Echinacea purpurea/Purple Coneflower

pH 3.9

Aroma and Taste Very fresh and bright; it literally zings in the nose at first sniff. This is followed by a deep, dark, haunting odor and finally a slight salty licorice smell with a bitter edge. The taste is also fresh and definitely alive. Very mildly bitter and green but somehow simultaneously honeylike, with the same undertone of salty licorice as in the aroma. Unique and very palatable.

Stability and Shelf Life Unknown. Seems stable at one year or more.

Properties and Applications Experimental. This hydrosol was made from the whole plant in flower, including roots. German research into Echinacea indicates that certain sugars (polysaccharides) present in tinctures and alcohol extracts of coneflower give it the immune-boosting properties for which it is chiefly known. Kurt Schnaubelt and others suggest that the sesquiterpenes found in the essential oil from the root and whole plant (up to 43 percent germacrene-D) also have immune-boosting properties, and the matter is being hotly debated among the chemistry fraternity. All I can say is that when you put this in your mouth, there is an immediate cellular resonance throughout the entire body that is very distinct and happens within seconds of ingestion. Whatever the chemists decide, the human body has already voted; it likes this a lot, thank you very much!

Elettaria cardamomum/Cardamom Pod

pH 4.5

Aroma and Taste Quite a strong odor, sweet and full of aromatic subtleties, just like the freshly ground seedpod. The flavor undiluted is strong and sweet but not overpowering, a common trait among the seed hydrosols, which tend to be more delicate. Diluted, it is quite lovely, and it is exceptional combined with cinnamon hydrosol. Made from white cardamom pods; it would be interesting to acquire some made from the black or green pods to compare.

Stability and Shelf Life Unknown. At least one year.

Properties and Applications Quickly calms spasms and bloat in the digestive tract, as one would expect. It also appears to be mildly sedative or at least very relaxing and with a little honey makes a wonderful bedtime tea. I have been reliably informed that it has distinct aphrodisiac properties, which makes it extra good as a bedtime tea!

A delightful ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes; the flavor is very bright and will not overpower other ingredients.

Erigeron (or Conyza) canadensis/Fleabane

pH 3.9

Aroma and Taste Uninteresting and rather weedy smelling; a pervasive odor that lingers. The taste is also rather weedy, and as many hydrosols that taste better have some of the same properties, this is not a hot contender for internal use.

Stability and Shelf Life Stable. Lasts eighteen to twenty-four months.

Properties and Applications Experimental. Topically use as an anti-inflammatory for muscular and joint pain and for edema. Internally its main interest is as an antibacterial for intestinal complaints, diarrhea, or traveler’s tummy; as a hepatic and pancreatic stimulant; and as a diuretic in renal infections. The essential oil has been explored for phytohormone properties, particularly in both late-onset and early puberty. Of course, medical research would say it can’t affect both, but with plants you never know. Researchers are investigating its use in treating perimenopausal symptoms and report some positive results.

The herb is known to have good insect repellent properties, hence its common name, fleabane, but the essential oil is too expensive to use in this manner. However, the hydrosol, applied liberally, frequently, and undiluted, functions quite well against both blackflies and mosquitoes, even in Canada, and this is worthy of further exploration.

Currently fleabane is being researched in veterinary medicine as a treatment for high blood pressure, as an anti-inflammatory for pain relief, for its ability to lower body temperature and reduce fevers, and for its use in insecticidal and flea preparations.