From Founding Fathers to Functional Medicine: How Far We've Come in Personalized Medicine

If Benjamin Franklin had access to today’s compounding pharmacies, what would have changed?

In the 1700s, a headache remedy might have included vinegar, herbs, and crossed fingers. Bloodletting was standard protocol. And if Benjamin Franklin caught a cold, his options were limited to bedrest, steam, and hope.

Fast-forward to today—and the landscape of healthcare has transformed beyond what Franklin could’ve imagined. At the heart of this evolution? Personalization. And few things represent this better than compounding pharmacies. In celebration of Independence Day, we examine how far we've come and what's next.

The Apothecary Roots

Compounding medicine isn’t new. In fact, early pharmacists (called apothecaries) were the original compounders, grinding herbs and tinctures into remedies tailored to individuals. What’s changed is our understanding of the human body—and our technology. Today, compounding is no longer a guessing game. It’s a precision-guided process rooted in clinical research, functional medicine, and chemistry.

Enter Functional Medicine

While modern medicine has made incredible strides in diagnostics and acute care, many patients are seeking answers beyond symptom suppression. That’s where functional medicine comes in—a practice that asks why illness occurs and works to restore balance through personalized care.

At Cottonwood Compounding, we operate at this intersection of tradition and innovation. Our pharmacists work alongside providers to create customized solutions that support root-cause healing—from hormone therapy and pain management to immune support and skin health.

What Would Franklin Think of Personalized Medicine?

If Franklin were alive today, he’d probably be amazed that we can now compound therapies to:

• Support neurotransmitter balance with amino acid blends

• Deliver hormones transdermally for more stable absorption

• Craft glutathione and vitamin injections for detox and energy

• Customize skin solutions based on the patient’s specific needs

We can only speculate, but given that the founding fathers may have had grit, they didn’t have liposomal delivery systems, bioidentical hormones, or peptide therapies designed around each person’s biology.

Cottonwood Compounding’s Role in the Future of Care

As healthcare continues to move toward precision and prevention, compounding pharmacies like Cottonwood are essential. We help patients bypass “one-size-fits-all” prescriptions and instead receive medications that align with their unique health goals, biochemistry, and lifestyles.

Whether it’s helping a patient find a pain cream that works without GI side effects, or creating a micronutrient blend for someone post-surgery—we’re here to make medicine smarter, safer, and more personalized.

A Legacy of Progress

From Franklin’s bifocals to today’s biohacking trend, innovation in health has always hinged on curiosity and customization. At Cottonwood Compounding, we’re proud to carry that legacy forward—with modern tools, deep expertise, and a commitment to individualized care.

Because the future of medicine isn’t just high-tech. It’s highly personal.