Hydrosols

Comptonia peregrinal/Sweet Fern- pH 3.8

Aroma and Taste

A mildly fruity, very green and dry herbal scent with an unusual undertone.

The taste undiluted is herby sweet, with a strong taste of bitter cherries, really yummy.

Diluted, the cherry fades and the herb moves forward.

All in all a truly delightful and delicious drink.

Stability and Shelf Life

Unknown, certainly lasts one year or more, and based on the pH and initial trials, probably two years or more.

Propertities and Applications

Moderately antibacterial and astringent; use undiluted as a mouthwash for toothache, sore gums, and cankers; it works amazingly well-even better when combined with immortelle.

Like bay laurel, sweet fern clears the lymphatic system, and I would choose this over bay for internal use in cases of malignant lymph nodes or tumors.

In cancer treatments, combine with sweet gale and use at 50 to 70 percent dilution topically as a compress,or internally take up to sixty millilitres per day diluted in water, in combination with any other treatments being used.

There are a number of reported cases of cows being cured of tumors after grazing on sweet fern. Of course. in cases of cancer, please do tell your doctor about any natural treatments you are using.

The plant is actually a subschrub, not a fern, and it shows up in areas of depleted soil that have been lying fallow some years, helping revitalize the soil with its nitrogen-fixing roots.

Historically it was used for poison ivy, which grows in similar locations and also as a topical compress to draw out boils and abcesses.

For poison ivy or poison oak, apply neat tea tree oil all over the area, then bind with cloths soaked in sweet fern hydrosol.

It is imperative not to scratch poison ivy or it will go systemic and affect the entire body, including mucus membranes, which is highly unpleasant.

Reference: Hydrosols: Suzanne Catty

Citrus clementine (fe) Clementine Petitgrain- pH 4.3-4.4

Aroma and Taste

Quite close to the oil without the sharp, eau de cologne top note. Green, with a citrus bent, slightly wet, and clearly from a leaf.

The flavour undiluted is very soft but leaves an orange peel-like aftertaste in the mouth, and in fact fills the mouth with an intense citrus zest/leaf aroma.

Diluted, it is very delicious and highly aromatic, making it a wonderful beverage blending ingredient.

Stability and Shelf Life

Unstable, twelve to fourteen months maximum. Must be closely monitored; check pH monthly.

Properties and Applications

Extremely effective and a very, very powerful appetite stimulant .

The first time I drank this I was obsessed with food within an hour and had a stomach growling loudly I ccould have chewed off my arm!

The effect is most extraordinary, and even a very small amopunt diluted in water creates the desire to eat ...lots... right now!

It is being tested on people with eating disorders and the appetite loss associated with some drug therapies.

It has shown highly significant results wwwith cancer patients who suffer from drastic weight loss owing to a loss of appetite; in these cases even tiny amounts added to drinking water have achieved appetite increase sufficient to effect weight gain in a very short time.

Other than the feeding frenzy, the overall effect when clementine is used internally is calming without being sedative.

Topically it seems most appropriate for oily or combination skin, as it is slightly drying.

Other petitgrain hydrosols do exist, for example, bitter orange and lemon, but this is the only one I have had experience with in therapeutic use. 

Reference: Hydrosols: Suzanne Catty

Citrus aurantium var. amara (flos) /Neroli Orange Blossom-pH3.8-4.5

Aroma and Taste

Sublime, floral, fruity, refreshing, sexy and luscious. One of the most complex-smelling hydrosols, and when it's great it is every bit as nice as the oil; in fact, some people prefer it to the oil.

Wear it as a perfume.The flavour is sweet and, again, both floral and fruity, with a hint of greeness. Undiluted, the flavour is almost too perfumed, overwhelming the senses;diluted, it is unbelievable and must be experienced. Delectable.

Stability and Shelf Life

Very stable; easily lasts two years or more, although the rather large variable in pH in samples tested has shown that the lower the starting pH, the longer it will last.

I kept one sample of 3.9 pH neroli for over three years without it growing a bloom or developing particulate matter, but htis is the exception rather than the rule.

