The hydrosols Abies balsamea/Balsam fir

pH 3.8–4.0

Aroma and Taste A woodsy taste and fragrance. Slightly musty and simultaneously wet and dry in smell. The taste is slightly flat and better in warm, sweetened drinks than in cold beverages.

Stability and Shelf Life Stable; good for fourteen to sixteen months, although the aroma starts to fade around twelve months.

Properties and Applications Balsam fir is the best-known “Christmas” tree and comes into its own in the dark months of winter. Recommended primarily for external applications, although some internal use is fine, but I do not recommend the three-week internal protocol.

A good general system tonic, balsam fir is antiseptic and seems to boost the immune system. It is of great benefit to sufferers of SAD (seasonal affective disorder); just smelling it can lift me from the winter gloom! Add it to the bath or shower (put the plug in); use one-fourth to one-half cup two or three times a week. A significant improvement is usually noticed after the first week. It is an excellent addition to bath or foot soaks at any time of the year, being neither heating nor cooling but still able to stimulate the system.

Balsam fir is both mucolytic and expectorant for the respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. Use in inhalations, saunas, steam baths, humidifiers, and compresses. It is a good gargle or tea for winter. Mildly diuretic, it can also help remove fluid from joints and is a good topical compress for rheumatic, arthritic, muscular, and joint pain. It is gently stimulating to circulation while calming the mind, being energetically expansive and opening.

For chest congestion, use balsam fir in a compress, on its own or in combination with essential oils. Follow with a rub of essential oils including balsam fir; wrap up the chest with a warm, dry cloth and go to bed. This can be repeated several times a day.

For joint or muscle pain, use hot or cold compresses according to the individual and the condition.

Achillea millefolium/Yarrow

pH 3.6–3.9

Aroma and Taste Strongly aromatic but not particularly pleasant; has been described as “puppy breath.” Absolutely not floral in aroma or taste. The flavor is better than the smell but not by a lot, and it tastes better in stronger dilution than in weaker ones.

Stability and Shelf Life Stable to very stable; can last up to two years, although it may develop a gray color and fine particulate matter after about fourteen months. Check the pH if you have any doubts.

Properties and Applications One metric ton of yarrow flowers produces less than five hundred milliliters (one-half liter) of oil, so this is perhaps one of the more potent hydrosols. It is a good digestive aid and is significantly detoxifying, but in a gentle manner. A three-week course will improve digestion, increase elimination, and calm gastric spasms and rumbles and is recommended as part of a cleanse or weight-loss program. It improves digestion of fatty foods and seems to have hepatostimulant and/or cholagogue (bile releasing) properties, since it can quickly relieve indigestion and heartburn caused by overindulgence. Yarrow is antispasmodic for the digestive, reproductive, and muscular systems, used topically or internally. Cooling, it helps reduce fever and eases aches and pains in association with flu and colds. It is antiinflammatory and can be used as a compress with cypress for varicose veins and in a sitz bath for hemorrhoids and excessive or painful menstrual periods or postpartum healing.

A great balancer both physically and mentally, yarrow stabilizes body fluids and gets rid of excess water without being overly diuretic. Use it in a compress on its own or in combination with goldenrod for fluid in joints and rheumatic pain or for any area of swelling where fluid has accumulated. A mild antibacterial and antiseptic, it helps with problem skin, acneic conditions, and dermal infections, and as an anti-inflammatory it helps heal damage from sun and wind. Effective for cleaning wounds, it helps stop bleeding and could be used as an aftershave for its styptic properties, although, because of its odor, you may wish to blend it with other, more pleasingly aromatic waters. Yarrow is a good ingredient to use in a douche or sitz bath for endometriosis, in synergy with Cistus. This condition is quite serious, but hydrosols and oils can greatly reduce the severity and pain of the condition. This can reduce the need for opiate-based pharmaceuticals, which are commonly the only option.

Yarrow is a very effective water for use on animals, as they like the smell. Skin problems and digestive issues will benefit particularly. For some the aroma is off-putting. In this case, combine yarrow with other hydrosols and essential oils that improve its fragrance. This water provides mental calm and can help one find peace. Like the oil, it is highly energetic and good for spiritual or distance work. Combine it with juniper berry for cleansing the aura, crystals, and work spaces.