Apothecary Pursuit: Supply List

Apothecary Pursuit begins September 7th.

Let’s get your apothecary replenished before cold/flu season starts.

You may already have most of these supplies growing in your garden or on order.  But just in case you need to order a few more here’s a list of suggestions.  If you or a family member are allergic to any of these ingredients, you’ll be able to adapt the apothecary recipes to your own family’s needs.

The key to herbs used for colds and flu or even Corona viruses, is to use a variety of herbs that address several of the body’s needs.

The shopping list is purposely scant to keep participation high.  However, the following herbs go beyond the shopping list to allow you to pick and choose the herbs most relevant to you and to help you make substitutions as necessary.  In this way you will be able to make adjustments to the projects in this challenge for your own family.

Don’t forget to download your gameboard to help keep track.

Antivirals

Antivirals support the body’s immune system and prevent viruses from replicating in the body.

Some antiviral herbs include:

• Elderflower
• Elderberries
• Echinacea
• Lemon Balm
• Chamomile

Anti-inflammatories

Herbs that nourish and support the body thereby reducing inflammation and pain.  Some anti-inflammatory herbs that are useful for colds and flu include:

• Turmeric
• Elderberry
• Ginger
• Lemon Balm
• Chamomile
• Peppermint

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial herbs kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoans.  Some useful antimicrobial herbs for colds and flu include:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Hot pepper/ Cayenne
• Horseradish
• Lemon Balm
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Bee Balm/ Monarda
• Echinacea

Circulatory

The following herbs increase circulation and improve blood flow.

• Garlic
• Onion
• Hot pepper/ Cayenne
• Horseradish

Anti-catarrhal

Anticatarrhal herbs are herbs which help dissolve and eliminate, as well prevent the formation of mucus and inflammation of the mucus membrane.

• Mullein
• Echinacea
• Elderflower and Elderberry
• Golden Rod
• Ginger
• Chamomile
• Thyme
• Peppermint

Diaphoretic

Diaphoretic herbs induce involuntary perspiration that helps to reduce fever, promote circulation, relieve muscle tension, aching joints, and inflammatory skin conditions.  Some useful diaphoretic herbs include:

• Yarrow
• Elderflower
• Ginger
• Cayenne
• Lemon Balm
• Turmeric
• Elderberry

Demulcent herbs

Demulcent herbs contain soothing mucilage which cools and soothes hot, inflamed throats and fevers.  The following are good choices to include when a demulcent quality is needed.

• Marshmallow
• Comfrey
• Flax seed
• Slippery Elm

Supply List:

Here’s the specific supply list for this challenge.  Feel free to substitute herbs and ingredients according to your own family’s needs from the above lists.

Download supply list here.

Assume that 1/2 pound of herbs will be plenty for most of the projects in the Apothecary Pursuit challenge.  But you may want more if you anticipate needing more herbal remedies for your family for the season.

Herbs

Gather herbs from the garden or purchase herbs for these projects.

• Elderberries (Sambucus nigra; S. canadensis)
• Elderflowers
• Grape leaves (Vitis vinifera)
• Echinacea leaves, flowers, and roots  (Echinacea purpurea)
• Rosehips (Rosa canina)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Food ingredients

• 1 quart (1 litre) Honey
• 1 quart  (1 litre) Apple Cider Vinegar
•  2 –  1 1/2 pint bottles (750 ml) Brandy, vodka, or alcohol of your choice
• 1 pound (500 grams) Ginger, raw
• 2 Onions
• 2 heads Garlic
• 5 inch piece Horseradish
• 4 Jalapeno peppers
• 6 organic lemons
• 1/4 pound (250 grams) turmeric root, raw

The Apothecary Pursuit Challenge supply list

More information about the Apothecary Pursuit Challenge coming soon.