A study showed the use of comfrey root ointment for back pain, and the results were outstanding.

Read the full article here.

  D.S. & Durga are featured in the February 2013 issue of Vogue. Made in New York, D.S. &  Durga are bringing an artisan's touch to urban beauty.

The Foodist column in Bon Appetit Magaizine swears by it-  Read why Underberg is their Post Thanksgiving Dinner Secret!

To read the entire article, click here.

There are scores of Bay Rum aftershaves on the market, but Captain's Choice is really something special. Creator Scott Brennecke spent countless hours creating a perfectly balanced Bay Rum scent in a formula designed to soothe and tone the skin. The classic apothecary bottle with an "aged" nautical label only adds to the charm of this handcrafted men's product.

Shaving101.com is known for its wet shaving articles, how-to guides and photography. They recently published an in-depth review of Captain's Choice Bay Rum Aftershave. See how this newcomer has earned its place among the most classic aftershave scents. Click here to read the article.

Watch as Dr. Oz explains how to take back control and calm your stomach without medication, using all natural Iberogast and Lemon Balm.

Jewelry designer Pamela Love is known for her edgy, unique style. In a recent issue of In Style, she shares her favorite scent - La Chasse Aux Papillons by French perfumer L'Artisan. This playful and intoxicating floral combines tuberose, orange blossom and spice.

Merz Downtown at the Palmer House was named "Best Loop Shopping" in Time Out Chicago's 2011 Shopping Awards issue! While we have always taken pride in bringing together the best of beauty, homeopathy, natural health and aromatherapy under one roof, it's always nice to be recognized by others, too. Thanks Time Out and the Chicago residents who voted for us. Next time you're in the Loop, stop by and say hi!

Our physical store, Merz Apothecary, was featured by blogger Vanessa Mentor. She picked up some of her favorite products and gave a great video review. A Chicago native and self-proclaimed "makeup junkie", Vanessa regularly shares her thoughts on beauty and style on her tumblr and YouTube channel. Thanks for the shout out, Vanessa!

Men's Book Chicago is the resource for gents who enjoy the good life. They picked a variety of our products, including our very own soap brand, Smallflower Trading Co., for their recent men's grooming feature. Check out other must-haves for guys: Edwin Jagger Double-edge Razor Set, Marvis Aquatic Mint Toothpaste, Diptyque's Feu de Bois candle and Swissco Tortoise Wet Comb.

Natural Calm, which helps with anything from headaches to sleep, was recently featured in Pilates Style Magazine as a tummy tamer. Calm was included in the Ashley Koff approved Happy Belly Bags which Pilates Style Magazine considered its newest obsession for controlling belly aches. Natural Calm contains magnesium which is considered a miracle mineral because it’s required for hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. Millions have experienced the stress relief and health benefits Natural Calm provides.

Try it today.

A perfect marriage of beautiful design and top quality, Claus Porto shea butter bath soaps have been at the top of our gift list for years. But we're not the only ones who are hooked on these aromatic bath bars. Oprah named Claus Porto soaps one of her favorite things a few years ago, and they were featured again in the "All Time Favorite Things" section of O Magazine. Try the citrus fusion of Bahno, the fresh honeysuckle scent of Ilyria, or the warm almond-oil infused Alface. 

We don't about you, but here in Chicago, Spring has been not-so-fashionably late. But now that we're finally starting to see some rays, our thoughts turn to sun protection. One of our newest arrivals, COOLA suncare, has been getting some amazing press lately. With organic & mineral-based formulas, delicious natural scents and smooth silicones for a cosmetic feel, there's a lot to love. They even contribute a portion of sales to the American Cancer Foundation. Rose Essence Mineral Face Tint in SPF 20 is a perfect moisturizing day cream with a natural tint. For ultra-sensitive skin or babies, try Unscented SPF 45. And for outdoor activities, Citrus Mimosa with SPF 30 will continue working through water and sweat. Check out our collection of COOLA suncare today and see why this sunscreen gives a new meaning to words "natural glow".

The health and well-being of our customers is a top priority at Smallflower. That's why we wanted share this warning from FDA about Benzocaine, a local anesthetic used in several over-the-counter oral pain and teething medications.  Click here to read the article.

Benzocaine has been linked to Methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal condition where the amount of oxygen in the bloodsteam is greatly reduced.

If you have a teething infant, Camilia by Boiron is a great homeopathic alternative that our customers have trusted for many years. It's in liquid form so it's easy to use, it contains no preservatives and is more convenient than tablets. It works effectively on teething pain and the irritability and minor digestive disturbances that may accompany it. See the links below for other natural and homeopathic alternatives for oral pain, canker sores and irritation of the mouth and gums.

