About Our Makers

Napiers

Founded in Edinburgh, 1860 · Herbalists for Over 165 Years · Tried · Tested · Trusted

Who they are

Napiers has one of the most remarkable origin stories in British herbalism. Their founder, Duncan Napier, was born in 1831 and abandoned within hours of his birth. Raised by a local innkeeper and his wife, his early life was filled with hardship. At just nine years old, he began working as a baker’s apprentice, but the flour dust triggered a persistent and painful cough that he simply couldn’t shake — and that set the course of his life.

Inspired by his mentor John Hope, Duncan left home at fifteen and began attending scientific botany classes, later joining the Edinburgh Botanical Society. His passion for plants grew, and with time he began creating his own herbal preparations. One of these — a cough syrup made using the herb Lobelia — proved so effective it became the foundation for his life’s work.

On 25 May 1860, Duncan opened his herbal dispensary at Bristo Place in Edinburgh. It was more than a shop; it became a destination for people from all walks of life seeking natural remedies and compassionate care. Long queues would form outside as word of his treatments spread. On weekends, Duncan would walk across the Scottish hills, collecting wild plants like meadowsweet, eyebright and yarrow — crafting remedies that were sold in Edinburgh and shipped as far as New York.

A living family tradition

Napiers has been handed down through five generations of the Napier family. Today, Lynda Napier — Duncan’s great-granddaughter — remains close to the brand, continuing the legacy of herbal medicine and care for the community from the very same location at Bristo Place.

“This year marks an extraordinary milestone for us at Napiers: our 165th anniversary. This great milestone fills my family and me with deep pride and gratitude. My great-grandfather founded Napiers to bring natural health care to all, and it means the world to us that so many of you continue to trust us with your health and wellbeing today.”

— Lynda Napier, Great-Granddaughter of Duncan Napier

Lynda’s husband Eric Melvin — historian and author of The Fresh Air of the Summer Morning, a biography of Duncan Napier’s life — remembers as a schoolboy peering into the Bristo Place shop window, captivated by a world map showing where herbs had been sourced. Years later, after marrying into the Napier family, he and Lynda would spend weekends walking the countryside with her father Jack, gathering herbs like St John’s Wort and yarrow.

Their craft & ethos

Napiers remains true to its roots, developing combination herb formulas — known as the tonic herb principle — to treat the whole person and the whole body. Many of their formulas use traditional practitioner-strength dosages, and their approach is holistic, considered and deeply rooted in the tradition of botanical medicine.

From their much-loved Lobelia Cough Syrup and Slippery Elm Powder to Calendula Tincture and Starflower Cream, their remedies have been passed down through generations — just like the stories behind them. Duncan’s founding mission remains unchanged: “to provide an affordable choice of natural health care for all people.”

Their motto says it all: Tried · Tested · Trusted — and they live it daily.

Why we love their products

Napiers brings over 165 years of herbal expertise to our ritual range. From their Sweet Sleeps Tea and Adaptogen Tea to their Magnesium Muscle & Sleep Cream and Neroli Blossom Water, every Napiers product carries the weight of genuine botanical knowledge and a heritage of natural healing. For rituals built around restoration, sleep and calm, there are few makers we trust more.