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Herba Mythica: Myths and Folk Tales of Sacred Healing Plants

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'For the time you are reading you are lost, lost to the magic of this book.' - Jo Glover, The Association of Master Herbalists

Stories are spells. Healers have long recognised the need to travel to psychic realms, from heaven to Hesperides, to effect cures. Ancient medicinal manuscripts pair myth and magical incantation with instruction on how to dig up roots, make salves and concoct tinctures.

Herba Mythica draws on this tradition and is a handbook for story-lovers and herbalists alike. Acclaimed storytellers from around the world choose plants that reflect their heritage or specialism and notes on plant origins, symbolism and healing properties complement each tale.

In this collection mythology suggests that every bush, every flower is a deity who mirrors the healing action of the plant: Hecate is the hypnotic Poppy, Osiris the oracular Laurel and Tara the regenerative Lotus. And in folk tale, there are Willow fathers, Hawthorn mothers and brides who marry trees.

Throughout, Sherry Robinson’s characterful drawings capture the light and shade of each plant, reminding us of their power to kill or cure.

Author: Gresham-Knight Xanthe
Publisher: THE HISTORY PRESS
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9781837052509
Cover: Paperback
Edition Number: 1
Release Year: 2026

Xanthe Gresham-Knight tours internationally and has been Storyteller in Residence for The Chelsea Physic Garden, Harvard University, Psychologies Magazine, Hastings Storytelling Festival, Stoke and Staffordshire Libraries and have received numerous commissions from The British Museum and The Smithsonian. She has performed at major UK Literature Festivals including Hay and Cheltenham and has created 8 performance art shows for adults on different Goddesses for venues including The Barbican, National and Soho Theatres.

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