[Sca-cooks] ingredient substitution

[Debra Hense/Kateryn de Develyn]

I'm looking at some ingredients that are not carried in my mainstream grocery store.  I'm wondering what I could use to substitute for them?

Rue - does this produce a sourish type flaovring/tang?  What kind of ingredient would I substitute for that?

Bay berries?  Would juniper berries work?  Or something else?  I have never tried bay berries and don't have clue.  I think I heard somewhere that they were somewhat waxy?  

Thanks for any help
Kateryn de Develyn