Master Recipes from the Herbal Apothecary: 375 Tincture… (2024)

This title was an interesting find. I expect there are those who will find the tinctures, balms, sprays and other concoctions useful, particularly people with a thriving herb garden. I'm very far off from having a thriving herb garden, nor do I have a local shop which sells elm wood bark, goldenseal root, or horse chestnut powder.

Though I billed this in my head as an easy how-to guide for those of us unskilled witches out there, I feel even less prepared to heal my sprains, stomach ulcers, indigestion, insomnia, hypoglycemia, hoarseness, you name it it's in here. It does give a really nice run-down on how to make basic tinctures, balms, oils and sprays, that was pretty useful. The list of common herbs and barks you'll need to create these medicinal charms was more overwhelming. Check this out at your local library if you're already pretty well-versed in the field of homeopathy.

This is a great resource for herbal remedies for all types of conditions, as well as preventative measures. Tons of easy to read recipes, including specific formulas for babies, children and elderly people. There was a bit of plant-specific information, though I would've liked more sourcing info for some of the more rare ingredients. And one really important thing that was missing was information on contraindications for some herbs for people with certain conditions or who are taking certain medicines. Overall, though, a pretty comprehensive general guide.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A fully comprehensive look at how herbs can heal just about anything that ails you.

This book has a ton of recipes and clear instructions. Unfortunately, I can't trust it because the author does not include many notes about contraindications, notably the most common ones I've seen in other books/research for prescription medications and pregnancy. In fact, several of the recipes specifically for pregnancy include herbs that should be used with caution, if at all, and the author does not indicate so. She relies on her introductory note that "while the herbs mentioned in this book are all considered generally safe by the FDA, I believe it is always best to consult your practitioner before taking herbs internally," which is misleading if not downright irresponsible, especially for someone who promotes her background in chemistry and medicine. There is real danger in someone reading this book as their introduction to herbalism and not getting appropriate context for usage. Some of the health information also doesn't match up with my research/discussion with my own doctors.

I would like to thank Timber Press for providing me with a free – temporary – electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. Although I required their approval, the decision to read this book is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.

Regular readers of my reviews will know I am interested in herbalism. And, indeed this book had been on my radar for a while. ‘Master Recipes from the Herbal Apothecary’ is a highly detailed, well researched book on herbalism for health, beauty, and well-being.

I do have some quibbles, but they are very minor, so feel I should get them out of the way first. Firstly, in the section where it lists all the most commonly “useful” herbs, I do wish it included where they grew/ the climate they preferred. As I know for a fact not all of them are going to be able to successfully all grow in the one backyard, as some were cold weather plants, some temperate, some tropical. So, actually stating this for all readers would have been good, as not everyone is going to have that plant knowledge. That way people would know their limits as to which plants they could grow themselves, based on their location, and which they will always need to source from shops.

Also, in the recipe sections, a clear statement of when dried herbs vs fresh herbs were used in a recipe would have also been beneficial. Yes, some recipes actually ask for some herbs in powder form, so I knew that meant they were dried and, well, powdered. But in other cases it wasn’t stated as to whether the required amount was in dry or fresh herbs. I would have liked this for every recipe. Simply for the reasons I’ve given above. Not all the herbs can be fresh as no all grow in the same place.

But, other than those tiny issues, this was still a fantastic book. So informative and extremely thorough on the areas covered. Men’s health, women’s health, children and infant’s health, animal health, and overall well-being. I loved the different sections and all they entailed. This is a very comprehensive book for any herbalist’s home.

It’s not all recipes though, it is also the storage, preparation, conversions of metric to imperial… everything a home herbalist will require. Including that all important message that this book should only be referenced for minor ailments and that a holistic general practitioner should be seen for anything too serious or major. This is the best balance of herbalism – the ability to look after health, beauty and well-being for the whole family for all things every day and minor, but the knowledge that sometimes modern western medicine may be needed.

Formatting and layout were up to the usual high standards I have come to expect from Timber Press.

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would. For people interested in herbalism at beginner level through to the more experienced. I would mention my minor issues with it, but emphasise they do not ruin the book, but are simply things the reader and home healer must take into consideration when stocking their own apothecary’s pantry.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Yes I would. In paperback form, as I just prefer my recipe books in that form. But I can indeed see this book being squeezed into the ever diminishing spare shelving of my herbalism section of the bookshelves.

In summary: A very comprehensive and information book of herbalism.

This is the kind of book that you pick up to read & realize right away that you need to buy it for your library! If you are interested in herbs and how to make your own salves, teas, tinctures, etc., then this book is for you.

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Master Recipes from the Herbal Apothecary is an encyclopedic herbal with recipes for a wide variety of uses and conditions. Released 5th March 2019 from Timber Press, it's 288 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. Author JJ Pursell is a naturopathic doctor, educator, acupuncturist, and herbalist.

The book begins with introductory chapters covering terms and concepts including a list of supplies necessary for making the recipes included in the book. The author discusses safety and some simple related biochemistry about active ingredients and different methods of delivery for therapeutic dosage. The introductory basic recipes including the general instructions and introduction represent about 22% of the page content.

