Photo: Lara Robby/Studio D

1. Rx: St. George Absinthe Verte

Active ingredient: Grand wormwood

Traditional application:

In addition to wormwood's stomach-calming properties, it contains thujone, a chemical compound once believed to stimulate libido.

Directions for use: Though absinthe is customarily served with a sugar cube, pour St. George with an ice cube instead, which will release the spirit's essential oils—star anise, lemon balm, tarragon—as it melts.

2. Rx: Bluecoat American Dry Gin

Active ingredient: Juniper berries

Traditional application: Juniper is a diuretic, and has been known to relieve menstrual bloating, gas, and cramping.

Directions for use: Mix with a delicate tonic (see #4) to highlight its bright citrus notes. Skip the lime. <

3. Rx: VeeV Spirit

Active ingredient: Açaí

Traditional application: The açaí berry is thought to pack more antioxidants than pomegranates or red wine.

Directions for use: VeeV's ripe-fruit aroma belies a swift kick. Try it with cucumber and club soda, or mixed with açaí juice.

4. Rx: Q Tonic

Active ingredient: Handpicked Peruvian quinine

Traditional application: Ancient Incans prescribed quinine for malaria; today, it's used to relieve minor spasms (leg cramps, eye twitches).

Directions for use: Sip this clean, bittersweet tonic over ice, with a squeeze of lemon, or with your best spirits (gin, vodka, rum...)—11/2 ounces to each bottle.