Season 1 · Episode 10
The Apothecary Diaries · S1E10
Aired on December 10, 2023
Science entries in this episode
Aconite
In The Apothecary Diaries, aconite poisons even through honey. We explain aconitine, its action on nerves, and why it shows no mercy.
Beekeeping
In The Apothecary Diaries, Lady Fonmin's luxurious honeys come from a beekeeping family. Colony structure, castes, varietal honeys, and the history of beekeeping.
Beeswax
Beeswax, a hydrophobic mix of esters that melts around 62°C. Candles, ointments, waterproofing, lost-wax casting: its ancient uses explained.
Honey Preservation
Honey has preserved food for millennia. Here's why: low water activity, osmolarity, acidity, and hydrogen peroxide all work together to stop microbes.
Mandarin Peel
Partly real: chen pi's hesperidin and limonene act on digestion and blood vessels. What lab studies show, what is still tradition, and why aged peel differs.
Royal Jelly
In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao recognizes royal jelly. We explain how this secretion turns a larva into a queen, and its limits in humans.