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Artemisia
ARTEMISIA ANNUA HYDROLATE
A sure game changer: the power of a pill and the potency of poetry in just one sip.
Oriol Blanch is the artisan distiller at EssènciasCat in northern Catalonia, Spain. He was inspired to distill Artemisia annua after experiencing and reading about the medicinal properties of the dried herb administered in infusions or tinctures. The plant, used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for 'fever from exhaustion, tuberculosis, lard, wounds, scabies and dysentery', is moonlighting as the subject of many studies to to its effects on various diseases, ranging from inflammatory, cancer, bacterial and parasite-related infections. The first mention of A. annua for the treatment of malaria-related fever and chills was made between 284-365AD by Hong Ge in the “Manual for Emergency Recipes” and the artemisinin molecule is currently being widely researched and used in the treatment of malaria.
(The isolated molecule artemisinin is now being combined with antimalarial molecules such as amodiaquine or lumefantrine, as resistance to artemisinin monotherapy is emerging. However, when artemisinin works synergistically with other molecules present in Artemisia annua, such as saponins, polysaccharides, scopoletin and chemical components of the essential oil, no signs of resistance have been observed.)
Recently, it has been revealed that A. annua shows inhibitory effects against parasites, viruses, fungi and bacteria. It has also been reported that A. annua possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer actions, which is why it is being used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, leukemia, colon cancer, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, non-small lung cancer, prostate cancer and hepatomas (the most common type of liver tumor in adults). In addition to this significant display of medicinal properties, recent studies are evaluating the activities of immunoregulation, the prevention of the appearance of ulcers, antiasthmatics, antinociceptive (the action or process of blocking the detection of a painful or damaging stimulus for sensory neurons) and anti-osteoporotic A. yearly A rather exciting plant, named after the goddess of herbal medicine, protector of nature and virgins; the warrior Artemisia.
Back to our first cup of 'tea' from A. annua - was truly memorable, if not for its terribly bitter taste, then for the remarkable 'vitality' of the plant and the power, speed and efficiency of its healing. It's fun to remember how devastatingly accurate Artemisia is with her silver bow and arrow. We started growing a small plantation and did our first distillation, which produced no essential oil as the amount of plant material was too small. No need to worry. The hydrolat, produced by passing 1 liter of steam for every kilo of plant, became EssènciasCat's best seller. Effervescent 'moon water'; a silky, dreamy glow that slid down our throats, burst through our senses and we knew 'that was enough'. The feeling of 'sufficiency' that too often eludes us was here. Artemisia hydrolat is the power of a pill and the power of poetry in just one sip.
We filled our pour over still in the subsequent distillations with organic A. annua. The essential oil was released and stored, as well as hundreds of liters of hydrolate. The essential oil flies out of the bottle, like Artemisia herself in a crescent moon; with the potential, drive and energy that makes spring come out of winter. (1) The essential oil has significant variations in its composition. Ours contains artemisinin ketone (33%), α-pinene (7.98%), 1,8 cineole (7.81%), trans-beta caryophyllene (7.42%), germacrene D (6.61%), camphor (5.86%) and alcohol of Artemisia (5.07%) among other compounds.
The essential oil is considered a monoterpene ketone. It is made of plants that 'seem covered by a white veil'. (2). The A. annua can grow up to 2 m tall and dance high with its tiny 'florets', defying gravity; an inhabitant of the lunar garden if there is one. Artemisia is an aspect of lunar medicine that we will explore later. Suffice it to say here that she 'rides dragons and knows her way through hell. There are no days, only an instant.' (3). It activates our third eye, bringing spiritual clarity and objectivity in our social relationships.
However, the essential oil is neurotoxic and abortifacient. It should not be taken internally and topical application is also not advised. Inhalation is the best option and only for short periods of time (three days). It should never be used by pregnant women, infants or children under 10 years of age. However, hydrosol opens many more doors for healing as it is much more diluted, while retaining the aromatic and healing properties of the oil. It certainly tastes much, much better than the unpleasant infusion, and 1 tablespoon in water is much more concentrated than a cup of tea.
Look at the molecular composition of A. annua is very useful in understanding where this drive resides, the ability to ride dragons, the pointed precision and ferocious character of the oil.
The main component of our essential oil is artemisinin ketone, discovered in 1938 but later forgotten. A recent study from Serbia (NS Radulovic et al, Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2013, 58, 37-49) shows that artemisinin ketone has stronger preventive antioxidant and chain-breaking activity and more potent antimicrobial activity than other monoterpenes acquaintances Ketones, including camphor, can reduce pain and inflammation. (4) They are also antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, healing, mucolytic, expectorant, decongestant, immunostimulant and analgesic.
α-Pinene is a monoterpene and, like artemisinin ketone, is an effective decongestant, wonderful for disinfecting (especially atmospherically in a diffuser) and activates the lymphatic and circulatory systems. It also dispels fear and enables courage and confidence. The goddess Artemisia symbolizes the indomitable, fierce and centered archetype. This is their medicine. She is dedicated to her causes and her people and is surrounded by female solidarity and companionship (as well as forest animals and dogs!). Just the kind of nutritional support we need when we're at our worst. Interestingly, as a flower essence, it is recommended to address 'feelings like loss or abandonment with great wisdom, understanding and strength' (5).
