Simply Irene

Today I’m giving you a peek at my apothecary setup. I know this is different from everything else I’ve posted so far, but I am not only unemployed. I have a lot of other things going on in my life. So, if you are interested, let’s get started.

I recently got a bunch of essential oils, which were easy to organize because they just sit there looking pretty. Herbs, though, are a whole different story. Tiny jars, big jars, herbs I recognize, herbs I don’t. It is like playing a leafy game of Tetris.

As a pagan spiritual practitioner, my herbs serve multiple purposes. Some I use for teas or cooking, some for magic, and some for a little bit of both. Either way, having them organized makes life way easier and keeps me from grabbing the wrong jar by accident.

My Tips for Beginners

• Pick your jars wisely – Small jars for herbs you use rarely, medium jars for frequently used herbs, and larger jars for bulk favorites.
• Sanitize everything – Clean jars and surfaces before filling to keep your herbs fresh and free of contaminants.
• Label everything – Even if you think you will remember. It is easier than trying to guess what an unfamiliar herb is later.
• Group logically – Cooking herbs together, tea herbs together, and specialty herbs together makes your life easier. Or you can just alphabetize, like I did below.
• Adjust as you go – Do not stress perfection. You will find the layout that works for you by moving things around.

Herbs in My Apothecary

• Bay Leaf – cooking and general use
• Calendula – teas, skincare, and décor
• Chamomile – calming teas and relaxation
• Clove – cooking, warming, and medicinal uses
• Cinnamon – cooking, teas, and spice blends
• Dandelion – tea and wellness
• Elderberry – immune booster
• Elderflower – immune support and teas
• Fenugreek – digestion and cooking
• Hibiscus – teas and refreshing drinks
• Lavender – calming and soothing teas or oils
• Mugwort – tea, dream work, and general use
• Nettle – tea, cooking, and wellness
• Peppermint – teas and digestive aid
• Rose – teas, décor, and self-care
• Rosehip – vitamin C, teas, and wellness
• Rosemary – cooking and teas
• Yarrow – teas and wellness

After labeling and organizing, my apothecary finally came together. I had to buy a Dymo label maker to make everything look extra neat, and it was so satisfying.

And that is it for today. Short, productive, and strangely satisfying.

If you enjoyed this type of content, and want more like it, let me know in the comments below.

– Irene