A little bit about hydrosols

I drop the word hydrosol around a lot and it’s finally dawning on me that lots of folks don’t know what a hydrosol is. I hope this helps

I make my hydrosols by steam distilling the medicinal herbs and flowers I grow in my garden. It takes about six hours in my stainless steel still to distill around 2-3 liters of hydrosol.

While I make roman chamomile and lavender hydrosol from the flowers of these herbs, my helichrysum, rosemary, and mint hydrosols are drawn from the plants’ fragrant leaves. Helichrysum leaves look prickly like rosemary, but are wonderfully soft to the touch.

What is produced through this distillation is a cellular botanical water, a clear liquid, called a hydrosol, with a subtle aroma and the qualities of the distilled plant. In addition to the particular qualities of each individual plant, hydrosols, in general, have a delightful array of household and skin care uses. I’ve put together a partial list of ways they can support you. Hydrosols are safe to use internally and externally. They are happiest stored in the fridge or in a stable cool place.

They are great in spray form to enliven any room, or to spray on your linens, or in the laundry water;

They tone and hydrate the skin as a spray after washing the face, and work great to activate a clay facial mask;

They are soothing on a sunburn, rash, or boo boo;

They’re great in a diffuser for adding subtle aroma;

They can be added to seltzer or tea for added flavor and other benefits.


I love helichrysum in particular, the live plant, the hydrosol and the essential oil. I love its earthy, honeyed scent. Helichrysum is a graceful generous plant and I use the hydrosol in many ways:

  • Diffused or sprayed in a room it can create a feeling of calm;

  • Sprayed on the skin, it can help and relieve calm irritated, bruised or wounded skin;

  • It can also help with inflammation and support scar healing;

  • Combined with rose hydrosol and witch hazel it offers a treat for the skin and the spirit - pat it on cleansed skin with a cotton pad or towel.

  • I keep a spray bottle in the bathroom for a refreshing face and body spritz.

  • I use helichrysum in my skin care oils and in my boo-boo spray. It never lets me down.

February Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

I do love cold weather, but it’s possible I’ve had enough of it for now. I have a vague memory of leaving the house without coat, hat, gloves, scarf, boots – maybe it’s from a previous lifetime? I am so grateful to live in a warm home and have warm clothing that allows me to go out into the elements.

Every winter when it snows, I use a small snow blower to create a circular running path for the dogs around the Jank House*. I can’t remember a time when their luge course has stayed frozen for so long.  

I’ve been dreaming in green and anticipating the thrill of putting my hands in the dirt - what are you dreaming about these days?

February started with a smashing herbalism weekend in New York. It was powerful and humbling to spend time with women who have so much experience, deep connections to the earth, and generously flowing wisdom. I know I brought my special something to the table as well. Everything I’m learning in this herbalism program deepens and enhances my aromatherapy practice and offers new and varied tools to my wellness kit; I feel closer to the earth, where I belong. There was so much to appreciate about this first weekend, our experience together, and the magic that wove its way through every moment. Let me know if you’d like to hear more.

My house plants are getting extra love these days. I know they’re feeling dry, so I keep a diffuser nearby misting one of the hydrosols I distill.  Plain water works great too.  I’ve had helichrysum hydrosol misting on and off for several days and it fills the space with a subtle, soothing, warm aroma. 

I’ve been adding a drop or two of fennel essential oil to some of my diffusers lately; I find its strong, familiar aroma supports feelings of being grounded and uplifted at the same time. Ravintsara for respiratory health, cedar just before sleep, and sweet orange which always makes me smile, are other favorites these days. I love to talk aromatherapy - I’d love to help you find a blend that supports your wellness, your vitality, your joy.

Apothecary Blend Spotlight

Since I mentioned it above, I’ll highlight my helichrysum hydrosol this month. It is a joy to produce all of my hydrosols by steam distilling the medicinal herbs and flowers I get to grow in my garden. As they distill, they fill the house with gentle aroma and good vibes. It reminds me that the natural world loves us and wants to support us.  Hydrosols are made from distinct plant parts. For example, I make roman chamomile and lavender hydrosol from the flowers of these herbs, but the helichrysum, rosemary, and mint hydrosols are drawn from the plants’ fragrant leaves. Often helichrysum hydrosol is distilled from its flowering tops, but I find its fronds to offer an additional softness to the aroma, without sacrificing the plants' benefits. Helichrysum fronds look prickly like rosemary, but are wonderfully soft to the touch.