The following chapters are presented as a materia medica with similar sections grouped together in chapters: day to day health, immune system, women and men's health, babies and children, emotional support, travel issues, eldercare, etc. Each of the chapters includes specific well written and photographed recipes. The ingredients are varied and specific. The book also includes a metric conversion table, a bibliography for further reading, and a cross referenced index.

This is an apothecary stillroom book. It's a lot less 'happy hippy' and a lot more 'formal medicine' in feel. The recipes include a number of ingredients which won't be easily sourced outside of another herbalist's stores. For readers looking for an informal easy fun recipe for calendula lip balm, this isn't your book. (There is an included antibacterial salve (p. 244) which does in fact include calendula and can be used as a lip protectant... I stand by my statement, this is not a trivial beauty recipe book).

I would imagine few people other than herbalists and wildcrafters will have free access to the ingredients listed in the amounts and breadth called for; serious students will have to develop a relationship with a reputable supplier. The emphasis is on reputable. The author has included a resource list which includes (presumably) reputable and knowledgeable professionals.

This book has a very specific focus. I can definitely see this becoming a well used, personalized tome, with clippings and reipes, penciled notes in the margins, falling apart from long use - for those readers who fit within its niche focus.

Five stars for those students/herbalists/people who really want to take control of their holistic health. Limited use for the casual gardener unless they are willing to purchase ingredients.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Master Recipes from the Herbal Apothecary: 375 Tinctures, Salves, Teas, Capsules, Oil and Washes for Whole-Body Health and Wellness by Jj Pursell is an in-depth reference book for those who would like to create their own herbal or natural remedies. The book contains “master recipes” (think of them as templates) for the different types of products (tinctures, salves, teas, capsules, oils, washes, etc.) and then moves on to more specific recipes for addressing certain conditions or issues. There are also profiles of frequently used medicinal herbs, as well as beautiful photographs (which are helpful especially for the master recipes). The author is a board-certified naturopathic physician and her expertise shines through.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Recommendation: I bought this book to supplement what I had learned in my first book from Rosemary Gladstar, Medicinal Herbs (which is the book I would definitely start with). This book though contains more detailed information on how to make the bases (the master recipes), which I found valuable as a beginner. Also, the fact the author is a board-certified naturopathic physician lends credibility to her work, which I was otherwise unfamiliar with. The recipes are accessible for even a beginner and the well-organized structure of the book makes it easy to find what you need. I highly recommend for anyone looking to make their own herbal products, especially if you are beginner or intermediate.

Master Recipes from the Herbal Apothecary: 375 Tinctures, Salves, Teas, Capsules, Oil and Washes for Whole-Body Health and Wellness by Jj Pursell is an in-depth reference book for those who would like to create their own herbal or natural remedies. The book contains “master recipes” (think of them as templates) for the different types of products (tinctures, salves, teas, capsules, oils, washes, etc.) and then moves on to more specific recipes for addressing certain conditions or issues. There are also profiles of frequently used medicinal herbs, as well as beautiful photographs (which are helpful especially for the master recipes). The author is a board-certified naturopathic physician and her expertise shines through.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Recommendation: I bought this book to supplement what I had learned in my first book from Rosemary Gladstar, Medicinal Herbs (which is the book I would definitely start with). This book though contains more detailed information on how to make the bases (the master recipes), which I found valuable as a beginner. Also, the fact the author is a board-certified naturopathic physician lends credibility to her work, which I was otherwise unfamiliar with. The recipes are accessible for even a beginner and the well-organized structure of the book makes it easy to find what you need. I highly recommend for anyone looking to make their own herbal products, especially if you are beginner or intermediate.

There are a ton of really great recipes in this book! However, I would not advise this book to anyone who is unfamiliar with the herbs that she uses. She does not talk at all about herbal contraindications, any precautions that should be taken, or have any mention about how to purchase herbs that have sustainability issues or are hard to find simply because they are rare. There were quite a few questionable recipes in here that I wouldn't advise people using. For example, using red clover during pregnancy is not considered wise or safe because it is an estrogenic herb. She also uses Goldenseal in a lot of her recipes without talking about the sustainability issues of the plant. Another concerning ingredient I saw was poke root. This is a toxic plant that can cause serious liver damage. She gives no indication of how to use this plant wisely and under the guidance of a well-practiced herbalist or doctor. She also has a recipe that includes ingestion of Comfrey, which is quite controversial. This is to just name a few. Some of her recipes seem really great, though. It just would not be a very safe book for a beginner.

4.5 stars

This book is beautifully organized, easy to navigate, and one that I’d love to have my own copy of (I borrowed from the library). I did not get a chance to make any of the recipes yet, but seeing that I pretty much live at Fettle Botanic Supply & Counsel (the shop that this author founded) and love everything there, I’m bound to make some of these creations. There seems to be a recipe for just about everything and everyone (children, elderly, men, women). I really loved how the recipes were in alphabetical order according to ailments/conditions with the various ways to prepare them (teas, salves, tinctures, syrups, capsules, etc.). This book is filled with so much wonderful info and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in using herbs for natural healing and “medicine.”

