How to Start an Apothecary: Simple Steps to Build Your Herbal Home
There’s something grounding about building your own home apothecary. It’s part curiosity, part preparation, and part reconnection—with the land, with tradition, and with the needs of your own body. At La Ferme À Ciel Sur Mer, our own journey toward creating an herbal apothecary began with what was growing naturally around us—and a desire to share that medicine with others. Read on for considerations in how to start an apothecary.
Whether you’re a budding herbalist, a wellness enthusiast, or someone simply looking for natural ways to support your family’s health, starting a small home apothecary can be a beautiful and empowering act.
In this guide, we’ll share ideas, highlight a few key apothecary plants, and offer tips for how to start an apothecary rooted in both function and intention.
Apothecary vs Herbalist: What’s the Difference?
Before diving in, let’s clarify a question we often hear: What’s the difference between an apothecary and an herbalist?
An apothecary is traditionally a place—a physical space where herbal preparations, tinctures, teas, and remedies are made, stored, and sometimes sold. It’s the collection of tools, jars, dried herbs, and medicines you keep on hand.
An herbalist, on the other hand, is the person—a practitioner who works with plants to support health and healing. You don’t need to be a trained herbalist to start an apothecary. But starting one often leads you down a path of learning, observation, and connection that grows over time.
How to Start an Apothecary at Home
Starting a home apothecary doesn’t require fancy tools or a sprawling herb garden. You can begin with a few jars, a shelf, and a small collection of plants—especially ones you know and trust.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Start with a Small Collection of Herbs
Choose herbs you use often or that support your everyday needs. Focus on a few versatile allies and get to know them well. If you're new to herbalism, start with herbs that are safe, gentle, and multi-purpose.
2. Source High-Quality Herbs
Grow what you can. Support local herb farms. If purchasing, look for organically grown or ethically wildcrafted herbs. You want color, aroma, and vitality in your dried herbs—that’s where the potency lives.
3. Create a Dedicated Space
Your apothecary can be a corner shelf, a kitchen cabinet, or an entire closet. Keep it cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Label your jars with the herb name, date harvested or purchased, and part used (leaf, flower, root).
4. Learn Basic Preparations
Start with teas (infusions), tinctures, oils, and salves. These four preparations form the foundation of most home apothecaries and are accessible to beginners.
5. Let It Grow Slowly
You don’t need to build a complete apothecary overnight. Let it unfold naturally—season by season, blend by blend.
Highlight Herbs for Every Home Apothecary
Here are a few of our favorite apothecary plants—gentle yet powerful herbs we return to again and again:
🌼 Chamomile
Soothing, anti-inflammatory, and safe for all ages. Chamomile tea is a staple for digestion, sleep, and tension.
🌿 Tulsi (Holy Basil)
One of our most-loved herbs on the farm. Tulsi is uplifting, calming, and supportive of the nervous system. A beautiful adaptogen for stress and resilience.
🍃 Lemon Balm
Bright and lemony, lemon balm is wonderful for mood, digestion, and calming the nerves. It’s also antiviral and makes a lovely tea.
🌱 Calendula
Used both internally and topically, calendula is great for skin healing and lymphatic support. Its golden petals brighten any blend.
🍂 Milky Oats
Deeply nourishing to the nervous system, especially in times of depletion or overwhelm. Use milky oats as tincture or infusion.
🌾 Nettle
A true herbal powerhouse. Nettles are rich in minerals, iron, and chlorophyll. They support energy, seasonal allergies, and more.
🌸 Anise Hyssop
Sweet, aromatic, and supportive to the lungs and digestion. Anise hyssop is one of our go-to herbs for seasonal blends and respiratory health.
Home Apothecary Ideas: Make It Your Own
Here are a few ways to make your home apothecary both beautiful and functional:
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Use clear glass jars for easy visibility.
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Label each herb with common and Latin name.
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Add a journal or binder with notes on each herb’s uses.
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Keep a basket for “seasonal favorites” that rotates throughout the year.
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Try making a few signature blends—perhaps one for rest, one for digestion, and one for immune support.
Your apothecary should feel like a living space—one that evolves with your needs and the seasons.
A Farm-Grown Approach
At La Ferme À Ciel Sur Mer, our own apothecary began with the herbs that naturally grew here in Charlevoix—nettles in the shade, lemon balm in full sun, chamomile that bloomed happily despite the wind. Our growing conditions aren’t always easy, but many medicinal herbs thrive in this landscape.
We’ve learned to listen to what grows well here and to let that shape our offerings. What we’ve discovered is that our home apothecary reflects the land—what it gives, what it needs, and what it remembers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apothecary used for?
An apothecary is used to store and prepare herbal remedies like teas, tinctures, salves, and oils for personal or family use. It’s a way to keep herbal allies close at hand for everyday support.
Do I need to be a trained herbalist to start an apothecary?
No. Anyone can start a simple home apothecary. Begin with a few herbs you trust, learn basic preparations, and build from there. Curiosity and respect for the plants are the best places to start.
How should I store my herbs?
Store herbs in airtight glass jars, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Label them clearly and check periodically for freshness (color and scent are good indicators). For more information, see our article, "How to Store Dried Herbs to Keep their Flavor, Fragrance & Potency"
What are the best herbs for beginners?
Chamomile, tulsi, lemon balm, calendula, nettle, and peppermint are all gentle, versatile, and easy to work with. They’re excellent starting points for any apothecary for beginners. For more information, check out our article, “A Beginner’s Guide to Preparing Herbs for Medicinal Use”
Can I grow my own apothecary plants?
Yes! Many apothecary herbs are easy to grow in pots or garden beds. Start with a few herbs you use often and observe how they grow in your region. For more information, check out our article, “What Herbs to Grow: A Guide for Beginners and Enthusiasts”
Closing Thoughts
Starting an apothecary is more than just collecting jars and herbs—it’s an act of self-tending and land-tending. It invites you to slow down, to listen, and to build relationship with the plants that have supported human health for generations.