#pharmaca

The Ancient Egyptians uncovered schistosomiasis thousands of years before "Theodor Bilharz".

The name "Pharmacy" as we know it today traces its roots back to Ancient Egypt, The Ancient Egyptians called it "Pharmaca," a name that evolved into the modern "Pharmacy".

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From ancient times, be it Alexander the Great, Emperor Qin Shi Huang of China or Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, the allure of finding an elixir of youth has played upon the human imagination for centuries.

Yet health and medical experts say that there are ways to maintain longevity, naturally.

Among them is Jessica Rose who was at Adobe Drugs in Sonoma on November 25 to promote her book, “Healthier Beauty: the Ultimate Guide to Radiant Skin, Hair, and Wellness.”

“My philosophy is grounded in the belief that true beauty is not just skin deep,” she said.

“It radiates from a foundation of inner-health and well-being,” she added.

Understanding how important living a healthy lifestyle is, Rose has for over 15 years, spent a significant amount of her life studying and working to improve the health and wellbeing of others.

“Jessica used to work here at Adobe, when we used to be Pharmaca,” said longtime herbalist and trusted supplement consultant Paul Clark.

Clark was eager to introduce Rose to customers; especially those who shop loyally every Tuesday for the weekly discounts.

Ever since rebranding and becoming an independent locally and family owned drugstore, Adobe Drugs has remained committed to a nature/wholistic approach.

Pleased to be welcomed to present her book in a familiar place, especially where she used to work, Rose applauds pharmacist Aman Garg and his family’s dedication to the community.

Ever since taking over the previous Pharmaca location and re-branding it, the local independent pharmacy/drug store remains a hub for the community.

Community is something Rose fosters. She explained why she made natural and wholistic medicine approach her focus.

“My mission is to empower people to live healthier, more vibrant lives by embracing a holistic approach”

“By harmonizing the power of balanced nutrition, she emphasized, wholistic beauty practices, and overall wellness, I aim to teach individuals how to look and feel great at every age.”

A graduate of Bauman College in Emeryville, which has been providing quality curriculum/degree programs in wholistic health for nearly 40 years, Rose is also a licensed cosmologist.

She advises women on the importance of reducing toxins as a wholistic approach to better health and vitality.

“I understand that achieving lasting beauty isn’t about quick fixes or fleeting trends,” she said.

She recognizes that true health encompasses more than just diet.

Through personalized guidance, some of which is in her book, Rose aims to educate and inspire individuals to make choices that support their unique needs.

“This can be by optimizing a particular diet for glowing skin, discovering natural beauty solutions, or building healthier routines that enhance one’s overall vitality.”

Rose has been featured in five magazines and on television as with LATV Network of Los Angeles.

Her knowledge and expertise has become a trusted source of information for many as Rose has established herself in the wholistic health field.

“Graceful aging isn’t about erasing time, she said, it’s about embracing it with confidence, energy, and a radiant glow that comes from within.”

While Rose has established a presence on the Internet, she still wants to maintain connections in the local communities. She looks forward to making presentations and appearances at local events and business in Wine Country as well as other parts of the Bay Area.

To learn more about Jessica Rose and her book, visit her website.

It’s official! Adobe Drugs (taking over the local storefront space on West Napa Street) from Pharmaca is now in business. As reported by the Sonoma Valley Sun, June 1st was the grand opening and as new owner/lead pharmacist Aman Garg said “we are so pleased and grateful to be here!”

Over 400 customers showed up that Wednesday for the very first day and Aman, his wife Pooja and staff were “anxiously busy getting things ready and overjoyed at the same time,” added Garg.

Back in February when Pharmaca’s subsidiary Medly filed bankruptcy and sold off to Walgreens, the future of an independent locally-owned pharmacy was bleak.

Garg and his entire family had to pull together and reassure the landlord/building owner that they could take over where Pharmaca had departed. For more than two months of negotiating Garg and his family were able to establish a contract.

“I know everyone, said Garg. I know the doctors, the hospitals, the vendors and most of all the customers.” “I love Somoma and my family and I are committed to the health and wellbeing of the community.”

Despite the obstacles, Garg didn’t give up. From the onset, Garg and many others saw the rebranding and employee/pharmacist take over as a “no-brainer” and an obvious wise move. Just about everything was already in place. Just restock the shelves, change the signs/logo outside and all is good to go. But the landlord/building owner still had reservations. Preferring to focus on the positive rather than discus too many details, Garg reiterated.