Inclusive for many common complaints. Most are western available

This has things to take camping and or traveling, separate divisions for men women and children. I plan on starting my own garden and this common sense approach is a great beginning. An great explanation of the different types of treatments that was simple enough to understand- how they are different and when you would use each. Very easy to understand. Didn’t have a lot of medical terminology I had to look up. Author is sympathetic and plain speaking. I recommend this book. It is not for cooking but there is even a section for animals.

After watching JJ Pursell interesting YouTube videos about medicinal herbs I was excited to read her newest book. Packed full of recipes and dosages for not only health but also covers pets and herbal recipes for around the house. I particularly liked her hot oven oil extraction method and the formentation method which I had not heard of before. Imagine a healing wellness session finished off with a healing herbal formentation - delightful! Includes a conversion chart but some herbs may require some hunting for Southern Hemisphere folk.

After watching JJ Pursell interesting YouTube videos about medicinal herbs I was excited to read her newest book. Packed full of recipes and dosages for not only health but also covers pets and herbal recipes for around the house. I particularly liked her hot oven oil extraction method and the fomentation method which I had not heard of before. Imagine a healing wellness session finished off with a healing herbal fomentation - delightful! Includes a conversion chart but some herbs may require some hunting for Southern Hemisphere folk.

A thoroughly enjoyable and easy to follow book for anyone interested in exploring herbal remedies. I really liked the format and layout of the offerings. It made it feel like anyone can do.. With easy to follow recipes and ingredient explanations, this would be a handy companion for exploring this subject and a decent starting place when the typical doctor route is not an option or of interest.

Disclaimer: my review does NOT in any way mean I would recommend going against a doctor's order or not consulting doctors when needed!

I was so impressed with the way this book was laid out. It satisfies my craving for order (LOVE that the recipes are alphabetical), and it is so aesthetically pleasing. I can't speak to how well the remedies actually work, but I feel confident that I could make any of them if I tried. This is a great reference book for both beginners and people with more expertise on the subject.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I just love books like this. I love learning about herbal recipes. I have migraines and stress headaches. Plus Insomina and trouble sleeping and I find new things to help me with my needs. That makes me feel better and that is the reason for herbal medience.

I received a digital advanced readers copy of this from Netgalley.

The book is well-organized and extremely simple to follow. A great addition for any person experienced in herbalism or for someone looking for easy-to-follow recipes for your everyday health needs, from teas to tinctures.

Approachable recipes that can be crafted largely from local ingredients with clear instructions. The perfect book for a small personal collection as it spans many ailments and has clear preparation instructions for the most effective methods in each recipe.

Where most herbalism books are mainly about herb details with a few recipes thrown in, this is the opposite. This is mostly really easy to make and practical recipes for all common issues. It's a great compliment to other herb books.

a great resource. with a step by step guide to the basic methodologies that is clear and simple and then a range of recipes for a wide range of treatments.

Nicely arranged by ailment.

Fantastic book for learning techniques and developing a comfortable repertoire with herbs. It's one I constantly refer back to when working on putting together a remedy.

I got this from the library, but it is so good that I need to get a copy for myself

3.5 stars!

I can see myself getting a copy of this to have around when I need it. If only I could get ahold of the herbs in the book!

Very informative reference book. More herbs used than most people would have in their gardens.

A great resource with a ton of recipes. I grabbed this from the library and will pick this up at the bookstore to keep on hand for reference.

This book is filled with more than just herbal recipes ranging from infants to the elderly. It includes even recipes for pets! The book does a good job in listing several recipes for the whole body, not sticking to just a few basic recipes and then that is it.
I love that this book includes so much detailed information that would help those who are just beginning, to even the more experienced herbalist. The author intersperses pictures to demonstrate her techniques to help guide the reader in some of her more difficult methods.
I was really impressed by the author's dedication to help the reader be able to become as self-sufficient as possible. The reader would be able to make their own oils, tinctures, even pills. I especially liked the chart included in the infant section that showed what the proper dosage would be for the infant.
The book goes into so much depth, that it even has a section on the most common herbs used. It categorizes them by their common herbal name such as "mugwort" but also gives you their Latin name so you can easily look them up (pictures of course are provided) so you can get even more additional information than the author has given you.
This book would be a great tool for anyone looking to explore herbalism, or would like to expand their knowledge. I would recommend it given how much information is packed within these pages and how much research and knowledge the author has shown.
This book was kindly given to me to review by netgalley.

This will be an excellent guide for anyone who is interested in natural medicine and using herbs as an alternative healthcare means. This book gives a general overview of the methods of preparing herbs for medicinal use as well as individual recipes which are well organized alphabetically by ailment. This is a great reference book for those in natural healthcare as well as individuals interested in taking charge of their own health care.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fantastic book, that I cannot wait to purchase as a hard copy for my library. This gives step by step instructions to use herbs. I can't wait to use the recipes in my every day like for better living.