The oldest known medicine is popular again; people are discovering how herbs, roots and flowers can be used to treat common maladies. Even Cook County officials spoke of the medicinal uses of our state’s native plants when they designated the official county flower to be the purple coneflower, also known as echinacea, often used to prevent the common cold. Likewise, there’s a resurgence in the old-fashioned apothecary, a European pharmacy that may also specialize in natural healing elements.
Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square has been serving Chicagoans since 1875. For the last 30 years, Abdul Qaiyum, a registered pharmacist, has dispensed advice on the lifestyle of natural healing.
One of his most popular health tonics is Dr. Theiss’ Schweden Bitter-A, which people use as a digestive aid. It’s $42 a bottle and created by a man who lived to be 104, when he died in a horseriding accident. Except for the horse, he must’ve done something right.
Merz Apothecary imports and packages hundreds of its own teas. Desired for its alleged skin-beautifying benefits, Calendula flower is boiling hot right now. A 4 ounce canister of loose tea runs $5.75. Echinacea comes in 146 varieties and can run anywhere from $4.75 for pellets to $73.19 for the liquid extract.
Merz is especially known for its collection of international soaps. Italian made Valobra soap, claimed to be the best in the world, costs $10 for a 5 ounce bar. Maja Tradition Soap from Spain is $7.50.
You can try teas brewed daily at Ten Ren Tea and Ginseng Co. in Chinatown. Some of the most beneficial can taste like mud. That must be an indication of the hallowed connection between man and the soil. Store manager Sue Fine believes that hot, strongly fermented black teas aid digestion, eliminating gas and headaches. A tea most often served with meals in Chinese American homes is Pu-Ehr. Scientific studies suggest it reduces cholesterol and blood fats. It comes in tea bags, 20 for $2.35. Loose, aged Pu-Ehr can cost as much as $118.80 per pound.
The most common method people use to find out the medicinal uses of herbs is through word of mouth. Be sure to seek advice from a qualified herbal expert and your doctor.
Insider Tips:
Merz Apothecary:
The 3 most popular herbs are Nettle Herb Tea (for allergies); Echinacea (for colds); Green Tea (an antioxidant).
You can order by mail or use their Web site: smallflower.com
Ten Ren Tea and Ginseng:
They’ll teach you how to perform the Chinese Tea Ceremony, which brings harmony to your tea-sipping experience.
MERZ APOTHECARY
4716 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago
773-989-0900
TEN REN TEA AND GINSENG
CO. OF CHICAGO
2247 S. Wentworth Av.
Chicago
312-842-1171
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Send inquiries to hlajewski@tribune.com
