How to Buy Apothecary Products
An apothecary was traditionally a person who prescribed and sold herbal medical treatments. From the middle ages to the middle of the 20th century, people relied on apothecary shops for treatments for every type of ailment, from tetanus to tumors, from headaches to hair loss. Nowadays, at least in Western countries, apothecaries have largely been replaced by pharmacists who dispense manufactured drugs. Follow these steps to find out where you can still buy apothecary products today.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Buy Apothecary Products Online
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Decide what you're looking for. There's no government regulation of what the word "apothecary" means or what products they may sell. Some specialize in beauty products. Others sell teas or herbal treatments for illness.
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Try searching for herbalists instead of apothecaries. Many people who sell herbal products don't use the word apothecary even though they're performing the same function that an apothecary would. You can also buy them from the "Spirit Apothecary Botanicals and Findings" Web site, which is just one of the thousands that sell apothecary products online (see Resources below).
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Choose an apothecary who matches your belief system. Some have a spiritual emphasis, with links to Wiccan or Magickal Web sites. Others have no spiritual emphasis--only an interest in potent, safe herbal remedies.
Buy Apothecary Products Locally
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Try your local Yellow Pages (available online, as well). "Apothecary" may or may not appear as a category. Try searching for "Herbs," "Health Foods" or "Nature Stores." The larger the city you live in, the more likely you are to find these kinds of businesses.
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Call before you go. Apothecary and herbal stores have different specialties. Make sure they can help you before you travel to the store.
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Ask questions when you arrive. Part of an apothecary's service is his or her knowledge about the wide variety of products offered, from beauty products to medicinal herbs to soothing teas. Apothecary products are often a little more expensive than drugstore products because they are not mass produced. Still, people who believe in natural health feel that they're worth it.
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Learn more by reading articles at the "Old World Apothecary" Web site (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
It's best to learn something about natural and herbal products before using them.
While apothecaries offer products for many conditions, it's best to see your doctor, if not the emergency room, if you start developing chest pains or any severe illness.
Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about the herbal medical treatments you undertake. Herbs can cause conflicts with prescription medicines. For example, some herbs render birth control pills ineffective.
