Herbalism Help

[sete_di_sangue]

I've finally started leveling herbalism--my first profession!  I think I have a good leveling guide to help me get through most of the way... but I have a question

Are addons necessary? I found Gatherer, but will that help me level faster? I guess I don't understand how the addon works, so I don't know if it will be useful. Does anybody have some advice about this? Herbalism? Leveling professions in general?
thank you!