What is produced from the distillation process is a cellular botanical water, a clear liquid, known as a hydrosol, with a subtle aroma and the vital essence of the distilled plant. In addition to the particular quality  of each individual plant, hydrosols, in general, have many uses. 

I'm always finding new ways to add hydrosols' plant power to my day. I’ve put together a partial list of ways to integrate these plant allies into your daily activities. 

Something New

After the busy holiday months and before the sowing and growing season, and between shoveling, we are working on adding content and product to our website and starting to consider craft shows for the Spring and Summer. 

In the meantime, we have revamped our showroom and the energy is flowing! I love the change – it reflects both James’ and my individual creativity and showcases our crafts beautifully, with dazzling displays of James’ glass art and lots of my apothecary blends to sample. Come on by for a cup of tea or a glass of wine and have a look.

A Little Moon Magic

I am so happy to have company in my ongoing new moon practice. At the most recent new moon, Sunday, January 18, we came together to let the dark moon show us what was real. We enjoyed a short meditation and some discussion about what came to us in the quiet. What came to me was trying so hard, which surprised me and made me cringe a little. Since then, I’ve been noticing the way this idea works in my life and, as always, learning so much. When I do find myself trying so hard, which is often, I make a conscious effort to relax the muscles around my eyes, ask myself a few grounding questions, let something go.

Our small group met again at the full moon to talk about how the moon’s magic was working in our lives. We will begin this gentle and self-affirming cycle again on the next new moon, February 17. We meet for about thirty minutes. If you would like to join us in this practice, just reply back to this email with new moon. 

Dare to enjoy your moments, and stay centered in your goodness,

Linda

 *Jank or Janky are often used as slang for something of poor quality, broken, or sketchy . To us, Jank means something that, although not in its prime, still holds value. Our backyard Jank House started with a Coleman tent frame and the intention of opening our hearts and our minds a little wider. Today the Jank House, brimming with well-loved objects and plant life from our home and our friends’ homes, is a sacred space, ever-changing, and perfectly full of what is imperfect – just like life.








The Rose and Thorn

For most of my life, I couldn’t understand why people cultivated roses. As beautiful and fragrant as they are, why work with a plant that bears such a dangerous thorn? The rose seemed unfriendly to me. The previous owners of our home had planted several rose bushes around the backyard. Once we moved in, most of them died of a lethal combination of indifference and neglect. I put my attention instead on low maintenance, friendlier plants, those without thorns. I thought the rose was a diva, requiring special soil, special food, special care. Well, I was close to being right about the diva thing, but I have fallen in love with the rose and her magic.

A few years ago I suddenly found that I couldn’t pass by a beach rose without stopping to inhale her aroma and take in her voluptuous bloom. I wanted to resist - I had built up a long-standing adversarial relationship with the idea of roses - but she called me and called me again. I’ve learned to put my whole nose right into the flower and inhale as long as she’ll let me.

In addition to the impressive lexicon of associations connecting rose with true love, purity, wealth, rarity, sex, romance (all the good stuff) we must add magnificent therapeutic applications for the skin and for the central nervous system, in addition to a heady aroma that feels like a direct gift from her heart to ours.

I started last spring in my own yard with one bush - rosa rugosa - purchased from Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollingsford, NH (If you have never been, stop reading and go there right now.) The label said pink, but she turned out to bear glamorous white flowers. I didn’t get many blooms this, her first summer, but walking nearby in the garden, I was uplifted and I could feel her smile. I learned she wasn’t a diva so much as she was abundantly confident and clear. Those thorns protect her most tender parts; she’s very generous and she wants us to harvest with great mindfulness. I love this lesson of the rose and the thorn.

