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...