Be Merry Apothecary

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Be Merry Apothecary

Be Merry Apothecary in Comox, BC
Herbal medicine and Compassionate care
with Community Herbalist Mary Johnson

01/20/2026

After an extended holiday, I'm finally back in the apothecary! 🎉

Today was soap day! These bars are made with rosemary and calendula–infused almond oil, finely ground oats, and a splash of eucalyptus e.o. and a muscle & joint blend e.o. (eucalyptus, rosemary, camphor, and cajeput). This soap is gentle on the skin, lightly exfoliating, and smells clean and fresh without being overpowering.

A simple, happy soap for everyday showers! 🙂

12/10/2025

Fire Cider Day! I bottled up the batch that I started in early November and shook vigorously each day afterwards, and wow… It really packs a punch. 💥

Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic made by infusing apple cider vinegar with roots, herbs, and all things zesty. This batch includes the classic warming, circulatory-supportive ingredients: onions, garlic, ginger, lemons, cloves, rosemary, my homegrown jalapenos, turmeric, and more! Plus I managed to find some fresh horseradish so it's in there too.

And the best part is that it supports immune health, aids digestion, and helps fight off colds and flu. Woo.🎈 It can be used in dressings, marinades, soups, or take a small spoonful if you’re feeling brave...which apparently I was. A little truly goes a long way. 😉

12/02/2025

This fall, I spent some time harvesting elecampane root in my garden and thought I'd post a video of the process from harvest to drying. Note to self: don't hold the camera with one hand while digging with the other. Get motion sickness easy? Maybe skip the first part of the video... 😄

Elecampane is a classic herbal ally for the respiratory system — warming, aromatic, and traditionally used to help loosen mucus and soothe coughs. It's also great as a gentle digestive bitter. And this is the first time I've harvested and will be using it. Exciting times! 🎉

11/05/2025

Made a fire cider on this rainy wednesday which will be ready to go in 3-4 weeks. Had everything on hand except fresh horseradish which I had a hard time finding. Perhaps I'll grow it next year. 🙂

10/27/2025

Today in the apothecary, I spent part of the morning labelling Lemon Balm lip balms for a bulk order--54 in total, to be exact. Lemon Balm lip balms are truly wonderful, if I do say so myself. A few of them even contain a hint of lavender, which not only smells lovely but also helps ease headaches. And that's a good thing. :)

10/20/2025

Today in the apothecary, I’m crafting lemon balm lip balm. The air is filled with the soft, soothing scent of lemon balm and beeswax—a warm aroma that brings a sense of calm.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is renowned for its gentle, antiviral, and calming qualities, making it the ideal remedy for nourishing and protecting dry, chapped lips. And because it's made from fresh plant leaves rather than dried, it's also effective for healing mouth ulcers too. 😊

10/03/2025

These oyster mushrooms aren’t just delicious, they're also treasured in herbal and traditional medicine: 1) they have high levels of protein and essential fatty acids, 2) they support kidney conditions, respiratory issues, and brain health AND 3) they also support healthy cholesterol levels. Wow. So helpful!

And right now, they are enjoying the warmth of my dehydrator. 😁

I'm looking forward to stirring them into soups and stews, or making them into a tincture. No matter how I use them, oyster mushrooms are a simple way to weave food-as-medicine into everyday life. Just make sure you purchase organic!

10/02/2025

This chasteberry tincture has been steeping for almost 2 weeks but still needs a few more before it'll be ready. Tinctures usually take around 4–6 weeks to fully draw out the plant’s goodness. Chasteberry is traditionally used to support hormone balance, ease PMS, and encourage cycle regularity.

A daily shake, a cool dark spot, some patience - that's all it takes!

09/27/2025

Today’s the perfect day to make elderberry syrup! I found these beautiful berries at Edible Island, which is the only place I’ve ever seen them. I’m excited for next year, though—I'll be able to harvest my own. 🎉

09/22/2025

Hi, I’m Mary Johnson, the herbalist and heart behind Be Merry Apothecary. I believe in compassionate care, listening deeply, and supporting natural wellness with the gentle power of plants. And I sincerely believe that a "merry heart does good like a medicine." (Proverbs 17:22) I hope you'll follow along to see the 'goings on' in the apothecary.

Have questions about how I can support your health with herbs? Feel free to private message me. :)

Address

Comox, BC

Website

https://bemerryherbs.wixsite.com/bemerryapothecary

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