Hydrosols

During the distillation process that yields the Essential Oils, the steam containing the oils is chilled, thus turning into water, with a layer of EO floating on top. The EO's are skimmed off and bottled for our use. In some cases the remaining water is just discarded. However, this water contains both minute molecules of the Essential Oil, as well as all the water soluble elements of the plant that are not present in the Oil.

The 'misters' or 'spritzers' or 'floral waters' that you find in the store have their uses. They often are made of distilled or pure spring water with a few drops of the appropriate Essential Oil added. I make and use them myself, for room scenting, for disinfecting, etc. But they aren't to be confused with a true hydrosol, which can contain many other therapeutic benefits. "Floral Water", especially, may be any one of many things. It could be a true distillate - a hydrosol or hydrolat.  But most often what are sold as "Floral Waters" are water with some sort of fragrance solublized in it. Now it could contain true essential oil or absolute, most often it contains a synthetic fragrance.  Even if made from a blend of essential oil and water, it will lack the specific healing qualities of the hydrosol since different plant chemicals come through in the water portion of the distillate than are found in the Essential Oil.  For example, Linalyl Acetate, which gives good Lavender essential oil is lacking in the hydrosol.  For this reason, the differing water soluble phytochemicals, the hydrosol may or may not smell like the essential oil which emerged from the still at the same time.

Hydrosols have many uses. They can compliment the EO's, as well as extend the scope of the oils themselves. They also allow us to experience some of the benefits of, for example, true bulgarian rose oil at a much more affordable price. I use them to 'back up' the EO's that I use.

Sample uses:  We use Helichrysum Hydrosol to sooth the redness of rosacea or other skin inflammations.  A spritz of Yarrow Hydrosol sooths and heals hot spots on my tiny pomeranian. (Max is far to small for me to use essential oils on his skin.)

Neroli Hydrosol was what my daughter-in-law Hope carried on the plain to ease her 'fear of flying'  and to keep the dry airplane air breathable.  Rose Hydrosol is both a facial toner and a wonderful linen spray.

Lavender or Chamomile hydrosols can soothe a sunburn or also function as a relaxing 'monster spray' to banish night-time monsters.

Chilled peppermint hydrosol is the ultimate summer cooler, either spritzed on, or a bit added to a bottle of spring water.   

Rose Geranium hydrosol is said to calm 'power surges'...Jeanne Rose suggests blending it with one of the mints.    Melissa Hydrosol is a wonderful 'blotter' for oily skin.

Spike lavender or tea tree hydrosols both make gentle antibacterial toners for skin with acne.

This is just a sample of the uses we have for our wide range of hydrosols. Read more about specific HYDROSOLS here.