Like a timeless dream, walking in to see an apothecary, where a collection of healing herbs are kept, is sacred and safe, or it ought to be.
In history, a person called an apothecary was health expert, medicine maker, midwife, pharmacist, and sometimes surgeon. Their work happened in a place, also called an apothecary, stocked with dried herbs, honeys, oils, tinctures and vinegars. These botanical extracts and preparations were made and kept fresh, clean, dry and uncontaminated. The apothecary would consult, then both prescribe and sell these as medical treatments. Their education and apprenticeship taught them how to do this, and also how to grow, identify, harvest, make and use the extracts and preparations.
In
the early 1990’s, following years of struggle, debate and a massive public
write-in campaign in America to keep herbs legal and accessible, a
congressional ruling determined our herbs were now to be considered ‘dietary
supplements’ and to be legally regulated by the government. Having started a
mail-order apothecary, and then a brick-and-mortar storefront just like one of
these ancient sacred places of healing, I was feeling quite threatened. With attempts to convince us to be grateful
that our right to use herbs was not entirely taken away, we were no longer
legally allowed to say exactly what herbs are capable of doing. Any books or brochures
we might use to help us communicate what herbs do had to be physically
separated from the herbs as well. The sacredness had just been breached and
apothecaries made mute.
The
DSHEA or Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, which is still in
effect, claims to establish standards and protect consumers from false claims
by herbalists and other ‘dietary supplement’ manufacturers and to ensure the
quality of our extracts and preparations.
We are now seen as suspicious and in need of regulation, rather than
regarded as health experts and trusted professionals performing a sacred task.
In
these decades of operating an herbal apothecary under these rules of law, my
ability to comfortably and cleverly comply with the law has grown, as well as
my knowledge of herbal history. I now
see that I had truly gone into Nicholas Culpeper’s profession.
Lessons from Culpeper’s Life
 |
| Nicholas Culpeper |
Having
been born in Britain in 1616 to a family of ministers, future Herbalist, Botanist and Apothecary
Nicholas Culpeper
was expected to enter the clergy too. Taught to read and write in Greek and
Latin at a young age, he also had access to books on astrology and to a copy of
William Turner’s New Herball from
1568. It was very rare for any children at the time to have this sort of
training and literary access. His maternal grandmother added to this by
teaching him about medicinal plants, Nicholas learning all the local species by
his early teen years. Entering Cambridge University at 16 and expected to study
theology, he supplemented his studies with lectures on astrology and medicine,
and reading Galen and Hippocrates. It would seem that his path was being set
for something wonderful, but not what others had planned.
Leaving
Cambridge without graduation, a disappointment to his family, he was sent to
apprentice with an apothecary. His apprenticeship education included
identifying, collecting and cataloguing medicinal plants, applying them as
remedies, and also learning what a restrictive environment the Royal College of
Physicians and the Society of Apothecaries had created for his trade. Culpeper
completed about five years of the seven years of required training to qualify
as an apothecary; however he had to forfeit his indenture as an apprentice in
order to marry. He was 24 years old at the time.
The Royal College of
Physicians had been granted the right to dictate who met the qualifications to
be a physician or an apothecary, and the right to punish those who practiced
without license from them to do so. Despite his extensive education and
apprenticeship, Culpeper met neither requirements to practice as a physician or
apothecary, and so he cleverly opened an apothecary just beyond their
jurisdiction, outside of London in Spitalfields, now considered the East End.
"No man deserved to starve to pay an insulting, insolent physician"
~Herbalist, Botanist and Apothecary Nicholas Culpepper 1616 to 1654CE
~Herbalist, Botanist and Apothecary Nicholas Culpepper 1616 to 1654CE
In Culpeper’s time,
few could afford
medical help as seeing a physician was expensive. If they knew how to care for
themselves they might use remedies from their own garden. If they had such a
person available, a village herbalist may care for them. When there was a
little money to spend an apothecary would be who they went to for help. If they
needed the care of a doctor they might need to go without food to afford it, or
go without care, a tough reality that would echo into the American future.
