The Apothecary Notes

  Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is often called the "flower of flowers" for its deeply floral, exotic aroma. It’s more than a scent—it carries stories of tropical lands, emotional calm, and physiological harmony. At Salt & Light Apothecary, we seek to bring not just fragrance, but purposeful support. Let’s walk through how Ylang Ylang grows, how we source it, its rich heritage, and why it resonates so deeply with body, mind, and spirit. Growing & Harvesting: Rooted in the Balance of the Equator Ylang Ylang thrives in equatorial regions—places like the Philippines, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Ecuador. These locations share something unique: their proximity to the equator. With equal day and night, warm temperatures, and steady humidity, the equator imparts a gentle constancy to the environment. This creates the perfect conditions for a tree like Ylang Ylang—whose very essence reflects balance, calm, and wholeness. Our sourcing partners cultivate Ylang Ylang in Ecuador, ...

Sulfur isn’t just a mineral—it’s a structural element of life. Found abundantly in your skin, joints, liver, and connective tissue, sulfur is essential for everything from detoxification to hormone balance. While many people associate sulfur with the smell of hot springs or the term “brimstone,” it’s far more than folklore. Sulfur-rich compounds like MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) offer foundational support for healing, flexibility, and clarity from the inside out. Today we take a deeper look at MSM—but through the broader lens of sulfur itself. Whether used topically or internally, sulfur is an essential ally in holistic health. Sulfur in Nature: Brimstone, Blessing, and Biological Design Sulfur is one of the oldest healing elements known to humanity. Called "brimstone" in ancient texts—including the Bible—sulfur was often associated with purification, fire, and judgment. But beneath the dramatic history is a vital truth: sulfur is essential to life. It’s the third most abundan...

From incense burned in ancient temples to its place in modern wellness formulations, frankincense (resin from Boswellia trees) has long held a sacred and healing reputation. At Salt & Light Apothecary, we see it as more than fragrance—it’s a botanical gift that supports body, mind, and a sense of sacredness. Below is a look at how frankincense has been used through history, what modern science is showing us, and why it remains a powerful ally in your wellness journey. History & Cultural Legacy Frankincense is one of the most prized resins in ancient trade. It was transported on the famed Incense Roads connecting southern Arabia, Africa, India, and the Mediterranean—valued as a luxury good for rituals, medicine, and royalty. Civilizations such as the Egyptians used it in embalming and perfumery; Greeks and Romans burned it in temples and used it in apothecaries. Hippocrates and classical physicians used frankincense for conditions like cough, wounds, and digestive issues. In rel...

Oregano isn’t just a culinary herb—it’s one of nature’s most potent botanicals. From ancient temples to modern wellness, oregano has earned a reputation for protecting, purifying, and restoring balance to body and spirit. Its essential oil is among the most concentrated natural supports available, rich in compounds that help defend against environmental threats while encouraging healthy immune function. A History Steeped in Ritual and Remedy Oregano’s story stretches back thousands of years, weaving through medicine, myth, and culture: Ancient Greece & Rome:  Oregano, from the Greek  “oros ganos”  meaning “joy of the mountain,” was considered a sacred herb of Aphrodite, symbolizing peace and happiness. Greek physicians like Hippocrates used it to support respiratory health and digestion. Romans used oregano extensively for both flavor and purification, often burning the plant during household rites. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):  Used to ease fevers, suppor...

Lavender is often the first essential oil people fall in love with—and the one they return to again and again. Sometimes called the "Swiss Army knife" of essential oils, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is cherished for its calming aroma and its wide-ranging benefits for skin, emotions, the nervous system, and home rituals. At Salt & Light Apothecary, we honor ancient remedies and timeless truths—and lavender has been whispering healing wisdom for centuries. A Glimpse into Lavender’s Rich History Lavender’s name comes from the Latin  lavare , meaning “to wash.” Ancient Romans added lavender to their baths for both its scent and its purifying qualities. In Egypt, it was part of the mummification process. In Greek medicine, lavender was infused into tinctures and topical preparations for healing wounds and calming the nervous system. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was strewn across stone floors to freshen the air and ward off insects. Lavender was also commonly used in spi...

At Salt & Light Apothecary, we believe the body is beautifully designed to heal, and that simple, time-honored rituals can support that healing in profound ways. One of our favorite practices? The Epsom salt bath. You've likely heard whispers that it can "pull toxins out" or even create something called “reverse osmosis.” But what’s really happening when you slip into a salt-infused soak? Let’s settle in and explore the science, the sacred, and why this humble bath may be one of the most powerful wellness tools you’re not fully using yet. What Is Epsom Salt, Really? Despite its name, Epsom salt isn’t salt at all—it’s  magnesium sulfate , a naturally occurring mineral compound. When dissolved in warm water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate ions, which may interact with the skin and nervous system in a restorative way. At its core, an Epsom salt bath is more than just a physical experience—it’s a gentle return to balance, a quiet invitation to come back to your...

There’s something about eucalyptus that immediately shifts the atmosphere. Crisp, clean, and unmistakably alive—this botanical brings clarity wherever it goes. Whether it’s used to open the lungs, clear a heavy mind, or cleanse the air around us, eucalyptus offers more than just a pleasant scent—it offers  relief . Let’s take a deep breath and explore its roots, its benefits, and how you can bring its healing essence into your daily rhythm. A History Rooted in Healing Native to Australia, eucalyptus has been used by Aboriginal communities for generations. Crushed leaves were applied to wounds, brewed into teas for fever, and used in smoke rituals for purification. Early settlers noticed its usefulness and began extracting the oil for medicinal use. By the 1800s, eucalyptus oil had made its way into European pharmacies. It became known as the "fever tree" for its ability to support immune and respiratory health, and its popularity has only grown since. What Makes Eucalyptus So...