One thing i will recommend is a good reference book on what systems and organs the herbs act on. I have come across books that have simplified things to the point it could be dangerous. Example info given was "works on the thyroid" but did not clarify it it stimulates or reduces the action of the thyroid; which is a very critical piece of information. I have also seen books that get this wrong so the ability to cross reference is very very useful. Especially if you are intended to take herbs at medicinal level by ingestion.
Also know your contraindications - specifically any meds you take because that is going to influence your options. Eg if you are on the pill there is herbs that will cancel it out. Also St johns wort is not recommended if you take one of a whole massive heap of very different meds.
Right now i am delving down a different line in connection to herbalism and that is food is medicine and this book is being ordered this week nourishing traditions
I try not to be drawn on my opinions on a specific author although there is one specific one that is incredibly problematic and subversively far right that i hold very strong opinions on, but even then i will not name and shame so just be aware in the Norse traditions and books this is a sub-context you have to watch for Even in a bad book there are often a hidden nugget that is helpful; but as pointed out by someone wiser than I - it helps to understand what draws people into the community because that will influence their approach when interacting with the community. The book that drew me in is incredibly problematic in its history of witch craft section and often hated as a whole but there is some very strong workings in it and was actually the tradition that drew Christopher Penczak into the community which is interesting to see that journey from the tradition to his temple books and his whole coven setup. But you would be hard put to find a newer witch talking about the interactions between the particle physics world and magic. It is simply not in the modern books. And thus my standards for a good book and author are influenced by the quality of information that drew me into the community, and a lot of modern more accessible books are not what I am looking for.
But do be aware that genuine wiccans and witches have been caught in the push for publications for profit, and that sometimes their work is changed to meet the demands of the publisher rather than be the work that they would have wished to put out. There has actually been a reasonable amount of discussion on this in the corners of youtube i hide in. Which is one of the reasons i focus on publishers and publisher reps when i consider books. I simply do not wish to allow my money to increase the profit of profiteers. If there is an author whose work i wish to access from one of these publishers i try to do so in a manner that does not give the publisher income - eg 2nd hand stores, libraries. I got sick of the politics and ethical issues in the publishing world so made the decision to choose more in line with my opinions and ethics on the matter. Ditto with authors i find problematic for various reasons from the fiction world.
I will not judge you for your book choice unless you are being an ass about other's book choices, or your choices are extremist far right in nature. Choose the books you feel suit your needs in the time. But do be aware of the problems within the sector so that you can make choices with empowerment. Eg. Tarot cards are another area there are big problems when people are copying decks and then selling knock off decks that are sub par quality.
There are many many good resources out there but the wide spread popularity has brought issues from profiteers. And as the circle turns again and it becomes less in the full of attention of the public/less profitable; the profiteers will move onto another sector. It has been this way before, it will be this way again.