{"id":28914,"date":"2023-08-01T01:10:32","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T05:10:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=28914"},"modified":"2023-07-27T00:23:10","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T04:23:10","slug":"book-review-culpepers-complete-herbal-by-nicholas-culpeper-annotated-by-dr-j-j-pursell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2023\/08\/01\/book-review-culpepers-complete-herbal-by-nicholas-culpeper-annotated-by-dr-j-j-pursell\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review \u2013 Culpeper\u2019s Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper, Annotated by Dr. J.J. Pursell"},"content":{"rendered":"

Book Review<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Culpeper’s Complete Herbal<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

By Nicholas Culpeper<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Annotated by J.J. Pursell\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Publisher: Andrews McMeel <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pages: 384<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Rerelease Date: October 2022<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nicholas Culpeper was an extraordinary figure of the 17th century. Frustrated with the lack of medicine and treatment available to those with no money, Culpeper, a fairly well-to-do gentleman, abandoned his studies at Cambridge University and went to become an apprentice at a London-based apothecary. From there, he set up his own pharmacy and went on to publish \u201cThe Complete Herbal\u201d in 1652\/53. This was despite twice being accused of witchcraft, tried, and acquitted. Culpeper went against the grain and didn\u2019t let the authorities dissuade him from his path.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Complete Herbal describes over 300 herbs and plants, their medical uses, and even recipes for helping with particular ailments. It\u2019s always been a popular resource, even though modern science doesn\u2019t always back Mr Culpeper\u2019s assertations. There are, though, plenty of entries where the described use is still relevant today.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This new version of Culpeper is quite unique in that it\u2019s annotated for herbalists, healers, and witches. It\u2019s a lovely addition to include magical practitioners as well as those wanting to explore medical herbalism. It\u2019s also quite a savvy move by the publisher, as they must be aware of the modern resurgence in witchcraft and magical herbalism, and possibly hope to corner that market.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth noting that the text this version uses is the 1850 edition originally published by Thomas Kelly of London. This is widely available as an e-book, and physical copies often fetch upward of \u00a3400 at auction! However, the new edition is far less costly and gives readers the added benefit of Dr Pursell\u2019s annotations. These notes provide a current perspective on each plant, including whether the claimed medical use is correct, and how safe the plant is to handle. Dr Pursell also includes notes on other uses of the plant at the time the book was originally written, for example, Culpeper doesn\u2019t mention the fact that Adder\u2019s Tongue, Ophioglossum vulgatum, was used in the 17th century as an aphrodisiac. Pursell describes a charm for attraction which is very interesting and definitely a notable titbit for witches interested in love magic.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The other important difference with this new edition is that plants include their Latin names as well as their common or folk names. This is a massive change as, when Culpeper first wrote the book, Latin names for organisms weren\u2019t standardised. This only happened in the 1700\u2019s, thanks to naturalist Carl Linnaeus. Having the Latin name means that readers are able to quickly identify and source relevant plants, rather than having to rely on a common name that could be used for several different plants with wildly varying properties.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The publisher\u2019s note is really useful in describing the benefits and limitations of the book; for example, Culpeper was guilty of stating, \u201cThis [plant] is so well known that it needs no description\u201d, but of course, readers could really do with that description to ensure they\u2019re looking at the right plant! The publisher is also keen to point out that this book isn\u2019t for medical advice, and that Culpeper\u2019s recommendations for herbs don\u2019t always stack up with modern research. As always, get advice from a medical professional before using any medicine, herbal or otherwise.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr Pursell does a great job in the introduction of explaining and elevating the role of herbal medicine, and introducing Mr Culpeper and his history, including the interesting fact of his passion to make medicine available to the general public.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

