- Plant swap opportunities
- Free or low-cost membership
Public Libraries:
- Free books and resources
- Sometimes host workshops
- Seed libraries (some locations)
- Community bulletin boards
Native Nurseries:
- Expert advice on native plants
- Often free educational resources
- Support local ecosystems
- Usually happy to answer questions
Workshops & Classes
Where to Find:
- Community education centers
- Herbal guilds and associations
- Native plant societies
- Council-run workshops
- Private herbalists offering courses
Types of Classes:
- Plant identification walks
- Medicine-making workshops
- Foraging courses
- Native plant education
- Herbal first aid
Tip: Many are free or donation-based (koha)
π¬ Scientific Resources
Research & Information
Reputable Databases:
- PubMed (free scientific articles)
- Google Scholar (research papers)
- American Botanical Council
NZ-Specific:
- NZ Plant Conservation Network
- Landcare Research plant databases
- DOC native plant information
- Regional council websites
πΊοΈ Foraging Resources
Identification Tools
Apps:
- iNaturalist (community plant ID)
- Seek by iNaturalist
- PlantSnap
- PictureThis
Books:
- Field guides from library
- Regional wildflower guides
- Native plant guides
Online:
- NZ plant databases
- Regional council plant lists
- Native plant society websites
Foraging Regulations
Important Information:
- Check local council regulations
- DOC land requires permits for harvesting
- Private land requires permission
- Some plants are protected by law
- Spray schedules for public parks
Where to Check:
- Local council websites
- DOC website
- Regional council offices
- Community board notices
π Checklists & Tools
Download These Guides:
- Seasonal Foraging Calendar (Coming Soon)
- Herb Harvesting Guidelines (Coming Soon)
- Medicine-Making Safety Checklist (Coming Soon)
- Plant Identification Worksheet (Coming Soon)
- Herb Journal Template (Coming Soon)
πͺ Herb Library & References
Quick Reference Guides
On This Site:
- Complete Herb Library – All monographs
- Herbal Glossary – Terms explained
- Safety Guidelines – Essential safety info
- Preparation Methods – How-to guides
Browse by Category
By Use:
By Access:
π Free Resources
No-Cost Ways to Learn:
β Public library books and databases
β Free plant identification apps
β YouTube educational videos
β Community plant walks
β Online herbal forums
β Council native plant guides
β Herb swaps and exchanges
β Foraging (with proper ID!)
β Growing from seed
β This website!
π Helpful On-line Sites
Government Resources:
- Department of Conservation (doc.govt.nz)
- Regional council websites
- Ministry of Health – Complementary Medicine
- NZ Food Safety guidelines
Conservation:
- NZ Plant Conservation Network
- Forest & Bird
- Native plant societies by region
Herbal Organizations:
π‘ Tips for Using Resources
Building Your Library:
- Start with library books (free!)
- Buy 2-3 good reference books over time
- Save reliable websites to favorites
- Take notes and create your own resource file
- Share resources with fellow herbalists
Evaluating Information:
- Check author credentials
- Look for scientific references
- Compare multiple sources
- Prioritise NZ-specific information
- Be wary of commercial claims
Staying Current:
- Join herbal email lists
- Follow reputable herbalists online
- Attend workshops when possible
- Connect with local herbal community
- Keep learning and questioning
π€ Contributing to the Community
Ways to Give Back:
- Share knowledge generously
- Participate in plant swaps
- Mentor beginning herbalists
- Organise study groups
- Report plant sightings (iNaturalist)
- Support local nurseries and suppliers
- Practice sustainable harvesting
- Respect indigenous knowledge
Building a strong resource base takes time. Start with what’s free and accessible, then expand gradually as your practice grows.
The Public Herbarium 