Healing Wisdom of North American Trees : A Practitioner’s Guide to Identification, Traditional Use & Herbal Alchemy

Healing Wisdom of North American Trees invites readers into an intimate relationship with some of our most enduring companions on Earth. Blending traditional knowledge, practical herbalism, and ecological insight, Brenda Gallagher shares the identification, folklore, and healing gifts of our beloved trees—from the soothing basswood to the mighty oak, the fragrant black cherry to the resilient white cedar.

Drawing on decades of experience as a practitioner, teacher, and storyteller, Gallagher weaves together botanical science, Indigenous teachings, and cultural history with personal observations gathered in forests, gardens, and wild places. Each chapter reveals a tree’s character, its role in the ecosystem, its medicinal and culinary uses, and the timeless lessons it offers to mind, body, and spirit.

Richly detailed and beautifully written, this guide is both a reference and an invitation—to walk slowly among trees, to listen to their stories, and to reconnect with the living world. Whether you are an herbalist, naturalist, healer, or simply someone who finds solace in the shade of leaves, this book will deepen your appreciation for these ancient teachers and inspire you to honour their place in our lives.