Not many people know what the term ‘hydrosols’ stands for (neither did I until completing my aromatherapy program) yet a good number of the population uses them almost daily. This term was coined in the 1990’s by a noted herbalist and aromatherapist Jeanne Rose. Hydrosols are also known as flower waters or hydrolats. They are the by-product of essential oil distillation. The word broken down simply means hydro-water, sol-solution.
Now for some science. During the process of steam distillation, when steam passes through plant matter or biomass (sacs containing the essential oil), let’s say rose petals, the temperature causes the sacs to burst open releasing the essential oil. The oil rises up with the steam, and together they pass through a tube that then passes through a cold condensing chamber. The cold temperature changes the steam back into liquid which then drips out into a separate reservoir where the oil and water separate naturally. The water, now hydrosol, remains on the bottom while the essential oil rises to the top. The essential oil can now be bottled, and guess what, so can the hydrosol!
The water from distillation contains micro drops of essential oil which gives hydrosols their scents, as well as water-soluble plant components that provide the therapeutic effect.
So remember that fad where so many influencers were promoting the use of rosewater? That’s rose hydrosol!
Hydrosols are super gentle and are safe to use on even babies and the elderly. They can be used on anyone to refresh, cleanse, soothe skin irritations, cool hot flashes, moisturize, calm nerves and soothe anger (for the true therapeutic effect). They make for a great aftershave step, toner, make-up remover, and can also be taken internally diluted in water.
Hydrosols are perfectly acid balanced, which makes them perfect for skincare. They are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. You can even use them to freshen up musty clothes as they don’t stain!
Check out popular hydrosols below!
Rose (Rosa damascena)
Skin – Toner for all skin types, after bath splash
Mental care – Aphrodisiac, eases nervousness and mental strain
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Skin – All skin types, gentle, balancing, cooling, universal toner, cools burned skin, hydrating, oily or impure skin, sensitive skin
Mental care – Relaxing, revitalizing, eases mental stress, reduces mental fatigue, relieves jet lag. Spritz on your pillow for a restful sleep
Orange Blossom/Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
Skin – Hydrating to dry skin, toning
Mental Care – Aphrodisiac, uplifting, calming
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Skin – Anti-inflammatory for dry, inflamed, sensitive skin, good for babies
Mental care – Soothes the psyche
Rose Geranium (Pelargoneum roseum)
Skin – Cooling for hot flashes, cellular regeneration, balances oil glands or dry skin
Mental care – Anti-depressant
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Skin – Stimulating and cooling, refreshing, irritated skin. Great for men as an aftershave spray (PSA – keep your eyes closed while spraying!)
Mental Care – Relieves mental fatigue
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Great for respiratory problems, eases breathing
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Skin – Astringent, refreshing
Mental care – Anti-depressant, uplifting, eases mental fatigue
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Skin – Astringent, anti-inflammatory, skin abrasions
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Skin – First aid and general wound care, toner for acne skin, mouthwash for infection, thrush, foot spray, skin disorders including psoriasis and eczema. (Fun fact – first choice for dogs’ hot spots and skin rash)
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