THE APOTHECARY

Remedies from the Ages

Materia Medica

A selection of herbs from the apothecary's garden.

Chamomile

calming, sleep-inducing, anti-inflammatory

Lavender

soothing, antiseptic, headache relief

Peppermint

digestive aid, cooling, energizing

Elderflower

fever reducer, immune support, respiratory

Valerian

sedative, anxiety relief, muscle relaxant

Echinacea

immune booster, cold remedy, wound healing

Ginger

nausea relief, warming, circulation

Turmeric

anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pain relief

Willow bark

pain relief, fever reducer, anti-inflammatory

Rosemary

memory enhancement, circulation, antiseptic

Thyme

antiseptic, respiratory support, courage-giving

Sage

sore throat remedy, memory support, cleansing

Yarrow

wound healing, fever reducer, blood stanching

Calendula

skin healing, anti-inflammatory, gentle antiseptic

Nettle

nutritive tonic, allergy relief, joint support

Lemon balm

calming, antiviral, mood lifting

Fennel

digestive aid, breath freshening, milk production

Marshmallow

soothing mucous membranes, cough relief

Comfrey

bone mending, wound healing, cell regeneration

Plantain

drawing, sting relief, wound healing

Methods of Preparation

Infusion
Pour boiling water over herbs, steep covered for 10-15 minutes
Decoction
Simmer roots and bark in water for 20-30 minutes
Tincture
Macerate herbs in alcohol for 4-6 weeks
Poultice
Crush fresh herbs and apply directly to affected area
Salve
Infuse herbs in oil, thicken with beeswax
Compress
Soak cloth in strong herbal tea, apply warm or cold
Syrup
Decoct herbs with honey or sugar
Steam
Inhale vapors from herbs in hot water
Bath
Add strong herbal infusion to bathwater
Oil
Infuse dried herbs in carrier oil for 4-6 weeks