My Recommendation <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Shut up and take my money! Seriously, I\u2019m a huge Culpeper fan, not just because so much of his herbalism crosses the boundaries of the physical and the metaphysical\u2014every plant has its own astrological virtues, for example\u2014but because he was a true radical of his time, breaking down barriers so that everyone could benefit from freely available medical plants. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This edition of The Complete Herbal is a beautiful re-rendering. The original text is there in its entirety, including Culpeper\u2019s often catty comments about his peers, and his original \u201cepistle\u201d to the readers. The beautiful illustrations are now dispersed throughout the book rather than on separate \u201cplates\u201d, as was the method when the 19th century version was published. That means you can see and read about the plant together, rather than having to constantly flick backward and forward.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, Dr Pursell\u2019s notes help the reader remain grounded in the here and now, appreciating the book as a product of its time while enjoying the richness of information from both the 17th and 21st centuries. This won\u2019t replace my original Culpeper, because that\u2019s a treasured volume that I was lucky enough to source for a very reasonable price! But when I want facts about one of Culpeper\u2019s herbs that stand up to modern science? It\u2019s this New Edition I\u2019ll be reaching for. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the Author<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nicholas Culpeper lived between 1616 and 1654 and is considered one of the best sources for understanding herbal medicine and lore during this period. He boasted that he only wrote with experience, reason, diligence, and honesty, and got his information by spending time in nature. Culpeper felt that the physicians of the time were only in it for the money, and he would sometimes see 40 patients a day, examining them holistically just as a modern herbalist today would. He purposefully avoided overly formal language in his books so that they were accessible to poorer (which then meant less educated) folks, and recognised that practices such as bloodletting were harmful and outdated. Culpeper massively influenced modern medicine in North America, and many of the plants brought over by colonists were included because of Culpeper\u2019s recommendations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr J.J. Pursell ND, LAc, is a fully licensed naturopathic physician, an acupuncturist, and a trainer in herbal medicine. Her extensive experience shines through the multiple books she\u2019s written including The Herbal apothecary, Medicinal Herbs for Immune Defense, and more. Find out more about Dr J.J. Pursell on her Instagram<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Culpeper’s Complete Herbal on Amazon<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

About the Author:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mabh Savage<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist and content creator. She\u2019s a nature-based witch, obsessed with Irish and British Paganism and Folklore, plus she\u2019s a massive plant nerd. She\u2019s also a long-time Hekate devotee and a newbie Lokean. She works extensively with the UK Pagan Federation, including editing their bi-annual children\u2019s magazine. Mabh is a passionate environmentalist and an advocate for inclusiveness and positive social transformation.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mabh is the author of\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Pagan Portals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>and most recently, <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Planet Friendly Living<\/span><\/span><\/a>. <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>Search \u201cMabh Savage\u201d on Spotify and @Mabherick on all socials.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book Review Culpeper’s Complete Herbal By Nicholas Culpeper Annotated by J.J. Pursell\u00a0 Publisher: Andrews McMeel Pages: 384 Rerelease Date: October 2022         Nicholas Culpeper was an extraordinary figure of the 17th century. Frustrated with the lack of medicine and treatment available to those with no money, Culpeper, a fairly well-to-do gentleman, abandoned his studies at Cambridge University and went to become an apprentice at a London-based apothecary. From there, he set up his own pharmacy and went on to publish \u201cThe Complete Herbal\u201d in 1652\/53. This was despite twice being accused of witchcraft, tried, and acquitted. Culpeper went against the grain and didn\u2019t let the authorities dissuade him from his path. The Complete Herbal describes over 300 herbs and plants, their medical uses, and even recipes for helping with particular ailments. It\u2019s always been a popular resource, even though modern science doesn\u2019t always back Mr Culpeper\u2019s assertations. There are, though, plenty of entries where the described use is still relevant today. This new version of Culpeper is quite unique in that it\u2019s annotated for herbalists, healers, and witches. It\u2019s a lovely addition to include magical practitioners as well as those wanting to explore medical herbalism. It\u2019s also quite a savvy move by the publisher, as they must be aware of the modern resurgence in witchcraft and magical herbalism, and possibly hope to corner that market. It\u2019s worth noting that the text this version uses is the 1850 edition originally published by Thomas Kelly of London. This is widely available as an e-book, and physical copies often fetch upward of \u00a3400 at auction! However, the new edition is far less costly and gives readers the added benefit of Dr Pursell\u2019s annotations. These notes provide a current perspective on each plant, including whether the claimed medical use is correct, and how safe the plant is to handle. Dr Pursell also includes notes on other uses of the plant at the time the book was originally written, for example, Culpeper doesn\u2019t mention the fact that Adder\u2019s Tongue, Ophioglossum vulgatum, was used in the 17th century as an aphrodisiac. Pursell describes a charm for attraction which is