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. Note: 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 tincture (flowers and leaves in brandy) (Tanacetum parthenium) – classic migraine herb; helps prevent headaches, reduce inflammation, and support fever regulation.

Flower tea - blackberry leaf (oolong style), calendula, cornflower, California poppy, black poppy, chamomile, damask and rugosa rose, chinese chrysanthemum, mint, lemon balm. Caffeine-free, relaxing tea.

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 Sunflower 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 (flowers in vodka) (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. Infused sunflower oil:

Nettle (Urtica dioica) – deeply nourishing mineral tonic; supports hair, skin, kidneys, and allergies; antihistamine; high in iron, calcium, and silica. Tincture is in brandy.

Oregano + Spicy Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - 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 infused sunflower 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. Dried: can be used as insect repellent sachets.

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.)

Also valued in folk tradition for protection and warding.

Infused Oil: Traditionally used as a warming massage oil for sore muscles, stiff joints, and occasional nerve discomfort. For external use only.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) - Dried: A very bitter herb traditionally used to support healthy digestion and appetite. Traditional ingredient in Vermouth and Absinthe. Also valued in folk tradition for protection and warding. Infused Oil: Traditionally used as a warming massage oil for sore muscles, stiff joints, and occasional nerve discomfort. For external use only. Contains thujone. Magical: Protection • Banishing • Psychic Awareness • Spirit Work • Purification. Planet: Mars.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Dried: Traditionally used to support wound healing (moisten and apply directly to staunch bleeding), healthy digestion, and the body's response to colds and fevers. Also valued for menstrual comfort. Tincture in brandy: Traditionally used to support immune function during colds, encourage healthy circulation, and help ease digestive or menstrual discomfort. Magical: Protection • Courage • Love • Divination • Healing. Planet: Venus

Za’Atar Oregano (Origanum syriacum / Origanum vulgare complex) – antimicrobial, immune-supportive, and digestive; can be used as tea or culinary herb.