The Guide to Apothecaries
Apothecary can refer to the person who prepares drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes. Today know them as pharmacists. The word also refers to the pharmacy where these compounds are sold.
We alluded to the mystical associations of the word, but it’s worth noting that apothecaries are also esteemed medical professionals
Apothecaries (both the people and their shops) have a hold on our imaginations because they provide medicines that heal our ailments. Modern apothecaries with medical degrees have their own advocacy groups who support the advancement of medical research and knowledge.
The word apothecary can also refer to those who formulate alternatives to the traditional pharmaceuticals used to treat a variety of maladies. There is plenty of evidence that herbs and plants have healing powers, and apothecaries are resources for that power.
What is an apothecary?
Apothecary can refer to the person who prepares drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes. Today know them as pharmacists. The word also refers to the pharmacy where these compounds are sold.
We alluded to the mystical associations of the word, but it’s worth noting that apothecaries are also esteemed medical professionals
Apothecaries (both the people and their shops) have a hold on our imaginations because they provide medicines that heal our ailments. Modern apothecaries with medical degrees have their own advocacy groups who support the advancement of medical research and knowledge.
The word apothecary can also refer to those who formulate alternatives to the traditional pharmaceuticals used to treat a variety of maladies. There is plenty of evidence that herbs and plants have healing powers, and apothecaries are resources for that power.
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Building a Home Apothecary
Herbs
Start with our list of the nine essential apothecary ingredients. You’ll see a handful of these in our next section.
Books
One good place to start your journey is with “The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to the Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More.” Find more in our home apothecary article.
Dropper Bottles & Jars
You’ll need these to store your oils and treatments. Stop by our Tarpon Springs store, contact us online, or call us at 727-940-7009 for our advice on the best ones to buy.
Carrier Oils
These oils are so named because they dilute essential oils and help carry them into the skin. Many have anti-inflammatory properties, while others are used primarily as part of aromatherapy. Some of our favorites include jojoba oil, almond oil, and rosehip oil.
Vodka
As you’ll see in our list of recommended apothecary ingredients, food-safe alcohol is frequently used as a base in many concoctions that herbalists create. It acts as a solvent that extracts the benefits of the raw ingredients in your tincture. As you learn more about the science of herbalism, you’ll understand how to safely add these alcohols.
Herbs: The Heart of the Apothecary
Herbs are the heart of any apothecary. You’ll find different lists across the internet, with many of the same herbs common to them. Some of the most popular apothecary herbs include Mugwort, St. John’s Wort, Catnip, and Raspberry leaf.
At our online apothecary shop, click on any of the herbs to learn about their benefits for mind and body. In addition to our herbal bundles, you’ll also find a variety of helpful ingredients and packaged goods that are ready to use, including teas and tonics, organic powders, candles, and herbal bath blends.
Home apothecaries have a certain charm to them from a visual standpoint. They also have a practical value. When you have the ingredients and the know-how to provide for your own health needs, you have a powerful resource for improving your health and spiritual well-being.
If you’re serious about herbs and commanding their power, consider becoming a registered herbalist. The benefits of a course of study extend far beyond a title; it will give you the knowledge to use herbs in a way that is most fulfilling to your life.
