Question about item
Hot meets bitter: ginger and centaury half and half
Espara Ginger Compositum Alchemical Essence combines distillates of ginger and common centaury at 50% each, produced using a method that goes back to physician and alchemist Paracelsus. 30 ml, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
Ginger comes from tropical Asia and reached Europe via the spice routes as early as Roman times. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most sought-after spices after pepper, as gingerbread and ginger ale still remind us. Common centaury, by contrast, is a native member of the gentian family with pink flowers that grows on dry meadows and is one of the most bitter plants in Central Europe.
Ginger root and centaury are combined with yeast and water, fermented and distilled in several steps. Each plant is processed separately and only brought together into the finished essence at the end. The method comes from alchemy, which Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, known as Paracelsus, understood in the 16th century as a way of preparing plants. Gold-making was never his concern.
Paracelsus lived for a time in Salzburg and died there in 1541. Espara is also based in Salzburg and follows his principles with its alchemical essences. Hot and bitter in one bottle: this pairing has a firm place in the European herbal tradition.
in one blend
30-ml bottle
fermentation
centaury
Take 15 drops twice a day before meals: under the tongue or with water.
Composition per daily portion (30 drops, approx. 1.7 ml)
| Distillate | Share | Per daily portion |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger | 50% | 0.85 ml |
| Common centaury | 50% | 0.85 ml |
No NRV reference values have been established for these plant distillates under EU Regulation 1169/2011.
Product name: Food supplement with distillates of ginger and common centaury
Ingredients: Distillates of ginger (50%), common centaury (50%)
Alcohol content: 16% vol
Net quantity: 30 ml
What are alchemical essences in the tradition of Paracelsus?
Paracelsus (1493–1541) understood alchemy not as gold-making, but as a method of preparing plants. His idea: a plant has, in his words, a body, a spirit and a soul. These three components are separated during preparation, processed individually, and then brought back together. The result is an aromatic, alcohol-based liquid.
From fermentation and distillation to the right way to take them: our guide explains the Paracelsus method step by step.
Read the guide →Where does centaury get its name?
The botanical name Centaurium recalls the centaur Chiron from Greek legend. In the Middle Ages people read it as "centum aurei", a hundred gold coins, which later became a thousand guilders in the German name. A 30-ml bottle lasts roughly 17 days at two doses a day; traditionally a course of 3 to 6 weeks is recommended.
⚠️ Mandatory information: Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet, and the recommended daily intake should not be exceeded. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are essential. Keep out of reach of small children. Not suitable for children. Contains alcohol (16% vol), not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid alcohol. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, please seek medical advice before use.
📦 Storage: Store in a dry place at room temperature, protected from light and out of reach of small children. Keep away from heat.
💬 Frequently asked questions
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How do I take the Ginger essence?+15 drops twice a day before meals, either directly under the tongue or with a little water. The alchemical tradition recommends avoiding a metal spoon; glass, ceramic or wood is the customary choice. If you prefer spraying to dropping, there is the Espara throat spray for alchemical essences.
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How long can I take the essence?+Alchemical essences are traditionally taken as a course of about 6 weeks, with a minimum of 3 weeks. For longer-term use, or if you have an existing condition or take ongoing medication, please consult your doctor.
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The essence contains alcohol. Who should avoid it?+The essence has 16% vol alcohol, produced during fermentation and distillation. It is therefore not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone who needs to avoid alcohol. People with a history of alcohol dependency should also avoid it, as even small amounts can trigger relapse.
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What does the ginger essence taste like?+Spicy and hot from the ginger and clearly bitter from the centaury, plus the warmth of the alcohol. If you prefer it milder, add the drops to a glass of water.
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Can I combine the essence with other supplements?+As a rule, yes. If you would also like ginger in capsule form, take a look at Espara Mother Herb-Ginger. A popular second essence with bitter plants is Espara Yellow Gentian Essence.
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Who was Paracelsus, and why does he matter for this essence?+Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, known as Paracelsus (1493–1541), was a physician, alchemist and natural philosopher. He lived for a time in Salzburg and died there in 1541. For him, body, spirit and soul formed a whole. The alchemical tradition this essence draws on follows his inherited principles. More on the tradition: Preparation and use of Essences.
🌿 Discover more from Espara
A good match
All Espara alchemical essences
Responsible Person (GPSR, EU 2023/988) & Manufacturer:
Espara GmbH · Franz-Sauer-Straße 46 / Haus A · 5020 Salzburg · Austria · office@espara.com
| Item information | Value |
|---|---|
| Application form: | Drops |
| Product properties: | Gluten-freeLactose-freeVegan |
| Content: | 0,03 l |
Often ordered together
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 Workdays (AT - int. shipments may differ)
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 Workdays (AT - int. shipments may differ)

