Alchemy is an ancient practice in which early practitioners aimed to transmute metals into gold, discover universal cures for sickness and disease, and create elixirs of longevity or eternal life. Although the use of early alchemical practices was ultimately not successful in achieving these specific goals, alchemists were able to better understand the nature of matter and ultimately create the foundation for modern science and chemistry. Today, alchemy is used in manufacturing metals, ceramics, glass, pigments, cosmetics, extracts and more.

Plant or herbal alchemy is the practice of converting plant matter into a remedy and ultimately into a higher state of being. Through alchemical practices, nearly every plant substance can be transformed into a more potent, purified version of itself and, therefore, into a medicinal remedy that can be used for a multitude of ailments. Herbal alchemy has been used for centuries throughout Europe, Africa, India, and Asia as a means to cure sickness and disease. While pharmaceuticals have long dominated in modern health care, alchemy is becoming increasingly popular throughout Western culture.

An alchemist is someone who studies or practices alchemy. Alchemists believe that any substance or matter can be transmuted into an elevated and purified state of being. Many early alchemists believed that this could be done by using astrology. While astrology is still used in modern alchemy, todays alchemists aim to achieve this elevated transformation through a combination of chemistry and spiritual and energetic practices.