An apothecary in Carmel keeps both the artistic spirit and Old World medicinal remedies alive.

Words like “care,” “curation,” and “curious” are derived from a Latin word “cura.” These are also words that describe Bonnie Burns, owner of Earth Cura Apothecary in Carmel. But the name is the result of a business-like approach.

“Originally my business was called Earth Care Apothecary, because I felt like the Earth really cares about us,” says Burns. “A few years ago, I got a cease-and-desist letter from a big company. They had Earth’s Care with an apostrophe and they were selling similar products. So I decided to change a couple of letters.”

Burns decided to go all in for herb school during the Covid-19 pandemic. During lockdown she began to ponder her intentions in life, ultimately deciding to begin pursuing things that bring her joy. That, paired with an entrepreneurial spirit, led her to open an online shop, where she made products that are clean and edible.

The online business also took on another life of its own when she started creating tutorials on Instagram as a way to connect with people virtually. But the purpose of her work is rooted in a desire to make products for herself that she knows are clean and sustainable.

Weekly: What exactly is an apothecary?

Burns: People always walk by and ask this. An apothecary is where we used to go buy our medicine. It was like the drug store back in the day, a place to buy herbal plant medicine and wellness remedies. But it’s also where you keep your herbs. So at home you can have your own herbal apothecary for when you have a headache or a cold or are sore. Or even cooking – all those herbs are your apothecary. Beyond just a storefront, this is also my workshop and personal apothecary.

Why open a shop?

We opened the [physical] shop about a year and a half ago. For a while, I actually didn’t want a shop. I thought that was too much 9-to-5 commitment and I loved doing farmers markets along with my massage practice.

We got to a breaking point where my herbs and apothecary were taking over the house. My online business and presence was growing. The dining room became my workshop. I just felt ready. Doing markets is a lot of work to set up your shop and break it down in the same day. Physically, I felt ready to have a home base.

You have said that all of this was very intentional. What do you mean by that?

Intentional meaning every single ingredient is clean, nontoxic, cold-pressed and organic. So there is intention in how I’m sourcing, and that has branched into working with local farmers. Intentional is also mindfulness. Often big manufacturing companies become more like a factory. I knew as a business I never wanted to feel like a robot. I want it to be heart-driven and my intention is infused in the work for people to feel more connected to nature, their bodies and their mental and emotional states. Herbs can sustain our whole being. I like to infuse love into all of my salves, balms, perfumes and tinctures.

What is your day-to-day like?

Each month my craft changes depending on the moon phase, plus how I feel. It’s more of a feminine approach to business, knowing that the day-to-day is going to change based off how much energy I have and what the demand is – or if a farmer calls me with a bunch of lavender.

How is this practice preserved?

Traditionally it’s passed down. It’s like when you were sick and your grandma would make you an elderberry syrup. I meet people all the time – many of them outside of the U.S. – from different cultures that are still connected to these folk remedies. It’s similar practice but just different herbs. It depends on what’s native. Modern herbalists began converging to preserve history, to confirm what people naturally discovered on their own. Herbs are the oldest form of medicine.

Aren’t these just weeds?

A lot of people consider these powerful medicinal herbs weeds. You can find them growing all over the place, but a lot of the time these herbs are what people really need. There are some really cool books about weeds. In the past 50 years, there have been a lot of herbal schools, masters degrees and certifications you can get online.

How long was herb school for you?

Forever? I’m never going to stop learning.

EARTH CURA APOTHECARY is on San Carlos between 7th and 8th, Carmel. 717-1187, earthcuraapothecary.com.