Then we find the oxide, 1,8 cineole, famous for its mucolytic and spasmolytic action on the respiratory tract with proven clinical efficacy. 1,8-cineole has also shown therapeutic benefits in inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 1,8 cineole also reduces airborne antimicrobials, tension headaches, and suppresses coughs.
Let us again examine the character of Artemisia. When battling serious health problems, a patient often needs to be unyielding in their perseverance. The ability to reflect becomes essential to integrate a serious condition or diagnosis into life. Here we have the deepest medicine of the shining moon, its art of reflection. Our dreams, our shadow, our subconscious, as well as our unpredictability, our feelings, our darker and less rational selves must be given space and care during our illnesses. Usually, they hold the keys to our healing as well.
Towards the end of the distillation, the sesquiterpenes, trans-beta-caryophyllene and germacrene D appear. These molecules are more difficult to extract and are usually found in roots, resins and wood. But here they are, among the volatile oil of A. annua which is actually referred to as 'wood' in some of its traditional apothecary names: Sweet wormwood, Sweet Annie, Sweet Sagewort, wormseed, sloven wood, old woman, old man, lad's love – all these names strongly suggest the diversity and the cultural importance of this charismatic Compositae. Sesquiterpenes promote a holistic vision, the perception of subtle worlds, unite telluric and cosmic energy, dispel blockages, stiffness, calm, relax and regulate the nervous system.
β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene, has antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, as well as anxiolytic and local anesthetic effects. Its unique ability to bind to CB2 receptors and the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, it helps relieve anxiety and pain, lower cholesterol, prevent osteoporosis, and treat seizures. Trans-Caryophyllene (which is also found in the cannabis plant) activates the endocannabinoid system. Trans-Caryophyllene also has well-documented anti-inflammatory activity. Trans-beta-caryophyllene is known for its warm, spicy and hot notes. Combined with 1,8-cineole and ketones, one finds a unique aroma of reflections in a deep, cold pool. These aromas are perceived both in the hydrolate and in the essential oil. By ingesting it diluted in a glass of water, you may want to connect with the aroma by inhaling the liquid before swallowing or while the hydrosol is in your mouth before swallowing, to further connect with your medicinal poetry. It is also possible to put the hydrolat directly under the tongue so that it enters the bloodstream directly. The flavor is sharper, and the aroma can be enjoyed 'internally' within the mouth and nasal cavities. Germacren D is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It increases the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to a decrease in brain activity, causing muscle relaxation with a calming effect. As you can imagine, germacren D is anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-tussive and dilates blood vessels. It promotes the secretion of bile by the liver and prevents liver damage.
What a myriad of actions A. annua has on our complex array of diseases! No wonder it has numerous names and uses! Although the tea is terribly bitter and the essential oil is neurotoxic, it is a great relief that the hydrolate is miraculous moon water without contraindications.
So far, chemists and doctors are promoting the use of the hydrolate of A. annua as an immune system booster to be taken weekly, preventing viral and bacterial infections, especially for those with weaker health conditions, exposed to the general public or during flu season. Hydrosol is also used to treat viral and bacterial infections of the lungs. Travelers take the hydrolat on their trips to Asia and Africa to avoid contracting malaria. Those who have stopped smoking follow a treatment to clear their lungs.
It is recommended to combine the use of A. annua with conventional or natural treatments for psoriasis, HIV, malaria, melanoma, leukemia, coronavirus, jaundice, respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and diseases related to the lymphatic, nervous and immune systems. The hydrolate preserves all the poetry and power of the plant. The wonderful smell of the moonlit pool where Artemisia herself bathed (don't worry, I don't think goddesses get that dirty) transports us to receive messages, secrets, the vitality of the plant, rather than the message stiff 'take this' from a bitter tea, lips sealed. The hydrosol has the effectiveness and immediacy of a pill, which, in today's culture, is very convenient, while containing all the poetry and power of the plant that we normally enjoy in an essential oil.
Interestingly, the European Union has considered distilling A. annua to be legal. It's not on the list of legal plants to distill, but it's not illegal either. It would be wonderful to clear his name and increase research into the use of hydrolate. Hydrolat is a safe way to experience Artemisia with her entourage of nymphs, woodland animals and dogs. She will guide you through the wilderness of illness. The poetry of its aroma and powerful cocktail of chemicals break like charms on our body systems. Her fierce healing medicine, combined with the purity of a virgin goddess, is essential to help us navigate devastating illnesses and to safely strengthen our immune systems.
Elizabeth Ashley, Melissa Officinalis
Lydia Bosson, Energetic Aromatherapy
Dale Pendell, Pharmako / Poeia: Plant Powers, Poisons and Herbcraft
Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
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