With his new wife’s
inheritance, Culpeper was able to afford to care for these poor with little to
no compensation. Another part of how he was able to afford to go without pay is
that his remedies were largely from plants wild harvested locally. “English herbs for
English bodies”, as he put it. This angered the Society of Apothecaries, a trade organization who insisted on the
use of certain expensive, imported, exotic plants for making remedies. That
penchant for the exotic imports over local, native, or common plants still
persists in some herbal circles to this day. The Royal College of Physicians had the power
to be more than angry; they had the right to inspect
apothecaries’ products within London, and to destroy any non-approved stock.
The first book of approved products and how they were required to be prepared was called the Pharmacopoeia Londonesis or London Pharmacopoeia, published in 1618. This book, required to be used by all apothecaries, contained recipes to be made for specific health concerns. Culpeper, safely doing business just outside of London’s boundaries, would escape this right to inspect and destroy and so had the freedom to use the herbs he saw fit to use, in the proportions he found would be right for each person. It wasn’t until 1864, long after Culpeper’s death, that the first edition of the comprehensive British Pharmacopoeia was published, which finally had country-wide jurisdiction.
The first book of approved products and how they were required to be prepared was called the Pharmacopoeia Londonesis or London Pharmacopoeia, published in 1618. This book, required to be used by all apothecaries, contained recipes to be made for specific health concerns. Culpeper, safely doing business just outside of London’s boundaries, would escape this right to inspect and destroy and so had the freedom to use the herbs he saw fit to use, in the proportions he found would be right for each person. It wasn’t until 1864, long after Culpeper’s death, that the first edition of the comprehensive British Pharmacopoeia was published, which finally had country-wide jurisdiction.
Culpeper got a first book of his own published too, a bold move,
because his first book was the same Pharmacopoeia Londonesis. At the time, it was only authorised
to be published in Latin, however Culpeper had been translating it for reading
by the Apothecary under which he apprenticed for years. Publishing an English
translation would be considered a banned book, and could mean conviction and
punishment by the wrathful and ruinous ‘Star Chamber’ court of law. But in 1641
an act of the British Parliament abolished the Star Chamber and Culpeper
challenged the Royal
College of Physicians censorship laws by completing and
submitting for publishing in 1649 an English translation of the Pharmacopoeia
Londonesis, titled as ‘A Physical Directory or a Translation of the
London Dispensary, Being that book by which all Apothecaries are strictly
commanded to make all their Physick’. Doing this
also during the political turmoil of the British civil war made it less likely
that the Royal
College of Physicians would try to enforce their ban.
There was an opening, and an opportunity and he was ready to take it when it
came. Culpeper
explained why he was translating this text:
“I am writing for the press a translation of the Physicians’ medicine book from Latin into English so that all my fellow countrymen and apothecaries can understand what the Doctors write on their bills. Hitherto they made medicine a secret conspiracy, writing prescriptions in mysterious Latin to hide ignorance and to impress upon the patient. They wanted to keep their book a secret, not for everybody to know. Not long ago parsons, like the predecessors of my grand-father William Attersole, used to preach and pray in Latin, whether his parishioners understood anything of this language or not. This practice, though sacred in the eyes of our ancestors, appears ridiculous to us. Now everyone enjoys the gospel in plain English. I am convinced the same must happen with medicine and prescriptions”.
Critics harshly judged and mocked the translation. However it was discovered to be a very exact translation of the Pharmacopoeia. The only changes Culpeper did, was to add to the publication, his own commentary about the uses and virtues of each herb or recipe.
