Ledum groenlandicum/Greenland Moss/Labrador Tea

pH 3.8–4.0

Aroma and Taste Highly complex scent and unusual odor. Very potent but feminine, or yin, without being floral. Wet and wild, herbaceous but not green, sour-sweet, like new-mown hay. Its intensely bitter, astringent flavor has an analgesic effect and aftertaste reminiscent of eucalyptus but fading into hay.

Stability and Shelf Life Very stable. Lasts two years or more with little or no degradation, although after this point it may start to develop a very slight gray color.

Properties and Applications The most powerfully therapeutic of all hydrosols. So strong that its recommended dosage is one tablespoon per one and one-half liters of water, which is less than half the normal recommended dose. Higher doses may result in “proving” of the properties; in other words, you may develop the symptoms that are normally improved or cleared up by Ledum. If you don’t like the flavor, add a slice of fresh lemon or one drop of organic lemon essential oil.

A liver regenerator and cleanser, it detoxifies the organ and seems to improve liver functions generally. Excellent for recovering from surgery or after a serious illness or infection, as it cleans foreign substances from the system. Start with very low doses and slowly work up to one tablespoon per day over three weeks. Its bitter nature and affinity for the liver make it useful in treating digestive disorders, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, bloating, and the effects of overindulgence. Combine it with yarrow to ease withdrawal from addictive substances like alcohol or tobacco and for cleansing as part of a weight-loss program.

A general restorative, Greenland moss seems to assist the immune system and support the adrenals. It is a tonic for allergies when it is combined with topical applications of black spruce hydrosol or essential oil over the adrenal gland area. Mildly diuretic and cleansing to kidneys, it can be used with dandelion tincture to great effect. Used in a three-week protocol, it stimulates lymphatic circulation and has good synergy with bay laurel. An autonomic nervous system balancer, it is strongly sedative and works well on insomnia; try one-half teaspoon in warm water with honey just before bed.

On inflammatory skin conditions, the results are either spectacular or nonexistent, which seems to be a function of the individual constitution. Its internal anti-inflammatory properties are far more reliable, and applications for colitis and inflammatory bowel conditions are worth future study. Greenland moss is experimental for tumor reduction and treatment of liver cancers, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and ascites. May also reduce prostate inflammation when used in combination with herbal treatments. Rare and expensive.

AVOID: Because of its exceptional power, do not use on children under six, during the first six months of pregnancy, or if epileptic.

Lippia citriodora/Lemon Verbena

pH 5.2–5.5

Aroma and Taste Distinctly lemon but not citrusy. A delicate and gently sweet fresh lemon scent, close to that of the oil but much less potent. The flavor is often not up to people’s expectations owing to its mild nature, but it remains very fresh and lemony even when diluted.

Stability and Shelf Life Stable. Should last at least eighteen months or more.

Properties and Applications A powerful mental relaxant and stress buster. Verbena is used as a tea for stress and anxiety in all countries where it is grown. It has distinctly sedative properties and affects the autonomic nervous system. Good for pre-exam jitters, stage fright, and fear that creates a knot in the stomach; it can help boost self-esteem and confidence. If mental focus is required, combine verbena with a less sedative relaxant such as neroli or rock rose.

A general body tonic, it stimulates the endocrine system, particularly the thyroid and pancreas. Taken internally in a warm beverage, it relieves PMS symptoms and can reduce cramps. The essential oil is famed for its antiviral effects, and verbena hydrosol has some use as a prophylactic when taken daily during flu season. It is a digestive aid and has some effect on appetite stimulation; the results are most marked if the indigestion or appetite loss is stress related. Blend with yarrow for a gentle but effective cleanse without the weight loss that yarrow alone may produce.

A strong anti-inflammatory, it seems to have an affinity for the mucus membranes of the mouth and nose. Use verbena in a compress or mouthwash after dental surgery. Combine with Cistus if there is bleeding and with immortelle if there is much swelling or a tooth has been extracted. It can be used as a daily mouthwash for good oral hygiene. In cold season try snuffing a few drops up each nostril every day. It is also helpful in very dry climates or when the central heating is turned on.

Verbena’s pH is very close to that of the acid mantle of the skin, and it is a clarifier for normal and combination skin. Combined with rock rose, frankincense, or cornflower, it refines skin texture and may reduce pore size. On its own or blended with lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, or calamus, it makes a wonderful conditioning aftershave and suits men both physically and mentally, being neither floral nor fruity.

Lemon verbena is one of the rarest and most costly of essential oils. The plant is highly aromatic but produces very little oil, requiring huge volumes for production. Like all the hydrosols from low-yielding plants (Greenland moss, yarrow, the chamomiles, melissa, etc.), it is highly energetic. It appears that much of the plant’s life force remains in the water-soluble components like a hologram, and if the water is combined with vibrational healing techniques, the effects can be extraordinary.

Delicious in desserts, beverages, and sweets. Try it also in seafoods.