Question about item
From the wayside and the spruce forest: five plants in one essence
Espara Ribwort Plantain Compositum Alchemical Essence combines distillates of ribwort plantain, thyme, wild thyme, spruce and anise, produced using a method that goes back to Paracelsus. 30 ml, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
Ribwort plantain grows exactly where people walk: along paths, in meadows and even in the cracks between paving stones. Its German name "Wegerich" roughly means "ruler of the way". Thyme and wild thyme scent dry slopes on warm summer days. Spruce from the native forest and a small pinch of anise complete the blend.
The five plants 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. Meadow, slope and forest in one bottle: a blend rooted entirely in the European herbal tradition.
in one blend
30-ml bottle
fermentation
30% thyme each
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ribwort plantain | 30% | 0.51 ml |
| Thyme | 30% | 0.51 ml |
| Wild thyme | 20% | 0.34 ml |
| Spruce | 15% | 0.26 ml |
| Anise | 5% | 0.08 ml |
No NRV reference values have been established for these plant distillates under EU Regulation 1169/2011.
Product name: Food supplement with distillates of ribwort plantain, thyme, wild thyme, spruce and anise
Ingredients: Distillates of ribwort plantain (30%), thyme (30%), wild thyme (20%), spruce (15%), anise (5%)
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 →What is the difference between thyme and wild thyme?
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the familiar kitchen herb from the Mediterranean. Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is its wild relative, which creeps over poor meadows and rocks in Central Europe. 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 Ribwort Plantain 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 ribwort plantain essence taste like?+Spicy and herbal from the thyme, with a resinous note from the spruce and a hint of anise, 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 thyme as a spray, take a look at Espara Propolis-Thyme Spray. A popular second essence is Espara Sage 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)
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Delivery time: 1 - 2 Workdays (AT - int. shipments may differ)

