Rare Herbs & Exotic Spices

A tea made from Birch leaves may be used as an effective remedy against cystitis and infections of the urinary system as well as removing excess water from the body (edema) and dissolving kidney stones. The cleansing properties have also been used against gout, rheumatism and mild arthritis.

Aurantium amarae pericarpium

These green-gray peels are one of the most popular specialty herbs on the market. They are used commercially by domestic brewers to duplicate the beer styles that put Belgium on the brewing map. While not very bitter, they are a key ingredient in Belgian style white beers.

Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamom is a distinctive spice from the same family as ginger. Its flavor, which has been described as a spicy cola, combines well with coriander, cumin and orange, and often all are used together in specialty Belgian and Holiday Style beer.

Cinnamomum cassia

Known principally as a flavoring for savory dishes in Asia and Africa and for its use in pastries and beverages, cinnamon has also found its way into recipes for spicy holiday ales and ciders, sodas, coffees and teas.

Coriandrum sativum

Ancient Egyptian and Sanskrit texts document the use of coriander for more than 5000 years. The Chinese once believed the herb conferred immortality and in the Middle Ages it was put into love potions as an aphrodisiac. Coriander is now widely used in specialty and Belgian style beers.

Artemisia vulgaris

Mugwort was used in the Middle Ages to ward off evil possession and was a popular stuffing for roast goose. As the name implies, it was traditionally used in mugs of beer before the popularity of hops. Europeans frequently stuffed pillows with mugwort (and hops) to bring good and vivid dreams.

Asperula odorata

Woodruff was one of the essential garlands hung in medieval European churches in preparation for holidays. The distinctive scent of fresh-cut hay and vanilla gives an exhilarating flavor to wines, punches and beer. Woodruff is considered by the FDA to be safe for use in alcoholic beverages but caution is advised for other internal uses.

Artemisia absinthium

The principal ingredient in the legendary liqueur Absinthe, wormwood use dates back to before 600 BC. While used historically as a beverage ingredient, the FDA advises against the internal use of wormwood due to the substance thujone. Though wormwood is still used in the production of vermouth and Campari, it is a variety other than Artemisia absinthium.

Sambucus nigra

Native to the British Isles, the small dark colored elderberry makes an excellent port style wine. The appearance of berries on the bushes is said to have signaled farmers when to sow their wheat. The berries are also reputed to have been used to make one of the first black hair dyes in ancient Greece.

Sambucus nigra flora

These natural wonders are good for the outside as well as the inside. Elderflowers infused in creams have been used to soften skin, smooth wrinkles, fade freckles and soothe sunburn. They can be used on their own for making wine or can be added to elderberry wine to enhance flavor. On their own, they produce a wine compared to a muscatel. Hot elderflower tea, like chamomile, can make a soothing nightcap and is said to offer natural relief for the common cold.

Calluna vulgaris

It is both the flowers and the greenery of this wonderful herb which impart a pleasing aroma and smooth bitterness to beers. It is especially appropriate for Scotch ale known as Fraoch. With a flavor similar to a subtle chamomile/mint blend with a hint of lavender, heather pairs well with honey. Its also great for tea, with reputed calming qualities.

Juniperus communis

Usually known as the principal flavoring in gin, it is also used to flavor beer and other beverages. Native Americans have utilized juniper for its healing powers and to relieve arthritis. In folk lore, juniper planted outside a front door kept out witches who had to correctly count its needles before entering the house.

Aframomun melegueta

Also called Grains of paradise, Guinea grains and Melegueta pepper, these small seeds look like cardamom but have a character all their own. The spice is native to West Africa and during medieval times was used to flavor food. It has also been used as a pepper substitute. While it does have a peppery zing, it also has notes of citrus and an earthy pine aroma.

Rosa canina

Used in wines, teas, specialty beer and confections, rose hips are a versatile fruit/herb. Rich in vitamin C, the rose hip shells with the seeds removed are the best type to use for wine as seeds can add undesirable tannins.

1 oz. net wgt

Do not confuse the flavor of licorice with that of anise, which is not related and is quite different when tasted side by side. Licorice has been used for everything from cough remedies to ulcer cures. The root imparts a very characteristic flavor and is surprisingly sweet. It contains glycyrrhizin, a substance 10 times sweeter than sugar, and is often added to chocolate to enhance sweetness.

Hemidesmus indicus

The herb takes its name from the Spanish "sarza" meaning a bramble, and "parilla", a vine. It is a misconception that sarsaparilla is the primary flavor of the beverage bearing its name. Refreshing sarsaparilla is made from a root beer type base to which has been added several of many roots and herbs. The sarsaparilla herb was originally added to beverages to help improve mouthfeel and head retention, but mainly for its medicinal properties as an agent to cure mouth sores, rheumatism and dropsy

Illicium verum

In times past, fresh star anise was chewed after each meal to aid digestion and to sweeten the breath. Used in specialty Belgian and holiday style beers, star anise has a flavor similar to licorice, yet is dramatically different when tasted side by side.

Myrica gale

Also called Bog Myrtle and Badge of the Campbells, Sweet Gale is a deciduous shrub with fragrant wood and leaves found abundantly in the Northern Hemisphere especially on the Scottish moors and bogs. It has been used as a substitute for hops in Yorkshire in a beer named appropriately Gale Beer. The seeds and leaves have also been used in soups and stews, perfumes and candles. This is not surprising since it is in the same family as bayberry, which is a popular candle scent. Used as a tea infusion it has been known to ease stomach disorders. This relatively unknown herb is well suited for holiday beers.

Aurantium dulcis pericarpium

While a cousin to the Florida orange, this sweet variety will not give your beer a metallic taste like the domestic version. If you are familiar with the taste of Cointreau or Grand Marnier, then you will be thrilled with the flavor that sweet orange peel can add to your Belgian style strong ales and special holiday brews.

Planifolia Vanilla tehitensis

Vanilla beans are native to tropical America, and are the dried - fermented pod of an orchid plant. They were used for centuries as a flavoring by Aztecs in a cacao based drink. The beans are picked when mature, and require a curing process that takes place in the sun.

Gaultheria procumbens

While many people confuse wintergreen with mint, they are not related in any way. Wintergreen has long been used as an herbal remedy for arthritis, swollen joints and sore muscles. It goes by many names: teaberry, checkerberry, dearberry, spiceberry and boxberry. The former refers to its use during the American Revolution as a substitute for heavily taxed British tea.