The Wild & Weedy Apothecary: An A to Z Book of Herbal Concoctions, Recipes & Remedies, Practical Know-How & Food for the Soul

by Doreen Shababy

Just outside your doorstep or kitchen window, hidden beneath a tall pine tree or twining through porch latticework, a wild and weedy apothecary waits to be discovered. Herbalist Doreen Shababy shares her deep, abiding love for the earth and its gifts in this collection of herbal wisdom that represents a lifetime of work in the forest, field, and kitchen. This herbalism guidebook is jam-packed with dozens of tasty recipes and natural remedies, including Glorious Garlic and Artichoke Dip, Sunny Oatmeal Crepes, Candied Catnip Leaves, Lavender Lemonade, Roseberry Tea, Garlic Tonic, Parsnip Hair Conditioner, and Dream Charms made with Mugwort. A sampling of the herbal lore, legend, and instruction found within these
"Those who dare delve into this book may emerge with catnip on their breath, mud on their knees, wild fruit juices on their hands, and a mysterious, satisfied smile―the very image of a wild and weedy woman. Come on!"―Susun S. Weed, wild woman herbalist

Genres: Nonfiction, Plants, Cookbooks, Witchcraft, Magick, Gardening, Paganism

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Cassandra Carico · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a recipe book than it is an herbal. However, there are a lot of fine recipes contained in here. Though I read it from cover-to-cover, that is not the best way to use it. I believe it is good to glance over it, extracting the information that will enhance your life right at this time, and use it to refer back to for recipes and to learn new bits.

I did have a few criticisms. She goes letter-by-letter through the alphabet, and I don't like that some of the letters appear to have stumped her. It appears that she is grasping for subjects on some of them. In addition, there is a lovely illustration at the beginning of each letter. I fear these might be a bit confusing, because it is not an illustration of the herb being discussed, but just a random drawing of what appears to be a morning glory, though I am not certain.

In all, this book is useful. It is jam packed with recipes and information, topped with a generous dose of puns and nerdy jokes ~ my fave!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was buying a book from Amazon or One Spirit, and you know how they have that little nudge about how people who bought that book also bought this book? Well, it looked interesting so I added it to my cart. Am I ever glad I did!

I was expecting a book detailing Western herbs and their uses, like many others I own ~ yawn. But this one is so unique. It is a delightful ride along with Doreen Shababy as she explores all her favorite things in life. It reminded me of an old timey "Receipt" book, with instructions on making salves and healing rashes and baking little breads and understanding every thing there is to know about roses as medicine. And yes, there is a spell or two, which add a dash of authenticity. And if you don't get it that we never give honey to babies, it isn't Ms. Shababy's fault!

My great grandmother had a spell or receipt book, but it was burned upon her death. What I wouldn't give to have that book and see what she had written in it. Did she write down all the fantastic uses for vinegar too? I started writing one of my own earlier this year and know that some of my future pages will contain information, if not inspired by, then directly lifted from this charming and informative book.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part herbal medicine, part cookbook, part foraging manual, and part pagan spirituality; major emphasis is on the herbal medicine. Short essays are arranged alphabetically like a primer, “A is for Apple”, “H is for Hawthorn” etc. (note: it’s more extensive than this makes it sound; many letters have multiple entries). In front of this is an almost 40 page “How to use this book” section, giving the tools you’ll need, basic processing methods, and kitchen pantry basics.

I enjoyed this book a great deal. It’s not just good information (and, for me, information on plants that grow in this area; the author lives in the same county I do) but it’s fun to read. Shababy writes with an easy style that reads like you’re out in the garden (or countryside) with her as she works. She’s also very careful; she repeats endlessly that you go to the doctor for anything serious and gives warnings about dangerous plants. She is NOT in the ‘chew on this foxglove for your heart failure’ school of thought, which makes me trust her advice a lot more than I do many herbals.

[Rosemary Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has just enough of a Pagan tint to it to make it useful for spiritual workings, but the majority of it is just simply good information. Recipes for food; how-tos for making herbal tinctures, salves, teas and decoctions; suggested combinations to achieve desired results (spiritual and not); all thrown in there with personal stories and narratives. Wild and cultivated herbs and flowers. I found this book immensely informative and very fun to read. It shall be a great reference book on my shelf!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format is alphabetical making it a great "snippets" read. Book is humorous, informative and full of practical suggestions for success in following various preparations. Some herb lore, very good (and unusual!) recipes.I found several hints and info to add to my "collection" of herbal preparations and recipes. Entertaining even for me who has read many books on herbalism.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK. Whether you're a gardener, herbalist, or cook (or would like to be one!) then this is a great read! It was on the bookshelf with my herbal medicine library but now it has a place of honor on my bakers rack with my (very spare) cookbook collection.

[sara frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

i am so not the target audience for this book.

[Kat Molinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Will always be part of my reference library!

[Larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Own. One of the best, if not the best, books on everything practical with herbs. delicious. medicinal. easy.

[C.R. Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference as well as an engaging read.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as herbal books go, this is certainly the most fun one I've read, like having your hippie aunt take you around her house and give you all her secrets, recipes and tips. The A - Z format gave it a more whimsical edge, although the book is far from an exhaustive herbal book like many of the greats. Still, it puts a whimsical spin on practical herbal applications that is usually not present with in work of other authors.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh boy did i try to actually sit down and read this, but page after page filled with a love affair of plastic and the factory farming industry of eggs and meat is not acceptable. Especially to be preached by someone providing advice on herbal medicine. I cannot trust someone who does not value the health of the plant above their own ease of life.

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another reference book that I will go to and "re-read" either because I missed something or need to use it's advice and recipes. Would have liked more herbal health remedies and a more intensive index but that's a personnel choice and should not deter anyone from reading it.

[C.E.]

Some illustrations would be good. I understand that Shababy probably wanted people to go look at a real book on plant identification so that foragers would be more certain to find the right thing, but still.

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only wish it were bigger, A great reference book.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit disorganized, but charming, and full of lore and excellent recipes.

[Lish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Practical and easily digestible content.

[Autumn Earthsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book for years! I'm constantly perusing it, trying recipes and with the help of this book grew to love the study of herbs so much it's a huge part of my Life! I'm happy to say through the magic of Facebook I've become friends with Doreen Shababy and value that so much. This book should be on every Kitchen Witch's shelf!

[Cheyenne]

very informational