Properties and Applications

Neroli is a major antistress and calming agent, and it is mildly sedative to the central nervous system without causing sleepiness.

It stops caffeine jitters and the effects of over indulgence rapidly, although the mechanism is undetermined.

This is the choice for hysterics in children, babies, and even adults and is a wonderful treatment for sudden shock.

it is also effective in children with hyperactivity attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and it can be used both topically and internally for this purpose. Give babies their own bottle to use as they feel the need.

Neroli is supportive for the physical and emotional bodies during detoxification programs and abstention or when quitting a habit or addiction like smoking.

It is a digestive aid, stimulating bile release and relieving heartburn and reflux.

It also seems to calm spasms in the digestive tract and valves and, in combination with basil water, has shown some promise for hiatal hernia.

Misted on the abdomen or applied to acupuncture digestion points, it relieves stress-related bloating, gas, cramps, and constipation.

Antispasmodic, antibacterial, and antifungal, it is good in a douche for leukorrhea or, thrush, especially when combined with thyme or oregano and rock rose.

Neroli is a wonderful treatment for delicate, sensitive skin and for oily skin, because it is so astringent

Avoid use on very dry skin or use only 20 per cent in combination with lavender, rose, and/or geranium.

A superb toner on its own or combined with rock rose, it clears acne and irritations.

Use it in a face masks with clay and honey for the ultimate in luxury.

Wear it as a natural perfume that won't aggravate the scent sensitive.

This is an affordable alternative to the pure essential oil, which is expensive and frequently adulterated or synthesized.

It is delicious in all sweets and beverages, with fruit, or in jams and preserves.

Reference: Hydrosols: Suzanne Catty

Cistus ladaniferus/Rock Rose-pH 2.9-3.1

Aroma and Taste

Described variously as "the smell of an old Rolls Royce belonging to a maharaja" and 2 dirty laundry." In other words, some people like it, others do not.

It is an unusual fragrance reminiscent of the oil but lacking the complexity and depth, and those who love the oil may be disappointed. Herbaceous, quite dry, and warm in both scent and flavour, it's difficult to describe, but I like it.

Stability and Shelf life

Very stable. Generally rock rose has a long life, two years or more without problems, but it seems to be greatly affected by seasonal variations from year to year.

Properties and Applications

Oral use is recommended for specific conditions only. this is because of the extremely low pH and cicatrisant (wound-and scar-healing) properties.

Rock rose supports all types of medicines and treatments and is a good postoperative choice for speeding internal healing and preventing bleeding, it can also be used as a supporting treatment for bleeding ulcers, ulcerative colitis and Chrohn's disease, especiallywhen combined with basil, yarrow, or perhaps angelica.

Highly astringent, cicatrisant, and styptic, rock rose hydrosol will stop bleeding almost on contact and is good for cleaning wounds, as a compress for hematoma with bleeding, and for treatment of new scar tissue.

Rock rose is a powerful antiwrinkle treatment when misted on the face two times a day or compressed around the eye area and used in masks and lotions. It seems to exhibit microcluster behaviour in the way it plumps cells, smoothing fine lines.

Rock rose is a yang fragrance and makes a good aftershave, on its own or combined with German chamomile, calamus, and/or green myrtle.

One of the most important applications may be in the amelioration of endometriosis. This condition cause severe pain and discomfort, and rock rose is an excellent and powerful douche, espically when combined with Helichrysum and Yarrow, but to be effective it must be used in a consistent daily program.

Cistus taken internally can also benefit endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding. Take thirty milliliters in one litre of water daily for five days before the start of the menstrual cycle and continue throughout the period, then stop.

Monitor the effects and make notes so you can adjust the dosage to your particular needs and your body's response. Use more or less as you feel appropriate-you know your body best.

Rock rose is powerfully energetic in its sphere of activity sand is healing to mind, body and spirit in times of emotional distress and shock. It is one of the ingredients in the Bach flower Rescue Remedy.

Reference: Hydrosols: Suzanne Katty