Making hydrosols from plants harvested from our farm has been a dream of mine. One of the highlights of this year on the farm was hosting Erika Galentin of Sovereignty Herbs at Oshala Farm for the Sacred Art of Hydrosol Making Workshop. Erika is an astute clinical herbalist, runs her own business, is an artist, a rockstar teacher, and a master hydrosol maker. It was an honor to have her on the farm for a few days.
Since the workshop we haven’t been able to get enough of making hydrosols!! We have made several small artisanal batches with a limited quantity available until the following year’s harvest. We distilled Rose Geranium, Tulsi, White Sage, Peppermint, and Helichrysum. We hope you enjoy them just as much as we enjoyed making them for you.
Among all the hydrosols we made, the Helichrysum stole my heart. We planted Helichrysum italicum seeds a few years ago in anticipation of hosting a hydrosol workshop. A couple of years later, when Erika arrived at the farm, the Helichrysum plants were in their full glory and begging to be be distilled! It is nothing less than amazing! The aroma of our Helichrysum is complex—earthy herbaceous floral undertones with notes of straw and fruit.
The name Helichrysum is derived from the Greek words helios meaning sun and chrysos meaning gold, which refers to its numerous clusters of tiny yellow flowers. These dried flowers were presented as an offering to the Gods in Ancient Greece.
Helichrysum italicum, also known as Immortelle, is revered for its unparalleled regenerative and protective benefits in skin care as well as its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The scent instills deep peace and tranquility and provides support in releasing emotional trauma. Helichrysum is useful to help reconnect with the spiritual realm and opens the heart and mind to new experiences and practices.
I hope that each time you apply our farm to still hydrosols they evoke a sense of gratitude for all Mother Earth provides.
Enjoy in good health,
Elise
