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So I missed writing an actual review for August's
Apothecary At Home box, but I did do an unboxing video on my IG so if you missed the last box, head on over to Instagram and check out my live video. Over the weekend I finally got my mail sorted out and behold, my
Apothecary At Home box arrived Saturday afternoon. It was sitting lovingly by my front door and I was so excited to see what this month held. Before I jump into the box though, I wanted to give you guys some more information about the company. First, Apothecary At Home is a small, witchy woman-owned business in Berkley, California. Their mission is to inspire, empower, and equip the next generation of herbalists by supplying an affordable monthly subscription box that brings the herbal classroom directly to you, no matter your herbal background. Each month brings a new theme and wellness topic complete with herbs and step-by-step instructions to create your own natural remedies.
September's theme is
Breath Easy, which is super timely considering the COVID-19 pandemic, cold and flu season on its way, the fall allergy season (at least here in the South). Needless to say, this month's box is extremely useful longterm. As always, there is a complete, sourced informational pamphlet, this time in
booklet form, that explains lung health and disease, each of the herbs medicinal profiles, folklore, and magical uses, and recipes that feature the herbs. I love the time, care, and research put into the booklet and the fact that they suggest future reading, continued study resources, and cite their sources. I am slowly creating a
materia medica using this information and the botanical prints. This month focuses on two herbs, catnip and thyme, with a bonus herb mullein. There are 2 ounces of each herb, which is WAY more than I will likely use in the near future, meaning I have plenty not only to restock my herbal cabinet but to use in my magical workings as well. I still can't believe they are able to pack so much into a single box every month for the price point!
The one thing I absolutely love about this box is that it comes fully stocked with everything you need minus an ingredient or two, to make the herbal remedies. In previous months, this included salve tins, jars, brown dropper bottles, mullein bags, and beeswax or soy wax. This month is no different, except neither recipe is a salve so there is no beeswax or soy wax this month. Instead, we are making an oxymel and a chest rub, just like Vick's Vapor Rub. Having all the supplies on hand makes creating these remedies extremely easy and gives you no excuse not to get started right away. This is a major selling point for me and many others as the easier it is to create the remedies, the more likely we are to do it.
To keep everything properly labeled, which is extremely important, they have included several beautiful labels so you can record the contents and date of the remedy or infusion. Currently, I have two tinctures and two oils infusing in my spare bedroom. I finally picked up the oils and alcohol needed to create these lovely concoctions and I cannot wait to show you guys the finished results!
Apart from the supplies to make the remedies, the box also comes with seeds (catnip and thyme) so you can continue your herbalist adventure by expanding your garden. All of their seeds are sourced from
Bentley Seeds Co, a small family-owned business in upstate New York. I love that each month Shannon, the creator and founder of
Apothecary At Home, continues to support small businesses around the country. This is a major plus in my book and I am glad my money is going to help small businesses. Shannon's mother, Virgi, also created two lovely botanical prints this month of catnip and thyme that you can frame, glue into your Book of Shadows, or place in your
materia medica. Starting last month, the prints are printed on much sturdier paper which I greatly appreciate. They are absolutely stunning and I am looking forward to adding more to my collection.
Finally, the surprise bonus item this month is eucalyptus essential oil. Really this is needed in one of the recipes (the chest rub), but a bonus nonetheless. It smells absolutely glorious and I am looking forward to not only using it in the chest rub but in baths as well. Eucalyptus is a great stress reliever and a muscle relaxer, so it's perfect when you have had a long day at work or a difficult workout.
I continue to be awed and delighted by this amazing box and strongly encourage my readers to pick up a subscription now. You can save 15% on your first box using code WILLOW15. It's a great way to support a small, witchy business and learn an amazing skill at the same time for a fraction of the cost of an herbalist course.
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I know that I included a pros and cons list in my original post, but I wanted to expand on some new features and new information I have received since the last box.
Pros:
- The box is designed to teach, instead of just providing you with goodies. It includes everything you need to learn how to make herbal remedies and gets you started on the herbalist path.
- The item quality is great. Every item is worth more than I paid and sometimes you even get some bonus items thrown in!
- The information packet is informative and explains how to use each of the items in the box. The herb profiles are clearly outlines and recipes are easy to follow.
- There are vegan and non-vegan options. They offer both beeswax and soy wax for salves, so if you are vegan there is an option available for you.
- They survey you for allergies. When you sign up for the box, you begin with a survey where you can let them know if you are allergic to anything. I thought this is great because I am allergic to opiates and gogi berries, and while I don't think opiates will end up in the box, gogi berries have a strong possibility of showing up. I'm glad that they take this into account and won't put anything in my box that I am allergic to.
- They are ecofriendly. The box is recyclable and you have the option to receive the information packets printed or digital. I love how much you can customize this box!
- They support the BIPOC community. Right now, they are offering boxes to BIPOC who are interested in learning herbalism for free or heavily discounted. If you or someone you know is interested in the details, check out their website. You can also sponsor a box to help provide more boxes!
- They support other small businesses such as The Loose Leaf and Bentley Seeds Co.
- All their seeds are non-GMO. While this isn't necessarily important to me, I know many people find non-GMO a plus, so I stuck it on the list.
- They have an online study group specifically designed to answer questions, share ideas, and have support, whether it's from other subscribers or Shannon herself!
- A monthly/bi-monthly newsletter is sent out detailing important information, updates, savings, and more to help you use the remedies in your box and learn more about the herbs. I really appreciate the contact and support!
- All of the supplies are reusable. The glass containers can be used over and over again, making it very ecofriendly.
- There are more than enough herbs to create the remedies and restock your apothecary in the future. I know 2 ounces doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me...its a lot!
- This box is available! They still have some spots available for next month's box, but you best hurry!
Cons:
- The box is somewhat expensive. It's currently priced between $25 (not bad at all) and $40 plus $8 shipping within the US. However, if you were to compare this to an online course, this box is significantly cheaper and provides all the supplies needed for a fraction of the price.
- There is some packaging that is not eco-friendly. The paper and cardboard box can be recycled, but the bubble wrap can not. I believe having eco-friendly packaging as much as possible is extremely important. I need to make a note here that the past two months have NOT contained bubble wrap. Instead, the containers were lovingly wrapped in tissue paper and nestled between herbs to prevent them from breaking. I REALLY appreciate this! August's box contained plastic containers to prevent breakage, so no bubble wrap was needed.
OVERALL: 5 out of 5 stars
Interested in purchasing this box? Check out
Apothecary At Home online.
Use code WILLOW15 to get 15% off your first order!
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