There’s something deeply satisfying about opening a cupboard and seeing rows of jars filled with golden oils, soothing teas, and wild-crafted tinctures. A home apothecary isn’t just an old-world novelty.
It’s a powerful, practical way to take your wellness into your own hands.
Either you’re a budding herbalist or simply herbal-curious, creating your own apothecary is a grounding way to care for your body, your family, and the seasons of life.
Why Create a Home Apothecary?
Think of your home apothecary as part medicine cabinet, part magic, part self-reliance. There are so many reasons to start building your own:
Empowerment: Knowing how to support your body naturally creates confidence. You’re not just reacting to symptoms, you’re tending to yourself with intention.
Preparedness: From a tickle in your throat to a sleepless night, you’ll have remedies at your fingertips. No midnight drugstore runs required.
Connection: You’ll deepen your relationship with your body, with the plants around you, and with the rhythms of the earth.
Also, you'll reduce your reliance on over-the-counter drugs for everyday discomforts. Herbs like Lemon Balm for stress or Chamomile for tummy troubles are gentle, effective allies with fewer side effects and centuries of use behind them.
What to include?
A home apothecary should reflect your life, what you and your loved ones reach for most often. Start simple, with a mix of remedies that cover common concerns:
Immunity: Echinacea tincture, Elderberry syrup, Nettle tea
Digestion: Chamomile tea, Peppermint oil, Ginger tincture
Sleep & Stress: Lemon Balm tincture, Lavender tea, Passionflower tincture
Skin Support: Calendula salve, Plantain-infused oil, Comfrey balm
Seasonal Support: Throat sprays, chest rubs, herbal steam blends
These can take many forms: tinctures for fast-acting relief, teas for ritual and hydration, salves for scrapes and rashes, and syrups for the whole family to enjoy.
Tools & Containers
Like any good kitchen or workshop, your apothecary will need the right tools. The good news? You probably already have some of these at home:
Glass mason jars – for infusing oils, storing dried herbs, and brewing teas
Dropper bottles & salve tins – for your finished remedies
Funnels, cheesecloth, and mesh strainers – for straining and transferring liquids cleanly
Mortar and pestle – for grinding herbs (and feeling like a village witch in the best way)
Labels – trust us, you’ll forget what’s what. Label everything with name + date.
We have a wide selection of apothecary tools that you can check out HERE!
Storing Tips
Herbal preparations are surprisingly long-lasting when stored well. Follow these tips to keep your apothecary fresh and potent:
- Store in a cool, dark place like a cabinet, pantry, or closet
- Use amber or cobalt glass when possible to protect against light
- Label clearly with name, contents, and date made
Optional Add-Ons
As your apothecary grows, so can your joy and creativity with it. Consider these add-ons to level up:
- A trusted herbal book or two – Rosemary Gladstar, Robin Rose Bennett, and Maria Noël Groves are great guides
- Seasonal checklists – review and rotate your remedies based on the time of year
- A DIY refill kit – bundle your most-used herbs, oils, and jars together so you're never out when you need them
- A beautiful shelf or cabinet – because your apothecary deserves a sacred space