One of nature's most precious ingredients, rose has long been praised for its rejuvenating and soothing effects on the skin. Duchess Marden, the queen of eco-luxe, has done it again. Housed in a stunning black glass bottle, Damascena Body Serum is a treasure for the skin; eliminating dryness and working as an anti-inflamatory without a trace of oily residue. We love that the formula is completely natural, with a seductive scent of rose, raspberry and sea buckthorn.  But we're not the only ones to take notice: We recently spotted this skin-pampering concoction in Lucky magazine. Also mentioned in the feature is Dr. Hauschka Rose Body Wash, a creamy soap-free body cleanser with a subtle rose fragrance.

Homeopathic medicine has been used for hundreds of years to treat illnesses of all types, but exactly how it works is still largely unknown.

The Chicago Tribune explores the issue from both sides, and our own Anthony Qaiyum joins the discussion. Read the article.

Do you suffer from chronic or occasional pain? There is a safe and surprisingly affordable alternative to prescription drugs, expensive surgery and doctor's visits. Homeopathy has been around since the late 16th century, but lately, it's been the subject of much media attention and controversy.

Watch as Dr. Oz offers a strikingly visual explanation of the uses and benefits of homeopathic medicine and learn how it can help relieve some very common conditions.

With its chic retro-styled bottle and lavender spray bulb, this atomizer from Nemat International is at the top of every beauty editor's list. It was recently featured in Lucky Magazine, along with other stylish items reminiscent of days gone by.

When you've been in business for 135 years, you tend to perfect certain things. Co-owner Anthony Qaiyum recently talked to The Sun-Times about the history of our brick-and-mortar store, Merz Apothecary, and how we choose the products we sell.  Read the article.

Looking for a natural solution daily stress? Perfect Calm by New Chapter is a daily multivitamin with Holy Basil, Lemon Balm and other effective natural stress-reducers. The Perfect Calm was recently featured on the Dr. Oz show along with Boiron's Quietude, a homeopathic sleep aid. Watch the video.

Kytta Salbe, a customer favorite for back pain, was featured in a recent issue of Prevention Magazine. This cream contains Comfrey root, which has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat wounds and aleviate pain. In a recent study, it was shown to reduce back pain by an amazing 95%! If you or someone you know struggles with back pain, Kytta Salbe may be the answer.

Anthony appears on WGN's "Midday Fix" to showcase some of our most unique natural health products, and even does a live nasal wash on the air! Watch the video.

According to The New York Times Style Magazine, toothbrushes and toothpastes may be commonplace, but they're a bathroom necessity, and one your guests can't help but notice.  So why not enhance your bathroom decor and make your morning ritual more enjoyable at the same time? Read the article.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the back room of an Apothecary? The popular program Chicago Tonight takes peek behind our doors. Watch as Mike and Anthony explain the basics of homeopathy and learn some very interesting facts about the origins of Merz Apothecary. Watch the video.

Winter getting you down? Anthony appears on ABC to discuss natural solutions for cold-weather blues. Watch the video.

In response to fashion's ballet trend, these adorable ballet slipper soaps by Scottish Fine Soaps were featured in Women's Wear Daily magazine. Chic, ultra-feminine, and finished with tulle and ribbons, these soaps make the perfect gift for little ballerinas or anyone with a passion for dance.

We were proud to be chosen by Lucky magazine as THE place to shop in Chicago!  Lucky praises our extensive selection of natural products, particularly Provence Sante's Vetiver Body Lotion.

ABC featured a few of our most sought-after men's products on a Last Minute Holiday Gifts segment. If you're looking for last minute ideas for a gift or a stocking stuffer, look no further.

Included in Time Out Chicago's Lincoln Square Holiday Gift Guide is our very own Almond Milk & Saffron Soap. With sweet almond milk and precious saffron, this glycerin-based bar is a luxurious treat for your shower without the high price tag! Time Out also picked one of our most sought-after fragrances - Vanille by L'Aromarine Paris. Much more sophisticated than a basic vanilla fragrance you might buy at a certain bath & body store, this rare scent offers notes of freshly baked cookies, brown sugar and even a hint of cotton candy.

Sure, licorice is delicious, but did you know that it can soothe and coat the throat, possibly helping to relieve sore throats, bronchial and stomach-related problems? We spoke to the Sun-Times about our wonderful variety of licorice products. Read the article.

Merz Apothecary owner and pharmacist Abdul Qaiyum shares his knowledge with the blog Vitaljuice. Discover tried-and-true natural solutions to common health concerns. Read the article.

ICU Eyewear's Eco-friendly sun and reading glasses made the "O" list in the April Edition of O Magazine. See the feature here.