Im doing these from memory and in need of a nap, so if im a little off i apologize.

Brow - Lesser non-crossed version of blessing. Not super useful if you have leveled carp already.
Precise - Use if you can afford it. When it works, it gives you 2 steps of IQ and a little quality.
Names - My understanding is that these give your current recipe the proper elemental tag for the next 5 steps, letting you brand for a step or two of big progress.
Makers - Use if you like. Its most useful on the harder recipes, but if you like to start with some bonus progress(and have 2 open cross slots) feel free.
Muscle - Taru covered it. Just a way to get a head-start on your progress. Use if you like.