Camomile & Honey

Mmm, infused camomile & honey, could anything be more soothing? I read the sales patter:

Experience gentle, caramel harmony. Summer-picked camomile flowers. Slow, golden hour honey notes. Rich, floral, sweet. This is your moment of peace.

Okay.

The reader was then offered a ‘Herbalist Tip’:

While you infuse, cover your cup to prevent the volatile oils inside from escaping. Scan for a mindful moment and recipe ideas.

Volatile oils? Perhaps my cup (and body) would be better off without them. Volatility is something I can do without, thankyou muchly. And why are they so keen to escape? Perhaps they have good reasons. And how will they not pull off this daredevil exit strategy in the brief time gap between the uncovering the cup and lifting it to the mouth? Let them go, I say!

I looked them up. The Naturopathic Herbalist site declares:

Volatile oils (VO) are extracted from plants to produce essential oils, and are some of the most important medicinally active plant constituents. They are also widely used in aromatherapy (often called Aromatics) as they are usually responsible for the distinctive odour of a plant.

It is not only volatile oils which are wont to escape. Health, happiness, contentment and breath itself are all fleet of foot, seeking opportunities to take their leave and be on their way. We Christians have a Good Shepherd who will not let us go, whose kindness and mercy come from seemingly inexhaustible reservoirs. Indeed, He does not merely maintain His generous supplies of goodness, but He multiplies exceedingly. This is grace abounding.