Master Recipes from the Herbal Apothecary: 375 Tinctures, Salves, Teas, Capsules, Oils, and Washes for Whole-Body Health and Wellness

This book on DIY herbal medicine by naturopath, acupuncturist, and herb entrepreneur Pursell (The Woman's Herbal Apothecary) delivers on its title. Divided into logical and practical sections of preparation, botanical information, and recipes, this "how-to" does a superior job of introducing readers to the basics, beginning with a chapter on concoction creation and preparation—how to make tinctures, syrups, salves, poultices, teas, etc. Accompanied by well-shot demonstration photographs, the techniques concocting and the benefit of the various types of potions are clearly stated and easy to follow. Herb descriptions and their uses, complete with photos, make up the next part of the book, followed by the largest section of herbal recipes for everyday ailments and self-care. The recipes are straightforward and relatively simple to mix together, with the herbs and their applications in these formulas generally accepted within both Western and Chinese traditional pharmacopeias as well as easily obtained.