I bought four more rosa rugosa on BIG sale (almost the only way I ever buy anything) from the lovely people at Wolf Hill Garden Center in Ipswich at the end of the season. I haven’t seen them since November as they have been buried under snow, but I know they are there. I imagine their roots tenderizing the cold earth, settling in, and getting comfortable.

One of my favorite ways to appreciate the benefit of rose is by applying a tiny bit of Rose Balm to the skin. It is a precious, fragrant blend that I make with four simple ingredients: rosehip oil, pure rose essential oil, powdered rose petals, and beeswax. This rose balm is deeply nourishing for dry lips and skin, can soothe a bruise or calm a rash, and when I inhale its fragrance, I can feel the rose sharing its strength and resilience with the connective tissue of my body. Wow. The rose.

From melting the beeswax to turning the rose petals into a glimmering pink dust, every part of working with this rose balm is engaging and magical.



 
 
 
 

January Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

And welcome to snowy 2026. I just came across some photos of my garden from the summer, and the jolt of color shocked me – everything has been white around here for so many days and weeks. Did it feel to you like last year flew by?

After the holiday crush of craft fairs and sales events, packing up orders and shipping throughout November and December, and all of the joyous holiday gatherings, we took a true break between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We got the work done that needed to be done but centered our days around rest. The dogs loved having us nearby – they are always ready to rest.


We were glad to be able to spend time outdoors, at Salisbury beach, on Winter Solstice, to welcome the light and offer our gratitude for the darkness.

Some Big News

After getting to know herbalist and green witch Robin Rose Bennet, through an online course I took in the fall,  I have committed to Bennet’s year-long herbalism apprenticeship, which is a deep dive into creating a reciprocal relationship with our green earth: nurturing growth, mindful harvesting, and the crafting of medicinal herbal blends to support wellness. I’m so surprised I signed up for this! And pleased! I know I will be deeply enriched by this next leg of my aromatic and herbal journey, and make excellent use of it in my aromatherapy practice. I'm attending the first hands-on immersion weekend in upstate New York, January 30-February 1. Woo hoo!

Apothecary Blend Spotlight

What can I say? My Elderberry Rosehip Elixir has been the star of winter so far. It’s yummy, zippy, and it supports the immune system. I take a sip every day, a larger dose if I’ve been in a crowd, if I've spent time with someone who’s unwell, or if I feel a bit of a cough or scratchy throat. 

I’ve been making a large batch every three days or so. If you’re curious and want to try it, and you’re local, come on over and I’ll pour you a shot of goodness: elderberry, rosehip, cinnamon, orange peel, cardamom, clove, ginger, a little bit of local honey, and lots of love.

Now that there is a little bit more spaciousness and time to play, I have been working on a deeply emollient and restorative lip balm, a counterpart to my rose balm, using just three clean ingredients. I’ve got some folks beta testing it right now for consistency and efficacy.  As always, I am happy to talk about how herbal and aromatic blends can support your wellness, your vitality and your joy. 

A Little Moon Magic

I'm continuing my new moon practice, and at the most recent new moon, Friday, December 19, the words make space came to me during my meditation. Interesting. My mind instantly crowded with all of the different ways to make space – physically, emotionally, energetically, etc. - so I started right then and there to make space by letting go of those mind-generated possibilities and allowing the concept of make space to teach me. 

Wow, I’ve been learning a lot. There are SO many ways to make space. As I let this idea work through me, put my focus on it, and use it in my movement practice, my breathing has felt more full and clear, I feel more patient with others and with myself, and I’ve been motivated to clear up clutter with clarity and peace. There’s an air of openness and generosity working through me that feels new.

 If you would like to join me in this simple yet powerful practice, just reply back to this email with new moon. 

I love this shot I was able to capture of the waxing crescent moon. 

May we make space for what matters most,

Linda

December Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

It seems like December is in full swing. And though the official start of winter is still more than two weeks away, there are snowflakes flurrying as I write this!  The dogs and I have been exploring in the woods. All three of us enjoy the crunch of snow beneath our paws and boots.  

