Julie Bruton-Seal was born in Australia and grew up in Africa and other wild places. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biology from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she lived for many years. Julie also trained as an herbalist with Christopher Hobbs, renowned California herbalist, acupuncturist, and author. Julie's photographs have been published in books and magazines, including National Geographic, and she contributes regularly to the journal The Herbalist. Julie's interest in health led her to train in herbal medicine, iridology, and energy medicine. As a practicing herbalist, she grows and collects many of her own herbs and makes her own essences. She also teaches workshops on herbal medicine making, and is the author of Backyard Medicine, Backyard Medicine for All, and The Herbalist's Bible. 

Matthew Seal has worked as an in-house and freelance editor and writer for books, magazines, and newspapers. He co-authored Backyard Medicine, Backyard Medicine for All, and The Herbalist's Bible.