

Herbal stores (عطاری) are shops which sell medicinal plants and related products like spices, essential oils, flower essences, tinctures and elixirs.
What is an apothecary (herbal shop)?
[edit]- A place that specializes in natural botanicals and traditional remedies—think dried herbs, spice blends, teas, tinctures, oils, balms, and related wellness goods—not a modern pharmacy. Historic and modern examples exist worldwide, from old-school counters with jars to sleek, curated boutiques.
What you’ll find inside
[edit]- Dried herbs & botanicals: single-herb cuts, roots, barks, flowers (e.g., chamomile, hibiscus, licorice).
- Spices & culinary blends: cooking spices and functional blends (za’atar, curry mixes, masalas).
- Teas & infusions: loose-leaf blends for daily sipping and seasonal wellness.
- Tinctures & extracts: concentrated liquid herbal preparations.
- Essential & carrier oils: for aromatherapy, massage, and DIY skincare.
- Hydrosols & distillates: rosewater and other floral waters.
- Honey, syrups & tonics: traditional sweet preparations and elixirs.
- Topicals: salves, balms, clays, resins (e.g., frankincense).
- Accessories: strainers, jars, droppers, and gift sets.
How people use them
[edit]- Taste: elevating everyday cooking with fresher spices and unique blends.
- Ritual: teas, incense, and aromatics for calm, focus, or seasonal routines.
- DIY: making simple at-home preparations (herbal oils, salves, bath soaks). (General note: apothecaries don’t replace medical care; always follow your clinician’s advice.)
Quality & shopping tips
[edit]- Look for clear sourcing (country of origin, organic where possible) and batch consistency.
- Prefer shops that test or verify quality and freshness.
- For online orders, check return policies and trusted payment badges.
Regional highlights & examples
[edit]- United States
- C.O. Bigelow (NYC) – America’s oldest apothecary (est. 1838), blending historic charm with modern selections.
- The Alchemist’s Kitchen (NYC) – a modern botanical dispensary and elixir bar focused on plant-based wellness.
- Herb Pharm (Oregon) – a leading American maker of liquid herbal extracts, sold widely.
- United Kingdom
- G. Baldwin & Co (London) – London’s oldest herbalist (since 1844), classic “old-school” apothecary feel.
- Neal’s Yard Remedies (Covent Garden) – a “modern apothecary” known for organic health & beauty.
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- Traditional “Attar” shops in historic markets like Souq Al-Zal (Riyadh) sell herbs, spices, incense, and oils—a classic Middle Eastern apothecary experience.
- For online convenience, marketplaces in KSA host dedicated herbal sections.
- Egypt
- Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili is famous for spice and herb stalls (the “el-Attar” culture), with vibrant displays of teas, resins, and aromatics.
- Boutique examples include Blessed Journey Herbs & Oils, offering bulk herbs, essential oils, and salves.
- Iraq
- Al-Shorja (Baghdad)—the city’s oldest market—grew from “Souk al-Attarin,” historically known for herbs and spices; herbal stalls remain part of its identity today.