By (author) Peter Jackson-Main
A radical, intimate, and deeply reflective exploration of the relationship between humans and plants
Written by a practitioner who has spent more than forty years working with the natural world, The Medicine of Plants asks a vital question: what if plants are not merely resources, remedies, or symbols, but conscious and reciprocal collaborators?
Peter Jackson-Main presents a philosophical and ecological enquiry into what plants are, what they may be asking of us, and what it means to live symbiotically with our green allies. Challenging the dominant human-centric worldview, that positions nature as inert and available for exploitation, The Medicine of the Plants presents an alternative paradigm, offering plants as ensouled beings, our ancient co-evolvers, whose intelligence holds the key to healing not only the individual, but the wider world too.
Within these pages the book discusses vital topics such as plant agency and communication; it introduces the “master plants”, discussing their cultural and historical significance; and offers grounded guidance for engaging with plants respectfully and responsibly.
The Medicine of the Plants is a powerful invitation for readers to re-think their understanding of medicine, nature, and what it means to be human.
By (author) Peter Jackson-Main
Peter Jackson Main began his enquiry into natural healing soon after leaving Cambridge University in the mid-70s, prompted by his own health issues.
Before finding the The College of Herbs and Natural Healing and training in Herbal Medicine and Iridology, Peter had already found and trained in Reflexology, Massage and Aromatherapy, Polarity Therapy and other modalities of energy healing. He later completed a Master of Sciences.
Peter has worked extensively within the herbal and naturopathic community to promote the self-determination of the profession and navigate the legislative environment surrounding the use of natural medicines.
He was a co-founder in 1995, and long-serving chairman of the Association of Master Herbalists, and has also represented herbal and natural medicine on key government consultations and working groups. Peter is currently Chair of the General Naturopathic Council and is a Fellow of the Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists.
He is currently Senior Lecturer and Course Director for Herbal Medicine, Academic Director and Head of Research at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM).
Peter is also a working musician with a back-catalogue of self-penned recordings, as well as a specialist interest in Arabian music, playing percussion in an Arab Takht ensemble.
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“Whilst the title may suggest the book is about making medicines from plants, it is in fact an eloquent and learned account of the author’s personal journey into becoming a medical herbalist, alongside the insights derived from several decades of practicing and teaching herbal medicine.The book provides an illuminating philosophical discussion of the realities of finding the purpose of herbal medicine within our avitalistic and technological age, that has become increasingly removed from nature. In resolution to this problem, the author offers solutions derived from his own shamanic experience. He clearly shows how working with certain plant allies, has the potential to lead us back into a greater connection, respect and understanding of nature. He demonstrates how plants themselves can provide the knowledge of how best to use them as medicines. Well researched and easy to read, The Medicine of Plants is a valuable contribution to the literature of herbal medicine.”
Dylan Warren-Davis, herbalist and author of The Metaphysical
Physician
“Herbalist Christopher Hedley used to say, ‘You can’t put people in boxes, their arms and legs stick out.’ And you can’t put The Medicine of Plants in a box either, as its author, Peter Jackson-Main, acknowledges. While it has an anchoring autobiographical thread running through it, Peter’s writing is deeply exploratory, shining its headlights into the many interfaces of plants with human beings, including planetary survival, the nature of nature and of medicine, and the possibility of communication with us two-legs. Taken together, this endeavour enriches thought about what it means to be human in these troubling times. As Peter zips along, readers will undoubtedly find tributaries that suit their own curiosities, including new directions and guidance they hadn’t considered previously. I certainly did.”
Dr Guy Waddell PhD, director of studies at Heartwood Education, and author of The Enchantment of Western Herbal Medicine
“The Medicine of Plants by Peter Jackson-Main is not just another book about plants, presenting facts that anyone can Google. Instead, Peter weaves plants and herbs into his personal story while exposing the mechanized, reductionist mindset of modernity and the colonization and commodification of plants and trees. An intrepid storyteller, Peter offers penetrating insights into the human condition and the deep amnesia that has separated us from Nature. He reminds us that plants are not merely resources, remedies, or objects of study, but essential characters in a larger story—one calling us back to our ancient symbiotic relationship and toward an equal, co-creative partnership. Ultimately, this is a story of remembering: that we are part of Nature, not separate from Her, and that restoring our relationship with plants opens the possibility for all life to thrive.”
Pam Montgomery, author of Plant Spiriting Healing and Co-Creating
with Nature
