Fucus vesiculosus, f. Canaliculatus, Laminaria digitata, and Other Species/Seaweed

Aroma and Taste Seaweed and salt water multiplied by one hundred!

Stability and Shelf Life Unknown.

Properties and Applications Experimental. The species listed are just three of the known varieties that have been distilled for essential oil and hydrosol. Depending on the country of origin, the species will differ. Two other hydrosol lovers have mentioned this one, so it seems there are people experimenting. The only variety I have had came from Corsica, and the dramatic contrast between the smell of the oil and the smell of the hydrosol was truly surprising. The oil was much more pleasant, less fishy, although the hydrosol was certainly interesting. An obvious choice for future trials on hypothyroid and endocrine-system imbalance. Also, it seemed powerfully diuretic and would have potential benefits in cellulite treatments, both topically and internally.

Hamamelis virginiana/Witch Hazel

pH 4.0–4.2

Aroma and Taste Very delicate herbaceous scent, with a slight woody edge. Smells plant-like without being overly green. Taste is rather dry and nondescript, except undiluted, but it is not recommended for use in this manner. It has a powerful astringent effect in the mouth and is slightly bitter. Smells nothing like commercially available witch hazel.

Stability and Shelf Life Moderately unstable; lasts eight to twelve months and is prone to bloom but is easily maintained if the pH is monitored closely.

Properties and Applications Primary use is topical. Use only real witch hazel hydrosol, not the “witch hazel” sold in pharmacies and health-food stores because they contain between 1 and 30 percent alcohol by volume. The alcohol is an effective stabilizer and preservative and may have benefits in witch hazel’s use as a sports rub, but it makes it inappropriate for the uses described here and precludes all internal applications.

Witch hazel is possibly the strongest antioxidant hydrosol. In topical applications it reduces redness, rashes, itching, swelling, and scaling of skin. Heals cracked or blistered skin and is extremely good for soothing eczema and psoriasis, alone or combined with yarrow. It is powerfully anti-inflammatory and cicatrisant and is an effective wound wash and antiseptic. Can be used to calm bites and stings and is very synergistic in combination with one of the chamomiles. I react badly to mosquito bites, and this really works. Famous for its healing effects on varicose veins and hemorrhoids; use in a compress or sitz bath two or three times daily, even during pregnancy. Diuretic even in topical applications like compresses, it reduces edema and rheumatic and arthritic pain. Also makes an effective gargle for sore throat or hoarseness and can be combined with cypress oil as recommended by Schnaubelt.

Along with rock rose, witch hazel should be considered one of the most important antiaging substances and antioxidants. Add it to any skin-care product, or spritz it on the face and décolleté morning and evening after cleansing and before moisturizing. Although it is astringent enough for teenage skin, it is eminently suitable for mature or damaged skin

AVOID commercial witch hazel; although it is a hydrosol, it always contains preservatives.