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Apothecary Glossary

Welcome to your very own herbal apothecary glossary! We’re committed to offering a wide variety of herbal remedies made from potent medicinal plants. And we want to make sure you’re choosing the best one for you! So whether it’s a tincture, an elixir, a salve, or a serum, here’s a breakdown of what exactly all of these herbal remedies mean. So you’ll know exactly how they can benefit your health.

  • What is a salve?

    A salve is a topical remedy prepared by infusing oil with herbs and adding beeswax. Salves are used for aches, pains, bumps, wound healing, dry skin, bruises, sprains, muscle recovery, etc. Salves tend to come in a solid form and can be melted for application. 

  • What is a tincture?

    A tincture is a herbal extraction taken orally made with alcohol or vegetable glycerin as the extractant. This is a great way to get your daily dose of herbs! Tinctures can be taken directly in the mouth or place a few droppers full in your favorite drink. 

  • What is an essential oil?

    An essential oil is a highly concentrated herbal isolate in oil form. Essential oils don’t contain all of the properties of the plant and are normally highly aromatic. We do not recommend ingestion or direct application of essential oils to the skin. Instead, we prefer these potent concentrates for aromatherapy purposes or heavily diluted in skincare products. 

  • What is a cream?

    A cream is topical skincare made of infused oils with herbs and/or essential oils. Creams are great for anti-aging, acne, dry skin, or other dermal issues. We recommend applying your face creams morning and night, to clean skin, and with a full skincare routine for best results.

  • What is the difference between a face cream vs body cream?

    Face creams tend to be formulated with more delicate skin in mind and use finer oils and ingredients whereas body creams are for more liberal applications and have more of a lotion-like consistency. 


  • What are herbal prerolls?

    Herbal prerolls are smokable prerolled herbal cigarettes akin to a joint. No, ours don’t have any marijuana in them although some do have non-psychoactive CBD-rich hemp (Those are labeled “Pure Hemp” or “CBD”). These are a great way to relax and destress without the addictive side effects

  • What is a (herbal, medicinal) tea, or herbal infusion?

    Tea is typically a blend of several herbs infused into hot or cold water, intended for drinking, also called an herbal infusion. Tea is a great way to get daily nourishment or address a specific health problem that arises. Tea may also reference blends of herbs that contain caffeine, like green or black tea. Most of our herbal teas are non-caffeinated. 

  • What is an elixir or cordial?

    Elixirs or cordials are a form of herbal remedy containing herbs extracted in alcohol with a sweetener added such as honey, maple syrup, juice, or glycerine. These are great ways to get a dose of medicine with a “spoon full of sugar” effect for better taste. They also make great cocktails or mocktails with a healthy herbal kick!

  • What is a tisane?

    A tisane is another word for herbal infusion used for therapeutic purposes made with water, very similar to tea. Tisanes are great for daily health and wellness or to address a specific ailment. Tisanes are always caffeine-free. 

  • What is a serum?

    A serum is a potent skincare item made from infused and essential oils. Serums are gently moisturizing and deliver a big dose of antioxidants for antiaging and skin damage repair. This is an important step for skin hydration during your daily routine!

  • What is a soak?

    A soak is made of a blend of herbs, salts or minerals, and essential oils intended for use in the bath or to submerge a specific area of the body for therapeutic purposes. Our soaks are made to soothe skin irritation and sore muscles, detox from radiation exposure, and enhance all-over relaxation. 

  • What is a balm?

    A balm is a topical therapeutic skincare remedy that is a thicker consistency than a cream and maintains a solid yet meltable texture. Balms are used for chapped lips and for dry and cracked hands, elbows, and heels, to manage eczema, psoriasis, or other skin irritants. They are made with natural butter such as shea, mango, cocoa, or waxes.

  • What is a butter?

    Blended body butter is a topical skincare remedy, similar to a cream. Butters are thicker than a cream and have a whipped consistency. Butters are made with herbal-infused oils for therapeutic purposes and can be used on cracked, dry, chapped lips or any other part of the body

  • What is a face spritz?

    A face spritz is misted on the face as the last step of your skincare routine. Spritz are made with tonifying witch hazel, hydrosols, and essential oils to help tighten pores, balance, and brighten the skin while protecting it from impurities.

  • What are bath salts?

    Bath salts are blended salts containing a mix such as Epsom, Celtic, and pink Himalayan for easing sore muscles and relaxing the body. Salts come with the option of being infused with essential oils or a combination of essential oils and CBD extract. 


  • What is an infused oil?

    An infused oil is an infusion of medicinal herbs into oils such as safflower, jojoba, or sweet almond. The medicinal oil is then used as an aid to many remedies or used as the base ingredients in our salves, creams, and serums. You’ll see our infused oils come in small roller sizes for easy application on acne (link Ancient Acne Roller), or bug bites (Link Ditch the Itch).

  • What is a tonic?

    A tonic is an internal remedy such as a tea, tincture, or Fire Cider, that helps to bring better function to the body. It is usually taken daily to help restore vitality, boost immunity, fight illness, detoxify, and strengthen the body. 


  • What are bitters?

    Bitters are a specific flavor given off by herbs or foods that we can use for medicinal purposes. Bitter herbs promote healthy digestion and better breakdown of food. Bitters should ideally be taken about 30 minutes before each meal to jumpstart the digestive tract but can be taken at any time to aid the bowels and help detox the system. 

  • What is dry shampoo?

    Dry Shampoo is a mixture of plant-based powders and clays designed to help manage oily hair without the daily use of shampoo. Dry shampoo helps to minimize the damage done by daily washing, encouraging our hair to become stronger and longer.  You can Apply dry shampoo to your roots when they begin to appear oily to absorb the excess oil and extend your washes by a few days. 

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