La Botica Santa Teresita, nestled at Relox 28 in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a vibrant testament to the enduring tradition of Mexican boticas. These local apothecaries have been a cornerstone of Mexican health and wellness for centuries, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern remedies.
The history of boticas in Mexico dates back to the colonial era when Spanish settlers introduced the concept of pharmacies. However, these establishments quickly adapted to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico, incorporating indigenous healing practices and natural remedies. At the boticas, remedies and medicines were prepared with formulae that included raw material such as salts, herbs and other materials that were considered drugs and required special permits. These elements were stored in beautiful Apothecary Jars, and mixed and measured using weights and scales, mortar and pestle, which you can still see at Botica Santa Teresita. There was a sense of trust with the boticario as each remedy was prepared especially for a particular need.
My grandfather, Dr. David Araujo managed the Botica Santa Teresita in the 1930s, and he used to tell us stories of the remedies that were requested at the botica.
One of them was ‘Bile Water’ or Agua de Bilis that was a cure for those who have an emotional outburst or tantrum, turn yellowish and cannot sleep. Another one was ‘Mule Whiff’ or Vaho de Mulo that was used to cure a cold or other respiratory illnesses. If a client requested a Vaho de Mulo when the boticario was not available, the botica clerk would fill a jar with his/her own ‘whiff’ and cover it with a cork. The client would check it with a quick smell and say, “this is very good” and leave a satisfied customer.
Today, the boticas are almost extinct. In 1925, the Department of Public Health drastically reduced the number of medicinal plants from the Mexican Pharmacopoeia, and the drugstores started to rely in medicines synthetized by the industry. Yet some still exist and continue to play a role in the healthcare system, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where they may be more accessible than larger medical facilities. While modern pharmacies and drugstores have become widespread, boticas retain their charm and historical significance, often providing personalized service and a sense of community. They are a testament to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage in medicine and healthcare.
During your next stay at Hotel Maison Mexique, a visit to La Botica Santa Teresita offers a unique glimpse into the enduring legacy of Mexican apothecaries.
