Book Review of Revered Roots: Ancestral Teachings and Wisdom of Wild, Edible, and Medicinal Plants

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently had the absolute pleasure of diving into Revered Roots by LoriAnn Bird, and this book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the rich world of wild, edible, and medicinal plants. I found myself completely captivated by the wealth of knowledge and beautiful presentation throughout the pages.

LoriAnn Bird, an Indigenous Métis herbalist, serves as an incredible guide through this exploration of over 90 plant species that are not only nourishing but also steeped in history and wisdom. The first half of the book is a heartfelt journey where LoriAnn shares her own path of connection and respect for our plant elders. It’s so refreshing to read about the deep relationship we can cultivate with the flora around us, recognizing our role in honoring and protecting the earth.

The second section is where the magic really happens! Each plant profile is illustrated with stunning photographs and artwork that practically leap off the page. It’s like wandering through a botanical gallery! From evergreen tips to the mysterious black cohosh roots, I was thrilled to learn about so many plants—some familiar and others completely new to me. The detailed descriptions, folklore, and practical uses for each plant make this book not just a reference but a true resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of nature's offerings.

And can we talk about the visual appeal? The cover alone is a stunning invitation into LoriAnn’s world of plant wisdom. Every page feels like a carefully crafted piece of art that makes you want to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature. I found myself flipping through the pages as if I were discovering hidden gems—each illustration is a work of art in its own right!

Beyond just information, Revered Roots provides practical recipes and tips for making your own medicines, which is invaluable for someone like me who is eager to put theory into practice. With a glossary and an extensive reference list, this book truly has everything you could possibly need to navigate the world of wild plants.

In short, Revered Roots has instantly found a special place on my bookshelf, and I can't recommend it enough! Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just curious about the plants that surround us, this book offers something for everyone. It beautifully bridges the gap between Indigenous wisdom and modern herbal practices, reminding us that connecting with nature is essential for our well-being. Grab a copy—you won't regret it!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I need to immediately purchase this book as a physical copy. It is so beautiful. I love the layout. I love the photos. The information is timely and needed. We all need to know what native plants grow around us and how to use them. Thank you so much for this book!

I really liked the overview of herbs and how they are important they are to indigenous cultures in the past and now. I learned quite a bit about the herbs I already know and love.

The book was a fascinating read. Her love for indigenous people and nature can't be missed. The book has an easy to follow layout but it did get a tad dense with writing in some parts. The book is full of helpful information with a lot I didn't know. This is one I can see going back to time and again!

This book is visually beautiful. The pages are like works of art. Each page is like discovering a beautiful new piece.

I do wish that there were photos of the plants mentioned in this book. The plants are almost all artwork, which I think will make it harder to accurately identifying a plant out in the wild.

I will admit, I don't know a lot about Canadian Indigenous practices. I learned a lot about their culture and what is important. I loved the extra tips that went along with each plant. It was a really good balance of using nature to heal while also considering individual needs.

I was very excited to read and use as a future resource and it did not disappoint. The book has an easy to follow layout , loved the seasonal categorization and color photos of each plant. I also appreciated the layout of the informative practices and glossary of terms for the usage of the plants.

Well written and wonderfully formatted. The layout of the pages about each plant are easy to follow and the inclusion of realistic pictures as opposed to drawings of the plants is wonderful to allow for recognition of the plants out in the wild. The information offered about the connection to all different indigenous peoples and the plants is great and definitely the focus of the book as opposed to uses for the different herbs.

Obviously designed and set up with an adoration and love for nature at the forefront of the authors mind and it shows. I learned a lot from a quick look through alone. Will cherish this for quite some time to come.

What a gorgeous new herbal book. It is valuable as a reference and resource of plant wisdom and Indigenous wisdom. It includes colorful photographs and illustrations, plant descriptions, recipes, medicine making tips as well as a glossary and list of references. I am a student herbalist and can't wait to add this gem to my bookshelf! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I so loved this book about wild, edible and medicinal plants. I got to learn new things about a lot of my favorite plants and SO much about native plants I’ve never heard of personally.

It was also great to read about the Author’s background as an indigenous woman. Beautiful photos and drawings throughout the book. I know several people that would love this that I might get it for.