I’m having so much fun with herbs – and they are helping me to stay grounded and reminding me to breathe and enjoy. I’m playing with the lemongrass, lemon verbena, chamomile, helichrysum, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and all the other herbs that I dried after the harvest. I’ve been preparing herbal baths and herbal teas, and in general feeling the bliss of having nature indoors with us when it’s too cold to play outside.

A Little Moon Magic

While meditating under the new moon on November 20, the word flourish came to me. It felt so right and I set an intention to take note of the ways in which I am flourishing every day and to share it with others. It has been a beautiful practice and every time I look up and see the moon in the day or night sky, I associate it now with the idea of flourishing. Perhaps the most useful part of this practice has been that even when things feel difficult, I have been able to find at least one way in which I am doing well.

Now that the full moon is upon us, I will spend some time tonight in gratitude for the ebbs and flows of my life. As the moon wanes its way back to darkness, I plan to bask in what I've learned and be open to a fresh message at the next new moon. If you would like to join me in this simple practice, just reply back to this email with new moon.

Apothecary Blend Spotlight

My rose balm and gift sets were a hit at our last event. You can find the rose balm, the roller ball set, and the spray set on our website. If you're local I am happy to deliver! 

I'm creating new blends every day, for clients and friends, for me and James and the dogs. Working with aromatics and herbs is thrilling and powerful and so deeply connecting to the earth.  As always, I am happy to answer your questions about how herbal and aromatic blends can support your wellness, your vitality and your joy. 

Gratitude 

Thanks so much to all who came out to support our Small Business Saturday event and to those who sent well wishes our way. We felt all the love! We have one more event this holiday season, the Red Bow Fair, this Saturday the 6th at North Parish Church in North Andover. 

If you can’t make it, and want to take a look at James’ beautiful collection or shop my apothecary blends, just hit reply and let us know. We would love to host you in our home/showroom.  

Last month I tried to send along a photo of Linus, but I don't think it went through. 

May you flourish and be well!

Linda

November Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

After the exuberant splash of color and crisp sunny days of October, November has brought her bracing wind, bare trees, and early evenings. I saw a few snowflakes today. I'm fortunate that cold weather makes me feel happy. The seasonal change is beautiful and it’s an adjustment. This is our busiest time of year, and there is so much to do everyday. Still, we feel grateful for shorter days that invite rest and reflection. Where are you finding beauty this November?


Like every year, I've learned a lot this growing season. My skills are improving with practice and my passion for the garden is growing, but mostly what I've learned is how much there is to learn and how learning never stops.  And how important it is to stay connected to the earth, to stay open and stay balanced.

I’ll do one or two more deep waterings this month, and am still harvesting lavender and rosehips, but for the most part the garden is putting its energy into deepening its roots and I’m putting my focus on my indoor garden. I’m overwintering several Mandevilla and a few ornamental peppers, along with my regular host of indoor plants including this beloved orange tree that my Dad started from seed thirty-five years ago.

All year round, and most certainly during this busy time of year, it's  important to take excellent care of ourselves and one another. I was inspired by the work of herbalist Robin Rose Bennet to try an herbal bath and I strongly recommend it. I'm not one to get into the bath very often (I do shower regularly, lol), but this herbal bath brought so much peace and such deep quiet that I am going to make a regular ritual of it. I could feel how the herbs were caring for me as I soaked. An herb bath is a simple and powerful way to care of yourself or a loved one. I used fresh lavender and melissa for my first bath, but there are lots of fresh and dried herbs you can use. I've  got my jar full of helichrysum ready to go for my next bath. You can find the simple recipe here.  

A Little News

  • Our Small Business Saturday  shopping event is rapidly approaching! Join us on November 29, Saturday, from 10-3 at the UU Church of Haverhill at 16 Ashland Street - which is the back door to the church. We will be filling the warm and inviting Murray Room with one-of-a-kind artwork, aromatherapy blends, handcrafted ornaments, pottery, hand made journals, holiday cards and much more. I’m attaching a flyer to this email. Please share widely - our wish is for a bustling shopping day for our guest crafters and for ourselves. If you'd like some flyers, let me know and I will drop them off to you. I will probably send one more email about this event. 

