Spicebush berries, also known as Appalachian Allspice, begin to ripen in late summer and early fall here in Ohio. The bright red berries on the female plants are wild food that is packed with nutrients and have many culinary uses.

Historically, oil from the pressed berries has been used to ease the pain of rejection and abandonment. All parts of the shrub, including branches and bark, are used in compresses for rashes, all throat diseases, bursitis, consumption, gout and may rid the blood of evil humors. We infuse lard with a triple strength tea made from all parts of the shrub for this soap.

The berries begin to ripen about the same time that our multiflora rose hips form on the thorny bushes that grow plentiful throughout the forest. These little treasures, too, are rich in vitamin C, E, carotene and a good source of essential fatty acids.

Ingredients: Lard, lye, water, spicebush berry triple strength tea, dried spicebush berries, dried multiflora rose hips.

Note: We do not use fragrance oils in our soaps to keep the products as natural as possible. Bars are hand cut and vary in shape but are at least 4 oz.