Culpeper also wrote: Directory for Midwives and Semeiotics
Uranica, or An Astrological Judgment of Diseases, both published in 1651, Catastrophe
Magnatum or The Fall of Monarchy and The English Physitian both
published in 1652. The last book of his work that was published in his lifetime
was The Complete Herbal published in 1653. In it he wrote an ‘Epistle to the Reader’
which prefaces the earlier editions:
 |
| A customer's family heirloom brought in for me to hold: British Herbal & Family Physian by Nick Culpepper 1860 |
I cannot build my faith upon Authors' words, nor believe a thing because they say it, and could wish every body were of my mind in this,-- to labour to be able to give a reason for every thing they say or do. They say Reason makes a man differ from a Beast; if that be true, pray what are they that, instead of reason for their judgment, quote old Authors? Perhaps their authors knew a reason for what they wrote, perhaps they did not; what is that to us? Do we know it? Truly in writing this work first, to satisfy myself, I drew out all the virtues of the vulgar or common Herbs, Plants, and Trees, &c., out of the best or most approved authors I had, or could get; and having done so, I set myself to study the reason of them.... I consulted with my two brothers, DR. REASON and DR. EXPERIENCE, and took a voyage to visit my mother NATURE, by whose advice, together with the help of DR. DILIGENCE, I at last obtained my desire; and, being warned by MR. HONESTY, a stranger in our days, to publish it to the world, I have done it.... “
 |
| The British Herbal and Family Physician For The Use Of Private Families Nick (does not say Nicholas) Culpepper Student in Physic & Astrology |
Two other books he authored were
published after his death: Astrological Judgment of Diseases from the
Decumbiture of the Sick in1655 and Treatise of Aurum Potabile published
in 1656.
The Modern
Apothecary
In America, where
Culpeper’s books were popular, by the year 1900 every state in the union had
passed strict medical licensure
laws. This meant that apothecaries were restricted from acting as medical
professionals, unless they had also attended an approved medical school. Newly defined roles for physicians and surgeons
were made, and these medical professionals were solely allowed to perform medicine. Since then, licensure for naturopaths as
medical professionals has been added in seventeen
states in America and six Canadian provinces. Although it was well into the middle of the 20th century that people still relied on the apothecary for treatment of most health concerns,
these legal changes caused the role of the apothecary to devolve into the specialized profession of pharmacist or dispensing chemist. American pharmacists no longer learn
the use of botanicals. However, in Britain and European countries today, walking into the ‘chemists’ not only finds pharmaceutical medications, but also variations from just a few simple herb-based remedies to a full apothecary.
My apothecary today
serves much like a triage center, where people with troubles come in and are
given options for quick, and yes sometimes short-term solutions. For some
that’s all that’s needed or can be managed. The atmosphere of approachable
knowledge and primal safety is my goal as I kindly and confidentially dispense
care. This is done, to the best of my ability, without
judgement or advice, offering observations and
education, and leaving the healing life choices to them. It takes allot of nurturing
and detachment to problem solve, educate and guide in 5 to 15 minute intervals
all day long. Other visitors to the apothecary may
want more guidance and that’s when a clinical consultation can be arranged to
uncover complicated mysteries.
“Many a times I find my patients disturbed by
trouble of Conscience or Sorrow, and I have to act the Divine before I can be
the Physician. In fact our greatest skill lies in the infusion of Hopes, to
induce confidence and peace of mind.” ~Nicholas Culpepper
Having no legal role
for a modern apothecary provides a strange freedom, in being outside the
jurisdiction of medical licensure, just as Culpeper was. This however means
that I don’t try to compete with or act like a doctor either, and luckily I
don’t have to. There is an unbroken chain of methods
used by herbalists throughout time that has guided me on how to successfully
practise as an herbalist. More than just knowing what herbs do what, there is
the ‘reasoning’ for which herbs to use that Culpeper speaks of in his ‘Epistle
to the Reader’. I educate customers about the body
works and observe the person needing help; this is universal herbal practice,
timeless and extremely valuable. There are no mentions of assessments or
examinations that appear in review of historic herbalist’s work. Culpeper
ridiculed his fellow apothecaries and doctors for their over dependence on
this. To this day, in my practice both as a clinical herbalist and as an
apothecary, no assessments or examinations are needed as I can observe entirely
with the use of my senses and clever questioning. Herbalism
has traditions of its own, which are falling by the wayside to make room for
newer medical practices. This is such a rich tradition and it would be so
unfortunate to just let it disappear from neglect.