  • As always, if you would prefer a private shopping experience, our showroom is all spruced up and ready for a relaxing, no-pressure shopping visit. Just reply to this email to set up a time.

  • You can also visit us at Craft Fairs in Exeter on November 22 and North Andover on December 6. 

Apothecary Blend Spotlight

  • This month I’m having fun crafting aromatherapy gift sets. Here are the two I've created so far: 

    • One set features three of my most popular blends, fits in your handbag or glovebox, and is at the ready when you need it. This aromatherapy set includes three roll-on blends to revitalize lagging spirits, help with sleep, and to clear mind fog.

    • Another set features three space-enhancing sprays, to relax, soothe, and uplift the spirits.  The aromas are truly gorgeous and they have a gentle and instant effect on your vibe. 

  • It’s Elderberry Rosehip Elixir season! Many drink this potion year round, but this is the time of year when folks are really looking for immunity support. I hope you'll give it a try. I always make this elixir in small batches and keep it on hand for those who need it. 

My wish for all of us is that we follow our dog Linus' example; enjoy every moment, stay close to who and what we love, and rest well. 

Enjoy your moments, enjoy November, enjoy it all,

Linda

October Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

October may be my favorite month. The crisp air, the sun-dappled gold and red leaves, and even the gentle melancholy that comes with the darkening evenings, are all welcome and beloved. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that October is my birthmonth. This year, the prolonged warm weather has meant I’ve been able to continue to swim at Lake Gardner and Salisbury Beach - this photo is from last night while waiting for the moon to rise over the clouds! Such joy.

In Apothecary news, I have been busy harvesting seeds for next year and using my dried cornflowers, chamomile, lavender, and helichrysum in nurturing hydrosols and balms and salves, all in preparation for fall and winter weather. I have been adding those perky, precious calendula flowers to soaps and lotions. 

The goldenrod has been so plentiful this year, and I know how helpful it can be for inflammation and for supporting immunity. Inspired by the folks at Mayernik Kitchen, I have made a goldenrod oxymel, with apple cider vinegar and local honey (Black Birch Farm Apiary) that I can’t wait to try – it takes about four weeks to steep. Stop by for a sample, or you can find the simple recipe here. 

A Little News

  • Save the date: November 29, Small Business Saturday, from 10-3, for our Holiday Shopping Event, at the UU Church of Haverhill at 16 Ashland Street, in Haverhill. We will be filling the warm and inviting Murray Room with one-of-a-kind artwork, tantalizing aromatherapy blends, handcrafted ornaments, yummy treats, and all the holiday feels. We've invited special guest crafters, we're offering exciting door prizes, and much more! 

  • If you can’t make it to the Holiday Shopping Event, or would prefer a private shopping experience, our showroom is all set up and ready for your visit. Stop by for a cup of tea or a glass of wine and browse. Just reply to this email and we will set up a time.

  • Here's a lineup of Craft Fairs we will be showing at this Fall. 

Apothecary Blend Spotlight

  • If you haven’t tried my elderberry rosehip elixir yet, this is a great time of year to do so. Drinking a small sip a day is great for boosting immunity – I’ve been doing it for years – and I find that drinking an ounce twice a day if I’m starting to feel a little under the weather, works wonders. It's yummy on its own, but some folks add it to seltzer or tea or pour it over vanilla ice cream. Here’s a great autumn salad recipe featuring my elderberry rosehip elixir, shared by our friends Charlie and Carolyn. 

My wish is that you feel connected to what is Real in these days: beauty, love, openness, and care for one another. 

Enjoy your moments, enjoy October, enjoy it all,

Linda





September Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

I just can't stop enjoying the clouds. They're fluffy, they're wispy, they're rocking my world.  How do they manage to be both grounding and lofty?

We had a joyous and restorative Jank House Celebration on August 23rd - what a pleasure to be outdoors together!  If you missed it, and you'd like to have some aromatic fun, I invite you to find and enjoy the fourteen Aromatic Herbs growing around the Jank House. Yum! 

