Home Apothecary Inspiration: Creating an Affordable Space for Wellness

Imagine having everything you need to care for yourself and your family right in your own home—a beautiful space filled with natural remedies crafted from creation. That’s the essence of a home apothecary.

It’s a personal collection of herbal medicines, tinctures, teas, salves, and more, cultivated to nurture health and well-being while aligning with a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle.

A home apothecary is more than just a practical addition to your homesteading toolkit. It’s a meaningful way to reduce toxins in your home, focus on natural healing, and connect more deeply with the Creator, who has provided us with everything we need to thrive.

If you’ve been considering starting your own, this guide will walk you through the steps to bring your apothecary dreams to life.

Step 1: Choosing Your Purpose and Focus

Before anything else, ask yourself, “What do I want to achieve with my home apothecary?” Your focus will largely depend on your personal needs and goals.

• • Herbal Remedies: Do you frequently find yourself fighting off colds or seasonal allergies? Focus on herbs that support immunity and respiratory health.

• • Tinctures and Essential Oils: Interested in potent, long-lasting natural options? These might be the way to go.

• • Teas and Salves: Perfect for beginners, soothing teas and healing salves are gentle and easy to create.

Take the time to reflect on your family’s health needs. For example, if you’re dealing with digestive issues or stress, select remedies targeted for those concerns. Your apothecary should ultimately serve the people you care for most.

Step 2: Essential Herbs to Start With

Starting your home apothecary might feel overwhelming with so many herbs to choose from. Start small with beginner-friendly options and expand your collection over time.

You can either choose to purchase seeds and grow your herbs, or get some organic herbs that are already ready to go. Growing your own is indeed a little time-consuming and it will take longer to start your apothecary, however, it’s cheaper and more rewarding in the long run.

Here are a few staples to begin with:

• • Lavender – Renowned for its relaxing and calming effects, lavender is ideal for teas, bath salts, and infused oils.

• • Echinacea – A popular herb for bolstering the immune system and seasonal support. (Read more on that here)

• • Chamomile – According to studies, this herb is effective for soothing nerves and upset stomachs.

• • Peppermint – Great for digestion and headaches, and its versatility is unmatched.

• • Calendula – A must-have for salves and skin-soothing applications.

For a spiritual and historical touch, include biblical herbs mentioned in Scripture:

• • Hyssop – Used for cleansing and purification (Psalm 51).

• • Frankincense – Known for its healing and aromatic properties according to numerous studies.

• • Myrrh – Celebrated for its soothing and antiseptic properties.

Looking for a trusted source to get started? I highly recommend Farmhouse Teas, whether you want to start with the herb or the seed, they have everything you’ll need to get started with your herbal apothecary. You can also check out their Essential Medicinals Seed Set to get off to a great start. They even have a whole page of items dedicated to helping you stock your home apothecary here.

Step 3: Gathering Supplies and Tools

A simple setup is all you need to begin. Over time, you can expand your collection. Here’s a basic list of neccessary tools for your apothecary:

• • Jars and Bottles – Airtight containers to store dried herbs, tinctures, and infused oils.

• • Droppers and Funnels – Perfect for handling small amounts of liquid remedies.

• • Mortar and Pestle – For grinding herbs and blending teas.

• • Labels – Helps avoid confusion and keep everything organized.

• • Dehydrator – Useful for drying fresh herbs while preserving their medicinal properties.

Storage Tips

Keep herbs and remedies in sealed containers and store them in a cool, dark place to maintain potency. Ensure proper labeling with dates so you know when it’s time to refresh your stock.

Step 4: Making Your First Remedies

Starting small is key—try your hand at crafting a simple remedy or two with these beginner-friendly recipes.

Herbal Tea Blend for Relaxation

• • 3 part chamomile

• • 1 part lavender

• • 2 part peppermint

Combine the dried herbs and store them in an airtight jar. Steep one teaspoon of this blend in hot water for 10 minutes before enjoying a cup of calm.

Infused Calendula Oil

• • 1 cup dried calendula flowers

• • 2 cups olive oil

Place the ingredients in a glass jar and seal tightly. Let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain into a clean bottle and use for skin care or in homemade salves.

Step 5: Organizing & Storing Your Apothecary

A well-organized apothecary is easier to use and more fulfilling to grow. Here are some tips for organizing your setup:

• • Label each jar or bottle with the name of the herb/remedy, its purpose, and the date it was made.

• • Group your items into categories (e.g., teas, tinctures, essential oils) for quick access.

• • Invest in shelves, baskets, or drawers to keep everything tidy.

Step 6: Learning & Expanding Your Knowledge

The beauty of a home apothecary lies in the continuous learning that comes with it. Here are some ways to deepen your expertise:

• • Read trusted books like The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook by James Green or Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs for beginners.

• • Enroll in online courses to learn advanced techniques or specific herbal practices.

• • Maintain a remedy journal to track which recipes work best for you and your family.

Each remedy created is an opportunity to learn more about Yah’s creation and deepen your connection to Him.

Start Your Journey Today

Building a home apothecary is not about perfection but progress and intention. Start small with a few tools, basic herbs, and simple recipes, and allow your apothecary to evolve as your knowledge and needs grow.

The rewards of having a home apothecary are endless. It’s a way to honor and utilize creation for healing, reduce toxins in your home, and provide your family with safe, natural, and effective remedies.

Are you ready to take the first step? Check out Farmhouse Teas’ non-GMO herb seeds to get started on your collection today.

We can’t wait to hear about your home apothecary journey. Share your questions or experiences in the comments below!