Ancient Herbal Remedies with Modern Applications

Welcome to Apothecary of Healing, a living record of study, practice, and reverence for the long tradition of herbal medicine—brought forward into the modern world with care, discipline, and integrity.

This site is a blog and learning journal authored by me, Catherine, an herbalist-in-training engaged in an intensive three‑year course in herbology under the lineage and teachings of Rosemary Gladstar, one of the most respected figures in contemporary Western herbalism. What you will find here is not merely a storefront or a collection of quick fixes, but a thoughtful exploration of plants as allies—rooted in history, informed by hands-on preparation, and grounded in responsible modern use.

For thousands of years, cultures across the world relied on plants for healing, nourishment, and daily wellness. Long before industrial pharmaceuticals, knowledge of herbs was passed from healer to healer, often orally, through observation, experimentation, and deep relationship with the land. Apothecary of Healing exists to honor that tradition while translating it for today’s world—where scientific understanding, safety considerations, and ethical sourcing matter more than ever.

My work centers on making herbal medicine, not merely discussing it. Throughout the course of study, I’ll prepare a wide range of traditional herbal preparations, including:

• Medicinal teas and infusions
• Herbal oils and salves
• Lotions and topical applications
• Handcrafted soaps
• Tinctures and preserved plant extracts

Each recipe shared here is the result of research, instruction, and practical application. The goal is transparency: how a remedy is made, why specific plants are chosen, how they have been used historically, and how they can be responsibly applied in a modern household. Where appropriate, posts will also discuss preparation techniques, storage, shelf life, and general safety considerations.

The influence of Rosemary Gladstar’s philosophy is foundational to this work. Her approach to herbalism emphasizes simplicity, accessibility, and relationship—encouraging people to reconnect with plants not as commodities, but as living teachers. That ethos guides Apothecary of Healing. Herbs are not treated as miracle cures, but as part of a broader framework of wellness that includes nourishment, rest, awareness, and respect for individual bodies.

This blog is also intentionally slow. Herbal medicine does not lend itself well to shortcuts or trends. Many of the remedies shared here take weeks or months to prepare properly. Others require patience to observe their effects over time. Apothecary of Healing reflects that rhythm. Entries may include notes on what worked, what required adjustment, and what was learned through repetition and reflection.

Importantly, this site is educational in nature. While historical uses and traditional applications are discussed, nothing presented here is intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Modern applications are explored thoughtfully, with an understanding that bodies differ, sensitivities exist, and informed consent matters.

At its heart, Apothecary of Healing is about reconnection—to plants, to tradition, and to the act of making something with care and intention. It is written for those who are curious about herbal medicine, those beginning their own studies, and those who simply want to understand what goes into the remedies they use.

You are invited to read, learn, and reflect alongside me as I progress through my formal training and beyond. This site will grow organically, much like the herbs it honors—season by season, lesson by lesson, rooted in the old ways while mindful of the present.

Thank you for being here.

-Catherine