In 1605, the Duke of Estrees entrusted the Carthusians with a manuscript containing a cryptic recipe composed of 130 plants, believed to yield an "Elixir of long life." Over the course of a century and a half, the Carthusian monks dedicated themselves to perfecting this formula. It was Brother Jérôme Maubec who ultimately finalized the definitive recipe in 1764, resulting in the creation of the "Plant Elixir of the Grande Chartreuse," a formulation that has remained unchanged since. Initially distributed as a remedy to local communities, particularly during the cholera outbreak of 1832, while it may not have cured the disease, it provided comfort to many afflicted individuals. The first marketing efforts were led by a figure known as "Brother Charles," who descended from the monastery on a donkey to sell this enigmatic and captivating elixir in nearby markets.

This elixir serves as a cordial, a digestive aid, and a highly effective tonic, with various suggested uses:

• Consumption in its pure form, by the spoonful
• Enjoyed in herbal tea or a hot toddy with honey and lemon
• A few drops on a sugar cube or meringue
• Diluted in water for relief from fatigue, discomfort, or malaise
• Incorporated into cocktails to impart a herbaceous note