Solidago canadensis/Goldenrod

pH 4.1–4.3

Aroma and Taste The odor is very green, slightly weedy like wet hay. The taste is the same, although it leaves a dry feeling in the mouth, indicating its diuretic nature. Diluted, it loses its musty-hay taste and becomes slightly nondescript. Not particularly interesting but worth using for its properties.

Stability and Shelf Life Very stable. Very few problems, and normally lasts two years without much degradation, although the taste is slightly better in the first year.

Properties and Applications One of the “sleepers” of aromatherapy, since many people who are allergic to the highly reactive ragweed confuse the two plants. Goldenrod rarely causes allergies.

Goldenrod is a strong diuretic, and taken internally it may aid the treatment and prevention of kidney stones and is cleansing to the entire hepatorenal system without having the “squeezing” effects of juniper berry or cypress. Although not a digestive per se, it can stem diarrhea, depending on the cause, and is very useful for treating stress- or diet-associated “runs” in both people and animals. Topically, use it as a compress for fluid retention and uric acid in joints and tissue or add it to the bath for soothing rheumatic and arthritic pain. This hydrosol is a strong anti-inflammatory and moderate antispasmodic for sore muscles, stiff neck, tendonitis, and repetitive strain injuries. It can also prevent inflammation if used as a friction rub before or after a workout or physical labor.

The oil is known for its cardiotonic properties, which seem to be present to a slightly lesser degree in the water. Goldenrod hydrosol lowers blood pressure in both the hypertensive and the hypotensive. Those with extremely low blood pressure should avoid internal use. The effects on the heart seem to be a result of the anti-inflammatory properties, and this should be explored further for conditions like endocarditis and pericarditis, as suggested by Rudolphe Balz. Applied topically, goldenrod reduces swelling in thread varicose veins and broken capillaries.

Remarkably energetic for such a “common weed,” goldenrod carries the intense vibrations of heat and sun; it opens the solar plexus and diaphragm, bringing calm. It is wonderful in energetic healing for the emotions and the heart and for helping to release old anger.

AVOID internal use in cases of hypotension and consult with your health practitioner before internal use if you suffer from liver, kidney, or heart disease.

Thymus vulgaris ct1/Thyme Geraniol

pH 5.0–5.2

Aroma and Taste The distinct smell of geranium is the overriding scent here. The flavor is also very floral and sweet, undiluted, although you can also taste the thyme. In dilution it loses much of the sweetness but retains the floral element, and the thyme flavor begins to dominate.

Stability and Shelf Life Stable. Usually lasts two years.

Properties and Applications This hydrosol is hard to obtain, but it shows up from time to time. I tend to use Monarda fistulosa to replace this chemotype, as I have a more regular supply.

This is a good choice for fungal infections of all types. Use it undiluted as a wash or douche for the skin and genital areas; it is very mild but effective. Foot fungus will benefit from regular washes or soaks in thyme CT geraniol, followed by applications of undiluted essential oil of palmarosa and/or tea tree or niaouli. Apply this hydrosol in a compress to herpes blisters as soon as they threaten to appear; it can prevent the outbreak.

Thyme geraniol is a good choice for use on children, as the odor is sweet, the hydrosol is mild, and the effects are significant. Use on infected cuts, scrapes, and wounds, either undiluted or at 70 percent dilution. Teenage acne can be reduced with daily applications, undiluted, with a cotton ball; wipe the whole face, not just the acneic areas, and consider taking some internally as well: drink two teaspoons in a glass of juice or water at breakfast every day. Makes a good mouthwash for children prone to cavities: dilute one-half tablespoon in a small glass of water and rinse with it after brushing twice daily. It can also be made into tea for treating childhood infections of all types, as it boosts the immune system and helps kill germs, and kids don’t mind the taste.