The Apothecary

At its heart, herbal medicine is folk medicine. Remedies would be crafted in the home to treat illness, injury and maintain the health of the family. People often foraged in their local environment for the plants they needed, or cultivated them in their gardens. Folk would build up stores of herbs, plants and medicines for use, creating their own apothecary.

While people often made their own remedies, those that developed their knowledge to become known as Healers would have an array of effective ingredients with which to craft their medicines. Their wisdom was greatly valued by the local community, and often sought by people from further afield. Even with the advent allopathic medicine, most folk (especially in rural settlements) would still prefer, or only be able to afford, those with traditional herbal skills to treat their ailments and injuries. Folk healers were often women who also acted as midwives and birth attendants, they looked after peoples' physical and mental health, and assisted with their even spiritual wellbeing through protective charms and spells.

There are many and diverse sources of herbal medicines and plant remedies in historical records, from ancient to modern sources, and it is from these that The Historical Herbalists have drawn inspiration.

Our full set-up includes period tent/s and authentic living history encampment, up to 3 authentically costumed reenactors and of course, our unique, interactive herbal apothecary featuring a wide variety of plants and herbs, and reproduced examples of traditional remedies and medicines of the era.

We also offer crafting activities, workshops, talks, demonstrations including live recreations of historical herbal medicine-making, to suit all ages. We may also have small batch plant-based products available for sale.

Our knowledgeable, experienced herbalists have thrilled and inspired visitors of all ages at events across the UK.

Our most popular displays include Romano-British, Viking Age, Late Medieval, and 18th Century/Jacobite.

We can accommodate most eras or themes, so please get in touch to chat about your requirements.

"There are no incurable diseases - only the lack of will.

There are no worthless herbs - only the lack of knowledge."

Ibn Sina aka Avicenna (980-1037AD)

What We Do

Living-history herbal re-enactments at community events, museums, and heritage sites, demonstrating traditional herbal medicine and domestic plant uses.

Brings history to life for the public, improving understanding of Britain's herbal heritage.
Provides accessible, inclusive educational experiences for families, schools, and visitors.
Sparks interest in local culture, traditional crafts, and environmental awareness.

Educational workshops and talks on historical herbalism, sustainable gardening, plant identification, and traditional skills such as salve-making or dyeing.

Builds knowledge and practical skills in history, botany, and sustainability.
STEM and heritage learning: Connects botany, chemistry, and social history for schools and adult learners.
Encourages lifelong learning and creativity.
Promotes wellbeing and self-reliance through connection with nature.

Deepens public understanding of archaeological and environmental history of medicinal plant use.
Connects science, heritage, and community learning through real research.
Inspires curiosity about the relationship between people and plants over time.
Provides educational content for museums, schools, and heritage partners.

Research and interpretation of archaeobotanical and archaeological evidence related to historical plant use — “decoding archaeology” to uncover how past peoples cultivated, traded, and used herbs.

Collaboration with schools, museums, care homes, and health or environmental organisations to deliver educational and therapeutic sessions.

Expands access to cultural learning and nature-based activities.
Reduces isolation by connecting diverse groups through shared heritage projects.
Supports wellbeing initiatives and social inclusion.
Fosters engagement with the local and natural environment for groups and individuals of all ages.

Creates inclusive, welcoming green spaces for community use.
Enhances biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Improves mental and physical wellbeing through hands-on gardening.
Improves access to culinary, medicinal and healing plants for health and wellbeing.
Preserves herbal heritage traditions of the Physic Garden for contemporary communities.

Community and heritage herb gardens developed with volunteers, schools, and local groups.

Exploring the role of women as healers, herbalists, and caregivers throughout history, and presenting their contributions through talks, exhibitions, and interpretive storytelling.

Highlights women’s historical contributions to health, science, and community care.
Promotes gender equality and recognition of women’s knowledge and resilience.
Inspires confidence and empowerment through shared heritage and identity.
Encourages inclusive perspectives in history and cultural education.

Contact The Historical Herbalists

The Apothecary

"There are no incurable diseases - only the lack of will.

There are no worthless herbs - only the lack of knowledge."

What We Do

The Historical Herbalists CIC

hello@historicalherbalists.com