Check out two of the new additions to the Jank House:

A Little News:

James and I will be at the North Andover Farmer's Market the next two Sundays, September 14 and September 21, from 10-1 with James' Upcycled Glassworks. Stop by if you can. It's a nice space. It's behind North Andover Town Hall, 120 Main Street - there's lots of good vendors and live music.

In Apothecary news, my Rose Balm is Ready! This morning I made a Beautiful batch of Rose Balm - divine! -in preparation for the crisp Fall weather that's on its way. I love the cool air, but my skin is already feeling a little dry. This luxurious Rose Balm is one of my skin's best allies this time of year. It goes on like liquid silk, penetrates the skin quickly, thanks to the rosehip oil, and offers the skin-nourishing properties and soothing aroma of both rosehip oil and pure rose essential oil. It's great on cuticles, lips, elbows, boo-boos and burns, and is a big support for dry patches and cracked heels, It contains four simple ingredients: rosehip oil, beeswax, rose essential oil, and rose petal powder. A little goes a long way. I have it in 10ml and 30ml glass pots. 

Next time I'll feature two of my go-to cold-weather wellness tools: Elderberry Rosehip Elixir and Breathe Easy inhaler. 

I'll do my best to keep you up to date on our goings-on as our busiest season starts to unfold. And if you prefer to be removed from this list, please respond back with 'remove.'  I guess I should look into a Constant Contact kind of app? I don't know, I'm more of a hands-on person.  

Enjoy your moments. I am.

Linda

August Update from Wildflower Haven

Happy Deep Summer from Wildflower Haven,

When August arrives, I often hear folks say the summer is almost over. Hmmm....well, the ads for back to school supplies have been coming through since July 4th, and I saw a display for Halloween Reese's Cups at CVS the other day.  But let's try not to rush it. The young people and their teachers will be back to school in just about a month, and the weather will turn crisp and cool - but not yet! We've still got several weeks of summer weather ahead. I encourage you to stay in summer mode for as long as you possibly can.

I hope you'll continue to enjoy the summer by joining us on Saturday, August 23 for our Jank House Celebration/Garden Party. We'll be starting at 4pm and it will be an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, enjoy one another's company, and share what is moving in us creatively.  Respond back with any questions. An RSVP isn't necessary, but would be helpful. 

Coming up soon! This Saturday, August 9, I am excited to be offering Aromatherapy Sessions alongside other wellness practitioners at an all day Root to Bloom Retreat in Georgetown, MA. There are still a few spots left! 
In other news, I've been joyfully harvesting calendula, corn flowers, lavender, roman chamomile, german chamomile and helichrysum from my medicinal herb garden, as well as lemon balm, lemon verbena, and spearmint. I'm making oil infusions and hydrosols this month. Come play with me! We'll turn this bounty into soothing and supportive balms, oils, and flower waters. Respond back to this email and we'll find a day to play! 

Enjoy your moments!
Linda

Weed often. Love what’s left.

I'm finally on board with weeding. It’s vital to our ecosystems, and it’s an art that teaches the importance of timing and discernment.

It’s hard to let go, and you don’t know who you might hurt, and you still have to do it to let what you love thrive.

 

legacy*

Despite abundant evidence, it always evokes wonder to learn I’ve had an influence on another..

I feel proud of the legacies I leave. And then afraid. Feels like power which makes me think instantly of corruption.

May I embrace the power of influencing others through the tremendous act of being myself. And may I never be led by this power.

Another razor’s edge to walk.

*this post is dedicated to my Aunt JoAnne pictured here c.1952 with her sister (my mother) Virginia, far left, her brother Charles, and their mother, my grandmother, Josephine. JoAnne was a good and true friend.

 

A Reachable Dream

It's a stretch, I know, but imagine we displace patriarchy. Not overthrow, through marches and ferociously-worded signs; not through boycotting, withholding or blackmail. Just displace it. Agree to something gentler, more user-friendly, more inclusive. Coax one another into solace and generosity. Suggest billionaires use their wealth to source the dreams of strangers - because it’d be fun, because it would feel good. Make space for the violent to sob instead of strike. Be creative, fierce, and merciful enough to share leadership widely and wildly.