Also, I don’t need to become the authority
in my interactions with visitors to the apothecary, declaring what is wrong with
the person needing help. I don’t advise, suggest or recommend to them what to
do or a course of action. We may be experts in our field, but the person
needing help is an expert in being themselves. Any attempt to direct and
control the healing process of another person can steal their very personal
healing lesson. It can disempower them, cause them to be dependent, or begin to
blame if things don’t work out. Instead, like my ancient predecessors, I can
provide health education and guidance, give herbal, dietary and life way
options, make myself available and truly express care for others. Strangely,
the DSHEA in America
does allow for herbalists and apothecaries to legally do all these things and I
don’t really need to claim what the herbs will do. I think it’s wise for all licensed professionals wishing to
incorporate herbs into their practice to learn the very same methods as
herbalists who are not licensed. That way they can have a full set of
herbalist’s tools and will naturally avoid the practice of medicine without a
Medical Doctor’s license.
.png) |
| Chelsea Physic Garden shown in Cary’s New and Accurate Plan of London and Westminster, 1795 |
Apothecary Gardens & Specialized Gardeners
Culpeper and his fellow apprentices learned within a ‘Physic’ garden. I too enjoyed learning from my teachers physic garden and now teach students of herbalism from my own. The old term ‘physic’ refers to the use of garden harvests for physical healing. Physic gardens historically were kept by apothecaries and their apprentices and established to assist in the ability to botanically identify each herb and for growing herbs in the production of medicines. Apothecaries, as they were, and still are, traders and dispensers of medicinal herbs, have always been trained in plant identification and purchasing of quality herbs to avoid adulteration, poisoning and ineffective treatment. Training has always eliminated the need for regulation.
The trade of the
apothecary and their gardens became even more established and visible after
Culpeper’s time. In the1670’s Andrew Balfour and Robert Sibbald studied and
grew many of the healing plants indigenous to Scotland. They established a
physic garden in Scotland that started with 800 to 900 plants and at one time
increased to 2000 plants. These gardens eventually evolved into the Royal
Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, which has been used by generations of students, and
still is, to learn botany and herbalism.
Royal Botanic Gardens
20a Inverleith
Row
Edinburgh EH3 5LR
0131 552 7171
Edinburgh EH3 5LR
0131 552 7171
The Apothecaries Garden was established in
London in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries for its apprentices to study
medicinal plants and make plant medicines. At one time it was the most
important collection of botanical species and a plant exchange for the world.
It’s now called the Chelsea Physic Garden.
Chelsea Physic Garden
66 Royal Hospital Road
Chelsea, London
Apothecary
Physic Garden Herbs & Their Uses
British apothecaries did use some native
plants during Culpeper’s time. Here are some brief monographs of mine for a few
of these herbs.
