About Asti Mary

Hi there! I'm Asti Mary, the heart and hands behind My Herbal Apothecary. I’m passionate about creating natural skincare products with pure, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. My journey into herbalism began with a deep love for plants, but it truly became my calling when my son went through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (an experience that while I'd like to forget it, reinforced my commitment to natural healing). Every product I make is a reflection of my dedication to transparency, tradition, and the belief that what we put on our bodies should be as clean and nourishing as what we put in our bodies. Thank you for being here and for supporting small-batch, handcrafted, sh*t-free skincare x

Floodwaters in Western Queensland submerge eucalyptus trees, highlighting the devastation caused by recent flooding. Support flood recovery efforts to help affected communities rebuild.

Help Western Queensland Recover from Devastating Floods

Wondering how you can support those impacted by the devastating Western Queensland floods? I’ve put together the information I’ve found so you don’t have to. With towns like Thargomindah, Adavale, Jundah, Stonehenge, Quilpie, and Windorah hit hard by severe flooding, thousands are displaced, homes and businesses destroyed, and over 150,000 livestock lost (and counting). Beyond the physical destruction, the psychological toll on our farmers is immense.
From donating to trusted organisations to volunteering your time and attending charity events, there are many ways to help. Let’s come together to support our resilient Queensland communities in their journey to recovery.

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A pair of bare feet standing on a mechanical bathroom scale, surrounded by vibrant green lemon balm leaves. The scale shows a weight reading around 58 kg. The image visually connects lemon balm with weight-related themes, reflecting current wellness trends.

Lemon Balm for Weight Loss? What You Really Need to Know

Lemon balm is trending as a supposed weight loss herb, but is it really the magic solution people claim? In this post, I unpack the truth behind the hype, share what lemon balm actually does, and offer a calming, grounded perspective on how this beautiful herb can support your well-being (without chasing fads).

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A calming ritual setup with a leather moon phase journal and pen, oracle decks, lit candles, a ceramic owl, and a crystal display on a wooden surface — creating a warm, reflective space for healing and self-care.

11 Rituals To Help You Get Through Grief & Heartache

Grief can feel overwhelming, but small rituals can offer comfort when your heart feels heavy. In this post, I share 11 meaningful rituals from tea ceremonies to quiet reflection that helped me through my own journey with loss. These gentle practices are for anyone seeking a moment of calm during difficult times.

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The Truth About Tallow Australia Why It's A Powerful Skin Care Ingredient

Why Tallow Is Making a Powerful Comeback in Skincare

Tallow is making a powerful comeback in skincare and for good reason. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this traditional ingredient deeply nourishes and soothes dry, irritated skin. In this post, I break down what tallow is, why it’s so effective, and how to choose a quality tallow balm you can trust. Plus, I share my personal journey with tallow in Australia and how it changed my son’s skin during Topical Steroid Withdrawal.

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A hawthorn tree adorned with clusters of vibrant red berries, nestled among lush green leaves. The branches are covered in small, sharp thorns, adding to the plant’s rugged beauty. Sunlight filters through the foliage, highlighting the rich color of the berries, which have long been cherished in herbal traditions for heart support and folklore magic. Also shown in a Hawthorn tree in full flower.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) | A Herbal Monograph

Hawthorn has long been revered as a powerful herb for the heart, both physically and emotionally. In this herbal monograph, I explore its rich history, traditional uses, and the gentle yet profound ways it supports heart health, grief, sorrow and emotional well-being.

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Fresh chamomile flowers cradled gently in cupped hands alongside a pile of dried chamomile flowers, showcasing the beauty of this calming herb in both its fresh and dried forms.

Chamomile | A Herbal Monograph

Chamomile is a gentle yet powerful herb known for its calming properties and rich history in traditional medicine. In this monograph, I explore chamomile’s soothing effects on the mind, body, and skin, along with its uses in teas, oils, and skincare rituals.

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A woman crouched down in the garden picking a gorgeously healthy green lemon balm plant.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) | A Herbal Monograph

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a beloved herb known for its calming, uplifting qualities and gentle citrus-mint aroma. This herbal monograph explores its rich history, traditional uses, and modern research, offering insights into how this cooling nervine supports mood, digestion, and relaxation.

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