Cinnamomum zeylanicum (ec)/Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum (fe)/Cinnamon Leaf

Bark: pH 3.3   Leaf: pH 3.9

Aroma and Taste The leaf hydrosol is a candy: sweet, yummy, just like the best cinnamon sweetie you ever tasted. The bark hydrosol has a deeper cinnamon scent, with that intense edge one finds in the oil—candy for grown-ups. The flavor is also more intense but not at all hot, just wonderful. Both hydrosols are powerful but quite delicious undiluted and retain their flavors well even in microdilution.

Stability and Shelf Life The leaf hydrosol seems very stable; I have a batch currently at two years with no sign of fading. The bark hydrosol is also stable and probably lasts eighteen to twenty-four months.

Properties and Applications It took me three years to find cinnamon water, and then I got both leaf and bark within six months. Drink them for sheer pleasure, add them to coffee for a wonderful touch, or combine cinnamon, coriander seed, and cardamom pod hydrosols with hot water for an aromatherapy chai.

The leaf has a strong affinity for the autonomic nervous system, balancing dramatic fluctuations and providing profound relief in states of extreme stress. One client has been using it almost continuously for a year while dealing with a particularly nasty court case and claims it has given her clarity and the ability to cope unlike anything else.

The bark is quite stimulating to the mind and body, excellent when one is tired and concentration and focus are required, much better than coffee and delicious with coffee. An amazing digestive, it relieves bloat and colic pains very quickly. The bark oil is famous for its ability to kill infections of the digestive tract without damaging the beneficial flora; it appears that the hydrosol has similar, if slightly less potent, effects, and using the two in synergy can achieve pretty remarkable results. Combine cinnamon with yarrow—yes, it overpowers yarrow’s odor—to redress the balance of the entire digestive system, from appetite to elimination.

AVOID spraying directly on the face.

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 “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 flavor, 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 Crohn’s disease, especially when 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 the 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 behavior 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 causes severe pain and discomfort, and rock rose is an excellent and powerful douche, especially when combined with Helichrysum and yarrow, but to be effective it must be used in a consistent daily program (see the recipes in chapter 6). Cistus taken internally can also benefit endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding. Take thirty milliliters in one liter 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 is appropriate—you know your body best.

Rock rose is powerfully energetic in its sphere of activity and 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.