also found use as a natural combatant of the exhaustion and lack of
appetite associated with chronic disease.
With a place in the European herbalist’s kit for thousands of
years, gentian made its way into all kinds of classic European
aperitif, digestif and amaro-styled liqueurs – Suze, Aperol and
Fernet among them. Due to its extreme bitterness, gentian root is
best used sparingly in home bitters preparations. A little goes a long
way.
Dandelion roots impart a
considerably mild bitterness,
highlighted nicely in tandem
with meadow flowers and honey.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Native range: Europe and Asia; naturalized throughout North
America, southern Africa, South America, New Zealand, Australia
and India.
Historical herbal uses: Diuretic, laxative, appetite stimulant,
digestive aid.
Plant part used: Root
Yes, this is the common weed your dad spent hours trying to
eradicate from the cracks in the driveway. In America it appears
in any vacant bit of ground it can find, its sunny head bobbing
in the breeze. In Europe, the plants are larger, with strong stems,
finely serrated leaves and a better reputation. The entire plant is
renowned in all types of herbal medicine as a tonic herb, reputed
to purify the blood. Dandelion root and leaves are exceptionally
high in vitamins and nutrients. In herbal tradition, the root of the
plant is considered a diuretic. The roots, when dried and chopped,
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impart a considerably mild bitterness, with earthy and vegetal notes,
highlighted nicely in tandem with meadow flowers and honey.
Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina or Prunus virginiana)
Native range: Eastern North America, ranging north to south
from Canada to Texas and Florida.
Historical herbal uses: Cold suppressant, respiratory aid,
digestive aid.
Plant part used: Outer bark
The storied cherry tree plays a central symbolic role in many
folktales from around the world. Most tales revolve around the
cherry as a symbol of female chasteness and virginity, but we’re
all familiar with the story of George Washington and the cherry
tree as a parable of American honesty and integrity. Unlike
its domesticated counterpart, the wild cherry tree produces
unremarkable fruit; rather, its bounty lies in its bark.
Wild cherry is valued for timber and imparts a distinct fruit wood
flavor to meats smoked with its wood. Traditionally, effective cough
syrup could be made from its bark – hence the well-known ‘wild
cherry’ flavor found in modern cough remedies, as well as most
slushies and sodas at a gas station near you. As a bittering agent,
wild cherry bark proves a smooth addition to whiskey-based recipes,
pairing well with citrus and unsurprisingly, drupe fruits like cherries
and peaches.
“Wild cherry bark proves
a smooth addition
to whiskey-based
recipes.”