In the land of care: harvesting, drying, distilling in Auvergne

In the heart of the volcanic plateaus of Auvergne, in the still-cool valleys of Haute-Loire, our medicinal plants take root. Where altitude, wind, and rich soils create a unique climate, ideal for growing powerful and fragrant varieties, we work hand in hand with herbalist farmers who are deeply attached to the land.

A living link with plants

For Pierre, a farmer-herbalist and partner of Apoticari, this connection to the land isn't symbolic; it's vital. Each plant he cultivates is the result of a careful gesture, repeated throughout the seasons. At Apoticari, we've chosen this short, committed supply chain not out of a trend, but out of necessity: to guarantee quality, traceability, and respect for the most vibrant aspects of plants.

Seasonal harvests, ancestral gestures

Every summer, in July, lemon verbena, peppermint, and cornflowers reach their full potential. It is at this precise moment that the harvest begins, by hand, leaf by leaf, flower by flower, in the silence of the fields. Then comes the drying stage: a slow and natural process, in old-fashioned wooden drying rooms, where the air circulates freely. No harsh heating, no industrial acceleration. Just time, patience, and mastery of gestures.

Respectful distillation, humble transmission

Once dried, certain plants are distilled on site, using gentle steam, in stills adapted to each variety. This traditional method allows us to extract all the finesse of the hydrosols, without altering their active compounds. This know-how, passed on with humility, is what we integrate into each of our treatments.

Respect for living things as a starting point

At Apoticari, each ingredient is more than an active ingredient: it's the fruit of an ecosystem, a territory, a handed-down gesture. We believe in rooted cosmetics that respect natural cycles, promote local flora, and give meaning to each step, from cultivation to formulation.