very interesting and definitely a notable titbit for witches interested in love magic. The other important difference with this new edition is that plants include their Latin names as well as their common or folk names. This is a massive change as, when Culpeper first wrote the book, Latin names for organisms weren\u2019t standardised. This only happened in the 1700\u2019s, thanks to naturalist Carl Linnaeus. Having the Latin name means that readers are able to quickly identify and source relevant plants, rather than having to rely on a common name that could be used for several different plants with wildly varying properties. The publisher\u2019s note is really useful in describing the benefits and limitations of the book; for example, Culpeper was guilty of stating, \u201cThis [plant] is so well known that it needs no description\u201d, but of course, readers could really do with that description to ensure they\u2019re looking at the right plant! The publisher is also keen to point out that this book isn\u2019t for medical advice, and that Culpeper\u2019s recommendations for herbs don\u2019t always stack up with modern research. As always, get advice from a medical professional before using any medicine, herbal or otherwise. Dr Pursell does a great job in the introduction of explaining and elevating the role of herbal medicine, and introducing Mr Culpeper and his history, including the interesting fact of his passion to make medicine available to the general public. My Recommendation Shut up and take my money! Seriously, I\u2019m a huge Culpeper fan, not just because so much of his herbalism crosses the boundaries of the physical and the metaphysical\u2014every plant has its own astrological virtues, for example\u2014but because he was a true radical of his time, breaking down barriers so that everyone could benefit from freely available medical plants. This edition of The Complete Herbal is a beautiful re-rendering. The original text is there in its entirety, including Culpeper\u2019s often catty comments about his peers, and his original \u201cepistle\u201d to the readers. The beautiful illustrations are now dispersed throughout the book rather than on separate \u201cplates\u201d, as was the method when the 19th century version was published. That means you can see and read about the plant together, rather than having to constantly flick backward and forward. Finally, Dr Pursell\u2019s notes help the reader remain grounded in the here and now, appreciating the book as a product of its time while enjoying the richness of information from both the 17th and 21st centuries. This won\u2019t replace my original Culpeper, because that\u2019s a treasured volume that I was lucky enough to source for a very reasonable price! But when I want facts about one of Culpeper\u2019s herbs that stand up to modern science? It\u2019s this New Edition I\u2019ll be reaching for. About the Author Nicholas Culpeper lived between 1616 and 1654 and is considered one of the best sources for understanding herbal medicine and lore during this period. He boasted that he only wrote with experience, reason, diligence, and honesty, and got his information by spending time in nature. Culpeper felt that the physicians of the time were only in it for the money, and he would sometimes see 40 patients a day, examining them holistically just as a modern herbalist today would. He purposefully avoided overly formal language in his books so that they were accessible to poorer (which then meant less educated) folks, and recognised that practices such as bloodletting were harmful and outdated. Culpeper massively influenced modern medicine in North America, and many of the plants brought over by colonists were included because of Culpeper\u2019s recommendations. Dr J.J. Pursell ND, LAc, is a fully licensed naturopathic physician, an acupuncturist, and a trainer in herbal medicine. Her extensive experience shines through the multiple books she\u2019s written including The Herbal apothecary, Medicinal Herbs for Immune Defense, and more. Find out more about Dr J.J. Pursell on her Instagram.     Culpeper’s Complete Herbal on Amazon   ** About the Author: Mabh Savage\u00a0is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist and content creator. She\u2019s a nature-based witch, obsessed with Irish and British Paganism and Folklore, plus she\u2019s a massive plant nerd. She\u2019s also a long-time Hekate devotee and a newbie Lokean. She works extensively with the UK Pagan Federation, including editing their bi-annual children\u2019s magazine. Mabh is a passionate environmentalist and an advocate for inclusiveness and positive social transformation. Mabh is the author of\u00a0A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors,\u00a0\u00a0Pagan Portals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways, and most recently, Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Planet Friendly Living. Search \u201cMabh Savage\u201d on Spotify and @Mabherick on all socials.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":206,"featured_media":28915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10005],"tags":[14099,10095,10015,14713,11103,13686,10110,14715,14716,14714,10075],"class_list":["post-28914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reviews","tag-14099","tag-book","tag-book-review","tag-culpeper","tag-herbal","tag-herbalism","tag-herbs","tag-j-j-pursell","tag-microcosm","tag-nicholas-culpeper","tag-review"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/206"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28914"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28918,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28914\/revisions\/28918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}