The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 1 by Natsu Hyuuga – Manga

The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 1 begins a lushly illustrated manga mystery series filled with herbal medicine and imperial palace intrigue. A young servant’s medical knowledge earns her an unexpected promotion, and draws her into mysteries she cannot resist solving.

Maomao is trained in herbal medicine but forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. She longs for life beyond its perfumed halls, until a supposed curse on the imperial heirs gives her a chance to put her skills to use.

Her clever intervention attracts the attention of the handsome eunuch Jinshi, who promotes her to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the former apothecary. Before long, Maomao is brewing potions and solving mysteries amid the dangers of palace life.

Book details

• Series: The Apothecary Diaries
• Volume: 1
• Format: Manga
• Story by Natsu Hyuuga
• Genre: Period mystery / palace intrigue
• Features an herbalist heroine and illustrated storytelling

Reading order

Start the manga series with Volume 1, then continue with Volume 2.