Additional Resources

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.

📚 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
Māori 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:

Māori 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

🌿 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

🏛️ 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)

🔬 Scientific Resources

Research & Information

Reputable Databases:

PubMed (free scientific articles)
Google Scholar (research papers)
American Botanical Council

NZ-Specific:

🗺️ 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

📋 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)

🏪 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:

🎁 Free Resources

No-Cost Ways to Learn:

✓ Public library books and databases
✓ Free plant identification apps
✓ YouTube educational videos
✓ Community plant walks
✓ Online herbal forums
✓ Council native plant guides
✓ Herb swaps and exchanges
✓ Foraging (with proper ID!)
✓ Growing from seed
✓ This website!