Before the powers that be turn off the spigot of healthcare for millions of helpless Americans, be sure to consult with your local botanica, a popular apothecary selling alternative and herbal healthcare used by families for centuries. The botanica, otherwise known as a Botica or Hierberia, has been the go-to remedy store for those who a) can’t afford healthcare, b) don’t trust healthcare, and c) like to cover their bases.
Primarily found in Hispanic communities (usually with Caribbean lineage, privy Santeria), a botanica is a general store full of oils, incense, herbs, candles and other holy bric-a-brac; each object designated for a distinctive purpose – from curing common illnesses such as sore gums to more precarious problems like casting off curses from other people.
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(Note: Botanica’s do provide curse-breaking amulets, oils, and other accoutrement, and conveniently sell curse-bringing amulets – designed to punish those that have cursed you.)
For toothaches pick up some Aspen Bark and apply liberally to the gums; for trouble breathing, try a pouch of Camphor Wax and wear it around your neck while you sleep. Be sure to consult with your local apothecary for proper dosage. There are scorpions encased in resin that bring luck and pyramid shapes inside glass globes that summon money for the staunch believer. Protective sage is a quick fix for paranormal houseguests, and there are essential oils that can return passion back to the bedroom.
Consult our comprehensive list of Brooklyn botanicas below. There’s no telling what the future of American healthcare will be. Choose your own healthcare adventure at your local botanica.
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Botanica San Miguel
1129 Myrtle Ave., Bed-Stuy
(347) 554-8300
Fulton Cultural & Spiritual
1304 Fulton St., Bed-Stuy
(718) 783-8889
Botanica Altagracia
66 Belmont Ave., Brownsville
(718) 498-8300
Botanica Orisha Locumi
893 Broadway, Bushwick
(718) 443-5151
Elias Botanical Religious
1252 Myrtle Ave., Bushwick
Bocanica Las Mercedes
219 Irving Ave., Bushwick
(347) 750-7429
Botanica Obatalá Oshun Y Eleggua
347 Linden St., Bushwick
(718) 387-0581
Botanica Angel
437 Wilson Ave., Bushwick
(718) 418-5569
Botanica La Milagrosa Inc
537 Court St., Carroll Gardens
(718) 834-8506
Botanica Inc
1060 Liberty Ave., Cypress Hills
(718) 484-2120
C & G Botanical Inc
1467 Nostrand Ave., East Flatbush
(718) 282-9022
Botanica du Roi Salomon
3310 Church Ave., East Flatbush
(718) 284-2633
Botanica Santa Barbara
96 Moore St., East Williamsburg
(718) 782-2647
Grand Drap Pere Love Botanica
3009 Beverley Rd., Ditmas Park
(718) 940-1491
Tonalli Botanica Corporation
1327 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush
(718) 434-0903
Jackie’s Variety & Religious Store
1740 Flatbush Ave., Flatlands
(718) 951-0400
Ortiz Botanica
645 5th Ave., Park Slope
(718) 965-1153
Universal Botanica
376 5th Ave., Park Slope
(718) 832-3606
Feraille Botanica
616 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens
(718) 282-6018
Botanica El Phoenix
224 Columbia St., Red Hook
(718) 422-0300
Botanica San Miguel Y Anaisa
511 46th St., Sunset Park
(718) 369-6051
Botanica San Miguel
6120 4th Ave., Sunset Park
(718) 492-5173
Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments
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This article has been edited and updated, originally published in 2017.