.jpg) |
| Gillyflower or Pinc |
Gillyflower (Dianthus
caryophyllus and Dianthus deltoides) also
known in Gaelic as: Pinc, which is where the color name ‘pink’ is
derived. Native to the British Isles, Northern and Southern Europe, it
prefers lime- rich and sandy soil in grassy banks and sands dunes, at higher
altitudes and on rocky mountainous slopes. With the introduction of sheep, over
the centuries this little herb is becoming endangered in the wild for the
nibbling that is constant to its flowering tops. A perennial with narrow
blue-green lance shaped leaves growing opposite up its strong jointed stem, the
flowers are pink in color usually with a pale centre surrounded by a darker
pink band. The petals being frayed at edges emerge from great tubular bracts
that stand on thin short stems. The flower petals with the broad green bract
removed are the part used. As a Cephalic it’s a specific for fainting, sea
sickness and headaches. During the Renaissance period, a syrup or cordial of
gillyflower was commonly found at every Apothecary. Culpepper states that it
“Quenches a raging thirst” and is used to “Expel poison”. As an Alexiteric it
acts as an antidote against the effects of venom or poison, and as protection
and remedy against infectious disease. Most probably it was pretty handy during
plagues. As a Sudorific it promotes
sweat production and is utilized in resolving hot, infectious, aggressive,
potentially damaging or fatal fevers. It certainly is an Anti-bacterial too,
that has been found in studies to have profound actions against both Gram
positive or Gram negative pathogens. Having a delicate clove-like scent and
flavor the flower petals steeped in Scotch or brandy makes delicious liquor
Rose (Rosa arvensis, Rosa canina, Rosa centifolia, Rosa gallica (known as
the Apothecaries Rose), Rosa rubiginosa, Rosa villosa) also known in Gaelic as An Fheir Dhris or the
fragrant flower. Native to Europe, Britain and temperate regions of the world,
it prefers rich soil in the woods, thicket and hedgerows as a trailing or
upright deciduous perennial shrub. The fruit forms after the fully open petals
drop. These ‘hips’ are oval and begin green, ripening to a rich red to be
harvested after the first frost. The flower petals are Anti-depressant and
filled with aromatic compounds, volatile oils and Vitamin E. The alcohol or
vinegar extract of these petals is effective for most kinds of headaches,
restlessness, insomnia and depression. As an Immunomodulator and Nutritive the
ripe hips are loaded with flavonoids and minerals such as calcium, chromium,
iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc and with Vitamin C. They
help to remedy fragile capillaries, which can help to prevent bruising. They
can also be used with good results for colds, influenza, other infectious
diseases, coughs and sore throat.
Spearmint
(Mentha spicata) also known in Gaelic as Meannt
Garraidh or garden-spear mint is native to Britain, Europe and Asia. A
perennial that is easily identified by its slightly wrinkled bright green lance
shaped leaves, it thrives in ditches and meadows, preferring cool, moist,
lightly shaded and protected situations. Like peppermint, the herb spreads by
way of underground and over ground runners. It is best to plant these two mints
away from each other, as the mingling of the two may taste fine, but diminishes
the medicinal properties of both. As a Carminative and Cholagogue it’s used to
strengthen the appetite and to assist in the digestion of meat and animal fats
when used in culinary applications such as in infused vinegar or being made
into a jelly. Culpepper states that it
‘stirs up bodily lust’, but I don’t find it to be as much an aphrodisiac as I
notice it raising emotions and desires. As a relaxing Nervine it is uplifting,
brings joy, and is restorative and nerve strengthening.
Entering the Trade
Becoming an
apothecary or simply having an herb shop where people can pick-up supplies is
allot of work. With more people taking-on herbalism as a profession there is a
tendency to try to 'stand-out' amongst all others. That kind of
attention-seeking leads to the opposite of true healing life ways. It creates
an environment of struggle
and lack that causes pain all around and certainly promotes the restrictive and
competitive environment of Culpeper’s time. Surely there is always plenty of
work to go around. Let’s be happy to follow our calling, do our jobs and do
them well. While we are immersed in this sort of task we will find that suddenly,
all eyes are on us, in recognition of a person pleased with their own
performance.
Select bibliography and recommended reading list
The Apothecaries Garden
Sue Minter 1980 Sutton Publishing Ltd
Culpeper's Medicine:
A Practice of Western Holistic Medicine
Graeme Tobyn 1997
Element Books
The Herbalist:
Nicholas Culpeper and the Fight for Medical Freedom
Benjamin Woolley 2004 Harper Collins
Nicholas Culpeper,
English Physician and Astrologer
O. Thulesius 1992
Macmillan Press
All contents copyright Heather Nic an Fhleisdeir.
First published in Plant Healer: A Journal of Traditional Herbalism 2013
All contents copyright Heather Nic an Fhleisdeir.
First published in Plant Healer: A Journal of Traditional Herbalism 2013