“I simply wanted the quality and the service to continue. And most of all, Sonoma needs and deserves a locally-owned pharmacy,” said Garg. His family, including his extended family agreed and they stood by him. They helped meet the landlord’s request & requirements.

Garg reassured even at the first proposal/meeting with the building owner that everything would be kept the same as before as much as possible. Most of the same staff were eager and willing to return. Paul Clark, licensed herbalist & complimentary medicine consultant, retail/customer service staff Stacey Knego and Natalie Friscia were on board and are now working and pleased that eventually everything came together.

“They empty spots you see on the shelves, said Clark, they will be filled.” With Pharmaca’s departure and demise, so went the extensive array of Pharmaca-brand products. “We will be getting new (high quality) product lines in soon,” added Clark.

Ironically, with all the landlord’s concerns about the ability of the tenants to maintain consistency and continuity, Clark pointed to a sign placed at the entrance as customers walk into the front door.

“This building was always a pharmacy,” said Clark. Originally it was called ‘Adobe Pharmacy & Drug.’ “When we went up to the attic space above the ceiling, we found the original (store window) sign and some display shelves.”

“I think, added Clark, that’s an indication that it was all meant to be.”

Clark and the rest of the staff all mentioned how much they all wanted and worked together to make sure the transition was as seamless as possible. And, yes! The weekly senior discount will continue and be every Tuesday, just as it was when Pharmaca was in business.

The landlord/building owner handed the keys to Garg on April 15. “We have been working nonstop for over 6 weeks to get everything ready,” said wife Pooja.

Like the new sign outside above facing the street says, Adobe Pharmacy is locally owned and locally loved.

“We have been feeling the love from the community, especially all this week and we appreciate it. We are here for you, the community,” she said.

One of Sonoma’s best loved places to shop for more than 20 years has been Pharmaca Integrated Pharmacy on West Napa Street. Yet this past week, staff learned unexpectedly that Pharmaca was closing down.

“My initial feelings are shock and awe,” said longtime store manager Paul Clark who was attending to customers at the cash register on Wednesday morning Feb. 15 and taking phone calls streaming in asking questions.

Most shelves throughout the store were empty. But loyal customers still took time to buy some items. “We are still honoring our customer purchase points until the very last day,” said Clark.

According to Clark, record sales occurred on Friday of last week, as he mentioned to the Sonoma Valley Sun.

Up until last week staff at all 22 locations of Pharmaca were told that the slow arrival of inventory was due to shipping delays. Or, as some surmised a revamping of shipping procedures.

Established in 2000, Pharmaca was a one-of-a-kind pharmacy store. Gaining at it’s peak 28 locations throughout the Bay Area and other parts of the country. It’s focus on organic and high-quality health-conscious alternatives to traditional medicines and supplements garnered a mention in Newsweek Magazine and made Pharmaca a favorite, especially with customers here in Sonoma.

Clark and staff, like Stacey, Deirdre and the pharmacists were more than just knowledgeable, helpful and trusted, they were like extended family.

Many Sonoma residents would seek out Pharmaca first before going to the other pharmacies in town. “The pharmacists here wanted to reopen as an independent pharmacy on their own,” said Clark.

“But I was told that the owner of the building did not approve and so that won’t be happening,” added Clark.

Back in June of 2021 the Brooklyn, NY based Medly Pharmacy with its eye on digital aspects of business acquired Pharmaca. Richard Willis, CEO of Pharmaca and Dr. Marg Patel, CEO of Medly were “thrilled” to make the announcement of acquisition.

But as reported by various news outlets, Medly filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December.

Pharmacy services at Pharmaca shut down on Feb. 9 and later it was announced that Walgreens bought Pharmaca via purchasing Medley for over $19 million dollars.

“It’s all been whirlwind, a total surprise,” said Clark. “Im still trying to catch up,” he said. “But that’s business in corporate America,” he added.

Kris Lathan, a Walgreens spokesperson, wrote in an email to various press representatives that Pharmaca prescription files and inventory would be automatically transferred to nearby Walgreens pharmacies by mid-February.

“Our final day here at the Pharmaca in Sonoma will be Feb. 25,” said Clark.

Plant Medicine -Alternative Medicine Series

What is Plant Medicine?

Anne Salazar, RH, AHG is the Lead Practitioner (Registered Clinical Herbalist) at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy with 12 years as a Therapeutic Herbalist, and a background on Western and Chinese herbal medicine.

In this interview, Anne shares her knowledge and wisdom on the healing powers of plant medicine, its common uses, and the spirituality practices when working with…