September Book Review
The Woman's Herbal Apothecary by JJ Pursell.
It's been a month or so since I shared a book review with you, it's time to remedy that. This year I've been on an epic novel reading marathon,(find a review here, or check out my storygraph here) but my unbridled desire to read every Booker Prize nominated story I could get my hands on has passed and I'm now back to losing myself in herbal medicine books. We all have our phases don't we? Anyway, this month I'd like to share a book review of The Woman's Herbal Apothecary by JJ Pursell.
I purchased The Woman's Herbal Apothecary because I was looking for some natural remedies for menopause, and it didn't disappoint. The book's comprehensive coverage of menopause, including hot flashes, bone health and hormone regulation, was particularly helpful. But what blew my mind was all the other information on herbal remedies for every stage of a woman's life. I wish I had access to this wealth of natural healing wisdom in my 20s and beyond; life would definitely have been much more manageable.
The Premise: The book is a collection of natural remedies for healing, hormonal balance, beauty & longevity and creating calm from Naturopathic Physician & Acupuncturist Dr JJ Purcell, who has a BA in Biochemistry and English, a Masters in Chinese Medicine and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine.
What I Liked: The book takes you on a journey through every phase of a woman's life, offering guidance on applying the right plant medicine at each hormonal change. Rather than trying to impress us with scientifc interpretations, (which she clearly could do) the down-to-earth language and personal anecdotes used throughout the book made me feel a human connection to the author. Dr. Purcell's intimate knowledge of the plants was both comforting and incredibly informative, and I appreciated the variety of medicines shared, from simple teas to more complex tinctures.
What I Didn't Like: Many of the herbs used in her formulations were not common and, therefore, difficult to source. I'm a big fan of using plants that are local to you and/or easy to access; having said that, it's always good to have your herbal knowledge stretched.
My Recommendation: Regardless of the stage of life you're in, The Woman's Herbal Apothecary is a valuable addition to your apothecary bookshelf. If you're seeking herbal remedies for menopause or any other stage of a woman's life, this book is a worthwhile investment that will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need.
P.S. I’ve been trying and testing different herbal remedies for menopause for a few years now and I’ve decided to put down everything that works for me into an eBook. I’m offering it for free until the 14th of September (AEST) to all the menopausal women in my community here on Substack. After the 14th it’s $9.99. If you’re keen to grab your copy you can find it here.