The Mercantile Apothecary

10/31/2025

This guy isn’t for everyone, but I love his content! When I saw this I wanted to share and add some herbal inspiration. 'Tis the season! So here we go…

Your Sinuses Are More Than Just a Headache!

They are living, breathing mucous membranes that form part of your immune defense system. They trap pathogens, filter air, and help your body mount a frontline defense against infection. When they’re inflamed or congested, it’s not just a nuisance, it’s your body waving a little flag saying, “Hey, something’s off!”

The goal isn’t to stop mucus (it’s there for a reason) but to help it flow freely and keep those membranes calm, hydrated, and resilient.

Here’s how some of my favorite herbs can help, depending on what your sinuses are asking for (to name a few!):

🌿 Goldenrod - gently dries up excess, runny mucus and eases sinus pressure
🌿 Thyme - warming, antimicrobial, and helps open tight, stuffy passages
🌿 Oregano - powerful herbal warrior for stubborn congestion and bacterial overload
🌿 Echinacea - immune-boosting and infection-fighting; ideal at the first sign of pressure
🌿 Elecampane - clears deep, thick, stagnant mucus and strengthens respiratory tone
🌿 Marshmallow Root - soothing, moistening relief for dry, inflamed sinus tissue
🌿 Ginger - improves circulation, relieves pressure, and helps the body “move out” stuck congestion while calming inflammation

Every sinus story is a little different. Some need clearing and warmth, others need cooling and moisture. The key is working with your body, not against it ♥️

I’m also a big fan of herbal steams for struggling sinuses!

If yours are staging a protest right now, stop by the Apothecary, I’ll help you find the right herbal ally for your symptoms and energetics ✨

(There are many other herbs that help, too many for me to list here now. After all it is Halloween and I’ve got to get cracking! Do you have some favorites for sinus troubles?)

10/30/2025

Get yours while they last!

10/26/2025

🌿 A Gentle Reminder About Echinacea

This time of year, everyone’s reaching for immune-boosting herbs … and echinacea tends to fly off the shelves. But before you brew up a pot, here’s something worth knowing:

Echinacea works by stimulating the immune system. That’s great for a short-term cold or infection, but not so great if your immune system already tends to overreact.

For those with autoimmune conditions (like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, or even certain allergies), echinacea can actually worsen symptoms by ramping up immune activity when the goal should be calming inflammation and balance.

If that’s you, skip the echinacea and try these gentler, supportive alternatives instead:

🌼 Astragalus root: Strengthens the immune response without overstimulation; best for prevention.
🌿 Holy basil (Tulsi): Balances stress hormones and supports immune resilience.
🍄 Reishi mushroom: Calms overactive immune response while supporting long-term wellness.
🍋 Lemon balm: Soothes nerves and mild viral discomforts while being gentle on autoimmune systems.
🌹 Rosehips: Packed with vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds.

The best herbal support is always about balance, not battle.

If you’re ever unsure, chat with a trained herbalist (hi, that’s me 👋) before diving into immune herbs this season.

10/25/2025

📣 Special Hours This Tuesday! 📣

A quick heads-up that The Mercantile Apothecary will be opening a little early this week to join in the homecoming parade fun downtown!

We’ll open our doors Tuesday evening, October 28, at 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, so feel free to stop in and say hello, have a look around and try a sample of a cozy autumn tea blend! 🍂

The town will be out celebrating, and we’re honored to be a small part of it. See you then! 🌿🧡

10/25/2025

🎃🍂🧡

10/24/2025

Back in stock! 🎉

Sore back after a long day? Aching calves after standing, walking, or working hard? Restless legs and cramps keeping you awake at night?

Our Magnesium Pain Cream with Frankincense & Myrrh is made for those moments when your body needs relief.

Magnesium chloride, absorbed through the skin, is widely used to support muscle relaxation, ease tension, and calm post-exercise aches and nerve pain. Shea and mango butters deeply condition the skin while grapeseed and apricot kernel oils help deliver a smooth, fast-absorbing finish.

Frankincense and myrrh essential oils bring more than just their grounding, resinous aroma, they’ve been traditionally valued for easing stiffness, calming inflammation, and supporting the body’s natural healing process. Together, these ingredients create a cream that feels indulgent while offering real comfort for sore bodies. It also leaves much less residue than traditional magnesium sprays so you aren't left with that sticky, salty feeling.

This cream can be used anywhere externally where pain resides, some favorite spots being sore or crampy calf muscles, bottoms of feet, and on achy backs, shoulders, and necks. It also provides relief when gently massaged into the abdomen for menstrual cramps.

Pain-Relieving Features
Magnesium - Traditionally used to ease muscle cramps, spasms, and post-activity soreness.

Frankincense - Valued for calming joint stiffness and supporting mobility.

Myrrh - Long prized for its comforting, anti-inflammatory properties.

Butters & Oils - Nourish and hydrate while carrying healing deep into the skin.

10/22/2025

New handcrafted, cold process soap for the season! 🎉

Witch’s Brew 🎃🫶

Notes of Orange, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedarwood … all my favorites.

