Myrtus communis/Green Myrtle/Myrtle

pH 5.7–6.0

Aroma and Taste A mild aroma. Minty and dry smelling with just a hint of sugar sweetness. Very “green,” really quite complex and unusual. Although a cineole chemotype, it lacks the dramatic and rather unpleasant taste of the eucalyptus, tea tree, and niaouli (another Melaleuca related to tea tree) waters. Undiluted, it has a bitter edge and just a hint of the mintiness of the aroma. It is most palatable diluted, as it loses its bitterness, and I find it similar to Inula in flavor.

Stability and Shelf Life Moderately unstable. Shelf life is usually fourteen to sixteen months, rarely longer. All the cineole chemotype hydrosols have a level of instability, and just over a year is a safe guess for life expectancy of these waters.

Properties and Applications Green myrtle refers to the high-mountain-grown myrtle that is sometimes designated chemotype 1,8 cineole. It is one of only four hydrosols recommended as an eyewash (the other three are Roman and German chamomile and cornflower). Only the green myrtle chemotype is suggested for the eyes, and this is usually what is available as a hydrosol.

Mucolytic and expectorant, it calms chesty coughs and congested sinuses and is great in synergy with Inula for respiratory congestion, ailments, and allergies. Myrtle may be used as a prophylactic for seasonal recurring bronchitis and chest infections. Start taking it internally two or three times a week when the “danger season” approaches, and increase daily consumption if any symptoms appear. I have several clients who have broken the cycle in this manner. Myrtle may be useful for asthmatics as part of daily care and will give best results in cases where the asthma is triggered by allergens, or pollutants, rather than stress and nerves. In the latter case, combine myrtle with melissa and/or neroli to work on the physical, mental, and emotional levels synergistically.

The mucolytic properties extend to the digestive tract, and this can be most useful in treating candidiasis. Colon health can be improved by using myrtle water in colonics, and there is extra benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties for problems like diverticulitis.

Green myrtle is a good general health tonic. Combine with other hydrosols to achieve a range of health effects for all the body systems.

Ocimum basilicum/Basil

pH 4.5–4.7

Aroma and Taste The scent is strongly licorice in the methyl chavicol chemotype and more green in the CT linalol, although the second chemotype is extremely hard to find in a hydrosol. Neither smells quite like fresh basil or even pesto. The flavor undiluted is extremely intense and almost unpleasant, it is so strong, and again, CT methyl chavicol has a pronounced anise taste. In dilution, the real basil flavor comes out, with all the minty greenness one associates with the fresh leaves and only a hint of licorice in the background.

Stability and Shelf Life Unknown. Although I have never had a problem with contamination, supplies have always been limited and erratic, so long-term storage has never been tracked.

Properties and Applications This has become very difficult to find, especially the linalol chemotype, as the production of basil in Europe has decreased dramatically in the past few years owing to falling market prices. New sources in Egypt are starting to produce high-quality organic and biodynamic basil hydrosol CT linalol, and I hope it will return to the market in consistent quality and amounts soon.

An extremely effective digestive aid, it stimulates peristalsis and reduces spasm in the gastrointestinal tract. I had very good initial results for both colitis and Crohn’s disease, although inaccessibility has interrupted long-term and follow-up treatments. Basil is a fast-acting carminative; add two teaspoons to a small glass of water and sip slowly for relief of gas and bloating. It can also relieve occasional constipation caused by stress or poor diet, although a teaspoon of olive oil with one drop of basil essential oil taken every thirty minutes will also clear the problem.

Basil is considered balancing to the autonomic nervous system, and the hydrosol certainly bears out this finding. Its effects on stress states are rapid and efficient, bringing a sense of calm, reducing physical tension in the body, including headaches, and calming spasms or tension in the diaphragm and digestive tract. Combine with melissa or lemon verbena to make a nervous stomach vanish almost immediately.

Other initial trials undertaken with basil include treatment of problems associated with the ileo-cecal valve and the pyloric valve. The first indications were some fairly significant relief for those with hiatal hernias, reflux, and aerophagia, although these findings are completely experimental at this stage.

Add to savory dishes, your pesto sauce, salad dressings, and soups.