Essaouira, Morocco: Traditional Amazigh Pharmacy

Founded in 1769, the port city of Essaouira is flourishing today. A coastal jewel since the Romans visited in ancient times, the Old Medina of Essaouira is still a magical place. It offers Gnawa music, artisans producing beautiful crafts of all kinds, fresh delicious seafood, and bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and food vendors who fulfill the appetites of visitors. The Old Medina also offers knowledge of the old ways still found in everyday local life. One example is the traditional Amasigh pharmacy we often visited. The pharmacy is just around the corner from the Art House Cinema Hotel. Tariq Bougataia, a hotel staff member, introduced us to the owner Youssef Mtibat. We learned the use of different herbs for common ailments and essential oils like Argan Oil and Prickly Pear Seed Oil. We now carry these in the Nulla as we travel towards South Africa. If you travel to Essaouira, visiting Youssef’s pharmacy will not disappoint. And the Art House Cinema Hotel, just around the corner, offers a home-away-from-home for visitors. If travel is not part of your plans, enjoy the knowledge Youssef shares in the video! Shukran to Youssef Mtibat for spending time with us and kind hospitality! And also to Tariq Bougataia for all his assistance during our stay at the Art House Cinema Hotel!