Inch Bark

The bark of a tree native to the Ellindar Forest.
This traditional material is commonly used by the elves and is steeped in hot water like a tea. It is claimed to have medicinal properties by the healers and has been known to act as a stimulant as well.
Inch Bark is harvested annually from the forest in the western part of the Ellindar Forest, with House Pellum being traditionally in charge of the collection and sale of this good under the authority of the Exarch. Unfortunately, the harvests of 317E and 318E proved to be significantly less than what was traditionally harvested. Some of the trees have begun dying off and a large forest fire south of Erian caused additional issues with the regular harvest. The diminished harvest and the lack of availability of Inch Bark has begun to raise some concerns within the empire, as it is the only known, non-magical cure for Bloodwrack. Should the plague reappear while the supplies are low, there are worries that the results could be much worse than the last Plague of 304E.
Recently, certain criminal elements within the empire have been experimenting with the use of concentrated forms of Inch Bark. These concoctions, though, often have very dangerous side effects and have been declared illegal by the Exarch of Erian. While these infusions have not been found very often, there is concern that they have an addictive effect on those that consume them. There have even been some cases that have had even more drastic effects, but details of these cases are hard to find and may be actively covered up.