Benjamin Haynes is a man on a mission. His aim is to make people better and happier using bespoke, safe, complementary medicine approaches to improved well-being.

He is the proprietor of “The Medicine Man”, a herbal apothecary in Rushcutters Bay specialising in Ayurvedic medicine.

An apothecary is both a noun and an adjective: its describes the premise and owner; where medicines are prepared on-site, like old-fashioned chemists, and also those who make them.

The word originally comes from the ancient Greek, apotheke, (circa 400-500 BC) meaning a storehouse. Apothecary, as a profession, dates back to 2,600 BC in ancient Babylon, with one of the earliest records of the practice. The 1,500 BC Ebes Papyrus from Egypt, a 100-page, 20-metre scroll, contains 800 prescriptions using over 700 ingredients. It contains chapters on the heart, contraception, intestinal diseases eye and skin problems, dentistry and surgery for abscesses, tumours, bone-setting and burns.

In India, the Ayurvedic medicine system originated even earlier, about 5,000 years ago, using herbal compounds, diets and individual practices. It is a combined mind, body and spirit approach to well-being. The word ayurveda combines the ancient Sanskrit words ayur, meaning life, and veda, meaning knowledge. Sanskrit is the world’s oldest continuing written language, dating from 2,000 BC.

Apothecaries have belonged to a guild of industry in England since 1345.

Benjamin is a graduate of the Australasian Institute of Ayurvedic Studies (Cert IV and Advanced Diploma) and opened in 2015. His booming business is dedicated to making a positive contribution to the health of the community as a whole and everyone that walks through the door. His wide range of products and services includes exclusive Australian stockist for Kama Ayurveda’s luxurious skin, body, and haircare products, detoxification, general health maintenance, weight management, nutrition, stress and anxiety, back pain, fertility assistance, libido enhancement and massage.

The most popular item is the anti-anxiety herbal prescription, “Shankpushpi”, from the crushed herb, Convolvulus pluricaulis. It helps reduce anxiety within a couple of days and sells out fast.

All the Medicine Man’s herbs are 100% certified organic by Independent European experts. All prescriptions are made on-the-spot as the customer looks on.

Benjamin believes our area has a rich history in modern Australia ‘s relatively recent history. He opened here due its Bohemian heritage and wants to contribute to the future health and energy of the area.

“Although I see some small businesses struggling I intend to be part of this area’s renaissance,” says Benjamin. “With strong local support we will create an evolving, diverse neighbourhood of interesting shops and boutiques helping shape a new chapter for Potts Point”.

Benjamin makes his own blend of fresh chai tea daily. He loves the people calling  in for a chai and chat. Chai is black tea infused with a medicinal blend of aromatic Indian spices. The antioxidants and phytochemicals work in harmony to support the immune system, improve digestion, stimulating circulation and help fends off colds. Ginger and cardamon in particular benefit our defences. The warm, creamy, heady perfume of fresh chai is intoxicating.

His shop hours are only limited by his wider work: he is a partner at the One Health Organisation. One Health is a United Nations registered not-for-profit organisation supporting disadvantaged community groups both here in Australia and overseas. It emphasises place-based, community-led solutions to complex social issues. Their vision is ‘Health for all’. Benjamin’s ethos includes his motto: “Be humble for you are made of earth, be noble for you are made of stars.”

By Andrew Woodhouse, Heritage Solutions
The Medicine Man, Apothecary

Shop 1,40 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay NSW 2011

Hours: Wed 10am to 7pm, Thurs 10am to 6pm, Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 2pm

Contacts: Phone: 0405 650 588  Email: benjamin@themedicineman.com.au Mailing list: benjamin@themedicineman.com.au Subject subscribe me

Website: http://www.themedicineman.com.au/
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