The history of pharmacies, drug stores and apothecaries run deep in New Orleans, as this city has played a large role in the development of the very first licensed pharmacist in the U.S. Jump forward more than a hundred years and you will see several shops throughout the city. This week’s GoNOLA Find is one such shop, is a delightful apothecary and herb store tucked away in small neighborhood near Bayou St. John.
Opened just this past week, Rosalie Apothecary is chock full of teas, spices and herbs. Beautifully displayed on hand-carved shelves, these herbs can be used for anything from cooking to traditional uses for healing and remedies. Natural oils also are available for those wishing to make homemade soaps, syrups and lotions.
Owner Christiane Wurmstedt, who moved to New Orleans four years ago, is an herbal educator and is excited to bring her love of wellness and herbal nutrition to the community. As an herbalist, she has worked with plants and their benefits for more than five years, and studied under Phyllis D. Light, a specialist in Southern Folk Medicine. Christiane holds a certificate of completion from the Family Herbalist and Community Herbalist programs.
“My main mission for this shop is for it to be a place where people can purchase in bulk high quality medicinal herbs, culinary spices, a wide selection of black, green and red teas as well as herbal remedies,” Wurmstedt says.
In addition to the shop, there will be several classes and educational workshops offered including ones about working with natural dyes for fabrics and creating natural pigments.
Wurmstedt is throwing a party to welcome and thank the members of the community for their support. This event will take place on Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and will include snacks and live music.
All photos by Liz Beeson
