Apothecary

A Kind Cup of Tea

“The spirit of the Tea is one of peace, comfort, and refinement.”- Arthur Gray

Living at elevation, we find ourselves privy to certain delights. Like the way the sun shines when it snows, and the infinite still blue of the midnight sky. A warm cup of herbal tea from the home apotheacary on a chilly winter afternoon is one of nature’s simple pleasures and medicine for the body and soul.

What is an apothecary? The word is derived from apotheca, meaning a place where herbs and spices are stored. But in colonial times, most kitchens were outfitted with herbs used both as spice in cooking and in tea for medicine. Like Native Americans, pioneer women and doctors used a variety of roots, leaves, seeds and flowers to cure ailments and promote health. Apothecarians eventually became pharmacists as chemical compounds replaced herbs as healing remedies. Chemistry extracted single compounds from plants or created them synthetically in laboratories and folk medicine became a thing of the past.

With all the attention these days being given to ‘alternative’ and ‘natural’ medicine, herbs are coming back as a complement to traditional western medicine. And kitchen herbal apothecaries are a great way to integrate herbal medicine into everyday life.

It all starts with the herbs, and they start from seeds. The source of seed is vital if you intend to grow your own herbal medicine Certain strains of herbs are selected for their medicinal quality. Take calendula for example. Calendula officinalis is the latin name and Pot Marigold is the common name. Common marigold has medicinal value in the garden because it is a natural pesticide, but has little value in the tea apothecary. Strains are bred and selected for medicinal properties and seeds are saved and sold “medicinal”. Seasoned herbalists also collect seeds from wild plants growing in nature. Horizonherbs.com is also a fine source of quality strictly medicinal seeds.

According to the philosophy of folk medicine it is best to gather and grow your own herbs, dry, them and store them in airtight glass containers in a cool dry place. The seed to storage method imparts the most healing properties in the finished product. As you plant the seeds in soil, your hands contact the earth and provide genetic information the seed uses to create compounds specific to your constitution. The same can be accomplished by placing the seeds in your mouth for a moment before planting them.

Of course it is of the utmost importance that the herbs not be treated with chemical pesticides or fertilizers as residues can remain well after harvest. Growing and harvesting organic is the only way to grow.

Nature is perhaps the best source for quality medicinal plants and seeds. Red Clover, Mullein flower, Wild Rose hips, Willow Bark, and Juniper Berries are a few native herbs that can be easily harvested in High Elevation backyards. Our mountain meadows and forests blossom in June with a plethora of medicinal herbs and mushrooms. An understanding of ethical wildcrafting is essential to preserving genetic biodiversity and the potency of the plant medicine.

Equipment necessary for kitchen tea apothecary is minimal. A variety of pint, quart and gallon glass jars with lids for storing dried herb is a great beginning. Canning  jars work well. A stainless steel tea pot and a fine mesh strainer for straining are required. Always use glass and stainless steel when handling herb as plastic lowers the vibration of the medicine and can off gas when heated. 

The source of water for your medicinal teas and infusions is of the utmost importance. Of course tap water is adequate, but for the most healing tea experience I recommend water from a local spout.  

Once the apothecary is stocked, teas, steams, salves, herbal baths and stronger infusions, decoctions and tinctures can be made from the herbs. Having bulk herbs in stock is one way to take responsibility for your health. Herbal teas, steams, and baths are a delightful way to enjoy nature and maintain a strong healthy body.