I have been “messing’ with herbs for a long time.  I have read more books than I can count and taken a few courses, too.  I mention all that to say that if I were to recommend to a person who is new to herbs and herbal medicine, go here first! http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/calendar/herb-lessons/

“Here” is where Debi Pearl or one of her daughters has put together 12 full color lessons on 12 different herbs or spices used in herbal medicine.  Go there now and take a look at these amazing article/lessons.  And who can beat the price?  FREE!  They are also in PDF format so you can download them and look at them at your leisure.