Herbs offered in the Little Free Apothecary are offered freely for artistic & educational purposes only.
Apothecary may contain random items from others as it is a public installation.
A proud part of the Portland Sidewalk Joy project!
Herbal medicine is powerful and personal - please research, listen to your body, and consult a qualified practitioner if needed. Some herbs are not appropriate during pregnancy, with medications, or for certain health conditions. Stock changes seasonally and with demand.
Featured Herbs
Anti-Viral Tincture (white pine, lemongrass, star anise, citrus peel, Baikal skullcap in brandy) – immune-supportive blend; antimicrobial, antiviral, and warming; supports respiratory health.
Bee Balm [Wild Bergamot] (Monarda spp.) - Supports healthy digestion, soothes sore throats, promotes respiratory wellness during seasonal colds, and is traditionally used as a warming, uplifting herb. Healing, purification, joy, attracting pollinators, success, friendship, abundance. Burned or brewed to lift the spirits and cleanse a space. Associated with fire and Jupiter.
Blue (Biblical) Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) – dried: traditionally used for respiratory support, clearing mucus, and ritual purification; aromatic and gently stimulating. Tincture: Traditionally used to support healthy respiratory function during seasonal colds, encourage productive coughs, soothe the throat, and stimulate sluggish digestion. Warming, aromatic, and best suited for cold, damp conditions. Short-term use. Avoid during pregnancy. Use cautiously if you have a seizure disorder.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – dried: skin-healing, anti-inflammatory, lymph-supportive; used for cuts, rashes, and internal tissue healing (tea). Oil: topical oil for wound healing, burns, sunburn, dry skin, inflammation, and general skin repair.
California Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) – strong dream medicine; used for sleep, lucid dreaming, and spiritual work; also antispasmodic and supportive topically for arthritis. Can be burned as incense. Contains thujone.
California Poppy tincture (in brandy) (Eschscholzia californica) – gentle nervine and sleep aid; helps with anxiety, restlessness, and mild pain.
Chinese Chrysanthemum Flowers (Chrysanthemum morifolium) – cooling herb; used for headaches, eye redness, fever, and liver heat; classic tea in Chinese medicine.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra / Sambucus canadensis) – immune-supportive; traditionally used to shorten duration of colds and flu; antiviral and antioxidant. Dried and safe for tea.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – classic migraine herb; helps prevent headaches, reduce inflammation, and support fever regulation.
Hawthorn tincture (berries, leaves, flowers in brandy) (Crataegus spp.) – heart tonic; supports cardiovascular health, emotional heart, circulation, and gentle blood pressure regulation.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Dried: Traditionally used to promote relaxation, restful sleep, and emotional calm. Enjoy as a soothing tea, in sachets, or as aromatic incense. Infused Oil: A calming skin oil for dry or irritated skin, gentle massage, and easing tension. Wonderful before bed or after a stressful day. Magical: Peace • Protection • Love • Purification • Sleep. Planet: Mercury
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – calming nervine; antiviral, mood-lifting, and digestive; helpful for anxiety and stress.
Mimosa (Persian silk tree) flower tincture (Albizia julibrissin) – “herb of happiness”; supports mood, grief, and emotional resilience.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – dream herb (or so some say), protection (Daoism and European traditions), digestive bitter, menstrual regulator; used for sleep, ritual, and enhancing intuition. Can be burned or placed under a pillow or by entryways.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) – deeply nourishing mineral tonic; supports hair, skin, kidneys, and allergies; high in iron, calcium, and silica.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - dried: a warming culinary and medicinal herb traditionally used to support healthy digestion, the immune system, and respiratory health. Delicious as a tea or seasoning. Magical: Protection • Courage • Joy • Happiness • Good Fortune. Planet: Mercury (sometimes associated with Venus)
Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) – antimicrobial, aromatic, traditionally used for cleansing (physical and energetic), mild respiratory support.
Skullcap tincture (in brandy) Scutellaria lateriflora or Scutellaria baicalensis) – nervous system relaxant; helps with tension, anxiety, and muscle tightness.
St. John’s Wort infused sunflower oil (Hypericum perforatum) – nerve-healing oil for burns, bruises, sciatica, and muscle pain. May cause sun sensitivity.
Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) – warming digestive herb; helps reduce gas and bloating, supports appetite, mildly antimicrobial. Excellent in soups, sauces, dressings, on fish and meat.
Southernwood Oil (Artemisia abrotanum)–Traditionally used as a warming massage oil for tired muscles and joints. Also valued for its fresh herbal scent and long history as a natural insect-repelling and protective herb. Massage into clean skin as desired. External use only.
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) – aromatic digestive herb; stimulates appetite, supports sluggish digestion, and helps with gas and cramping; mildly calming to the nervous system; also a classic culinary herb (especially with vinegar and fats). (Avoid in large amounts during pregnancy.)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) – intensely bitter digestive stimulant; supports bile flow and parasites; use in small amounts.
Za’Atar Oregano (Origanum syriacum / Origanum vulgare complex) – antimicrobial, immune-supportive, and digestive; can be used as tea or culinary herb.