Ingredients: Saponified Olive, Palm (sustainable) & Coconut Oils, Shea Butter, Natural Fragrance & Essential Oil Blend, Annatto Seed Powder, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Tin Oxide

4.5 oz bars/$7

10/22/2025

🌹 New Arrival: Dark Rose & Labdanum Lotion Bars 🌹

Meet my newest obsession ... Dark Rose & Labdanum. Oh. My. Goodness. It's ... dark, and mysterious and I'm not usually a fan of rose scented oils but this is just DELICIOUS. It's everything and somehow it works like magic: warm, resinous, smoky, sweet, woodsy, spicy, fruity, AND floral!

What is Labdanum?

Labdanum is a sticky brown resin, known for its warm, musky, and leathery scent, that is harvested from the rockrose shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is a popular ingredient in perfumery and cosmetics, valued for its rich, complex aroma, and is often used as a base note and fixative. It also has ancient medicinal, culinary, and incense uses.

Solid lotion bars (local favorite, one of my best sellers) melt effortlessly on contact, locking in moisture and leaving your skin soft and nourished all day. Winter is coming, the perfect time to stock up on some love for your skin.

carcinogen-free
cruelty-free
mutagen-free
paraben-free
phthalate-free

Available now at The Apothecary in very limited stock.

10/20/2025

🎉✨ Renaissance Faire Giveaway! ✨🎉

Hear ye, hear ye! A grand prize awaits one lucky noble (and their merry company)! 🏰⚔️

We’re giving away 4 weekend passes to the Scottsboro Renaissance Faire — good for a full weekend of magic, music, and merriment! 🌿👑

To enter:
1️⃣ Share this post to spread the word across the realm!
2️⃣ Tag 3 friends who’d love to join you on your quest for fun!
3️⃣ Make sure you’re following our page so we can find you when you win!

One winner will be chosen at random and announced on October 21st!

So gather your fellowship and may fortune favor thee! 🍗🎭🧙‍♀️

10/17/2025

My girls made another TikTok 😂

Cold and flu season has us on our toes 🫠

10/17/2025

Okay, you asked, so I'm delivering, and after some careful consideration this is the blend I've chosen.

We'll talk a lot about cortisol in my upcoming stress & anxiety classes (and about how cortisol is friend, not enemy), but I am loving this blend! Available now in the Apothecary 💚

Let's do a deeper dive, focusing on the water-soluble constituents and actions that actually make it into the cup when brewed as tea:

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
Key water-soluble compounds: polyphenols (aspalathin, nothofagin, quercetin derivatives), minerals (Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn)
Actions:
- Antioxidant & adrenal support: reduces oxidative stress in adrenal tissue, helping normalize cortisol output.
- Anti-inflammatory & mineral-restorative: replenishes nutrients lost under chronic stress and supports steady energy.
- Naturally caffeine-free, so it doesn’t trigger cortisol spikes. Also does not contain tannins.
In infusion: Sweet, smooth, richly colored, excellent base herb that improves mouthfeel and stability of the blend.

Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera)
Water-soluble fraction: alkaloids, amino acids, small polysaccharides (immune and adrenal modulators)
Actions:
- Adaptogenic & anti-stress: water infusions provide mild HPA axis support by modulating stress reactivity (though stronger effects come from tincture or powder).
- Tonic & nutritive: gentle daily support for those prone to fatigue or emotional burnout.
In tea form, the extract is subtle but works synergistically with tulsi and rooibos. I LOVE me some synergy in tea blending.
In infusion: Slightly earthy, grounding; go light to avoid bitterness.

Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Water-soluble compounds: rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, tannins, water-soluble phenolics
Actions:
Cortisol-regulating adaptogen: modulates HPA activity and reduces stress-induced inflammation.
Nervine & uplifting: calms the body while keeping the mind alert; helps reduce “wired but tired” sensations.
Digestive relaxant: reduces gut tension, indirectly supporting adrenal health through gut-brain balance.
In infusion: Lightly spicy-clove aroma with a clean herbal finish; synergizes beautifully with rooibos and chamomile.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Water-soluble compounds: apigenin (partially soluble in hot water), volatile oil traces, coumarins, mucilage, and glycosides
Actions:
Nervine sedative: relaxes smooth muscle and calms the nervous system, lowering cortisol indirectly via parasympathetic activation.
Carminative: soothes stress-related digestive discomfort; helps relax the gut lining affected by chronic stress.
Sleep and recovery: supports normal circadian rhythm when used regularly in the evening.
In infusion: Honey-like floral sweetness, harmonizes harsh or bitter notes.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Water-soluble compounds: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, tannins, glycosides, small amounts of essential oil (partially volatile)
Actions:
GABA-modulating & cortisol-lowering: directly increases GABA availability and reduces cortisol response to acute stress.
Cardiotonic for nervous tension: relaxes mild palpitations and emotional agitation caused by cortisol surges.
Cognitive relaxant: eases irritability and mental overactivity while maintaining alertness.
In infusion: Bright, lemony-herbal note that balances earthy herbs and adds aroma to calm the senses.

Synergy in Water Extraction (because I am also a huge science nerd)

When steeped together:

- Tulsi + Lemon Balm = gentle adaptogenic + nervine blend that directly downregulates stress response.
- Rooibos + Chamomile = restorative base that supports digestion and relaxation.
- Ashwagandha (in small proportion) = subtle adrenal tonification without heaviness.

This is a true HPA-supporting tea, not just “relaxing.” It acts through both biochemical and energetic pathways ... steadying, nutritive, and deeply restorative over time 💚

$7/oz