What is the Apothecary Guild
The Apothecary Guild is to encourage the study, teaching, and practice of medieval herb uses, as well as the study of medieval apothecary and pharmacy practice. The Apothecary Guild is to encourage the study, teaching, and practice of medieval herb uses, as well as the study of medieval apothecary and pharmacy practice.
The Guild should serve as a conduit for herbalists & apothecaries in the Barony to communicate with and learn from each other and to freely share our love and knowledge about medieval medicine.
Herbal and Apothecary: Lord Aron ulfr’- Principal Herbalist
Meeting at The Art Studio the first Saturday of the month starting in 2023.
Location: The Art Studio, 720 Franklin Street, Beaumont. Inside the red brick building at 720 address is the air-conditioned classroom. Next door is a white building, a production workshop, where blacksmithing and carpentry happen, with cooking on that shaded loading dock.
Date: 1st Saturday of a month, Herbal and Apothecary are joined by Sawdust and Steelworkers, and the Cooks Guild.
Time: In hot months, meet at 10:AM to beat the heat. In cooler months, 2:00 PM.
Everyone is welcome to attend any guild gathering!
Time: see posts on FB ‘SCA Bordermarch’
Herbal and Apothecary Guild also may be meeting at members’ homes for certain projects. Watch the Facebook page for announcements.
Elderberry Syrup:
- 100 grams of dried black elderberries
- 20 grams of dried astragalus root
- 15 grams dried ginger root (or powder)
- 8 grams dried clove
- 1 quart boiled water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup honey from the comb
Procedure:
In a large saucepan, add elderberries, astragalus, ginger, clove, and water. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook down this mixture on medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture has reduced by half. This can take 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and strain your liquid into a bowl or glass container. Measure your liquid which will be about 1 1/2—2 cups. Place your liquid back into a saucepan with your sugar. Keep in mind that the sugar is optional, but necessary to make an actual syrup. Bring your mixture back to a boil, stirring frequently to ensure proper mixing, and boil for 10 minutes, or until your desired consistency. Once your syrup has cooled a bit, add your raw honey and stir until completely dissolved. Funnel the syrup into glass bottles once cooled a bit, and cap tightly. Preserving them in the refrigerator promotes shelf life. Astragalus: This plant has a deep history in Chinese medicine, much like ginseng. It has been traditionally used for over five thousand years to help boost the immune system and cure many common ailments. Its uses include immune support, helping the body adapt to stress, antibacterial, antiviral, increases white blood cells, anti-inflammatory, is helpful in reducing the common cold and flu and protecting cardiovascular systems. Ginger: The ginger root made its first appearance in 2000 BC when Emperor Shen Nong wrote the Chinese herbal guide. It was later used extensively throughout India and the Roman Empire. It’s used as an appetite stimulant. It reduces nausea and vomiting, stimulates veins and arteries, and the heart induces perspiration, relieves flatulence, soothes the digestive tract, promotes circulation, and soothes sore throats. Elderberry: The elderberry plant hails from Europe, is poisonous, and should be handled with care. The flower and the dark purple berries are most often used in tinctures and syrups as a preventative or healing agent for flu and colds. They support immune health, treat flu and common colds, are stimulants, relieve digestive issues, induce perspiration, and assist in antiviral tinctures.