What is an Apothecary ????
It Sounds Scary !!!
What Is an Apothecary? From Past to Present
The term "apothecary" has a very intriguing and mysterious ring to it. You might associate it with one of the magical shops in Harry Potter that sold unicorn horns and beetle eyes or think of it vaguely as a place that sells plants. But what exactly is an apothecary?
Apothecaries have been around for thousands of years but were especially popular in medieval times. They eventually faded out in the 19th century as changes in medicine and the structure of society came about.
Today, you'll still see and hear of apothecary shops, although they've evolved a lot. With more interest in holistic health and natural health options, apothecaries once again have an important place in society.
Apothecary the Shop
"Apothecary" also came to refer to the shops owned by apothecaries where medicines and other products were sold.
You can think of them as precursors to modern pharmacies. You could go to them to buy prepared medicines but also spices, herbs, cosmetics, dyes, soaps, etc.
Much of what was found in these shops had a natural origin, but ingredients and preparations changed with the times. They gave people the access to medicinal herbs, spices, and products that they wouldn't have otherwise had without growing and making everything themselves.