Applications of Hydrosols

Hydrosols can be thought of as a homeopathic version of the essential oil. They are safe and gentle for topical and internal use, highly effective in low dilution and few contraindications. There are a myriad of ways to use these healing waters in skin and body care, for health issues, with children, animals and in the home. Esoteric and metaphysical use of hydrosols has been actively researched and relays the abundant energetic properties of these amazing waters.

A hydrosol is a product of the distillation process. While in the vapor state this distillate water is responsible for carrying the essential oil to the seperator. The water- soluble constituents of the plant are contained in it which give it its aroma and therapeutic properties.

There is a variety of ways to use this "healing water." The most common is as a refreshing skin care mist or toner, compresses; added to water for hair rinse; as an additive to clay masks and creams; subtle and natural 'perfume' for children and taken internally for a myriad of health benefits.

Use as an additive to a humidifier; a tablespoon will add a refreshing, subtle aroma and more, up to a cup, will increase the aroma strength.

Gentle enough even for babies, Lavender, Helichrysum or Rose can be used for a baby's bottom; spray directly on skin (the mist is fine enough it won't be too shocking!) to soothe and heal or add a tablespoon to a small bucket of warm water and use to wet the cloth at change time or meal time cleanup and take the spritz bottle and some baby wash cloths along to replace synthetic baby wipes.

Use as a gentle and effective alternative to essential oils for your sensitive pets (birds and cats are better off with hydrosols rather than essential oils) as an additive to bath or rinse water, for ear cleaning, and a spritz or compress on wounds or sores, etc.

And, of course, floral waters are commonly used in the culinary arts: think Baklava with rose water sprinkled on top; Lavender Lemonade, and Ylang Ylang alone or combined with the other tasty hydrosols, in ice cream making! Use in teas; baking (add 1 teaspoon to tablespoon to wet ingredients or spritz on just before serving); mix into the water for making ice cubes...
All of our hydrosols are free of additives. Mostly stable, their shelf life is dependent on the plant, the distillation process and storage and is usually one to two years, depending. Keep in a cool, dark place and minimize opening the bottle (our 120ml/4oz. and 240ml/8oz. come with spray tops). Out of date floral water can be used in the bath, diluted into water for plants, making cleaning products for your home or added to the compost pile. The opportunities are almost endless!

General Information

PhotoHydrosols, also know as hydrolats, floral waters, distillates and plant waters, are an aqueous byproduct of the distillation process. There are many therapeutic benefits found in hydrosols because they hold the water soluble properties of the plant distilled, often including small quantities of water soluble essential oil. They are not just waters but are imbued with the aroma and flavor of the distilled material.

Suzanne Catty in her book Hydrosols – The Next Aromatherapy defines hydrosols this way:
Hydrosols are the condensate water co-produced during the steam or hydro-distillation of plant material for aromatherapeutic purposes. Usually the distillation is undertaken to obtain the essential oils contained in the plant material, but occasionally the distillation is undertaken specifically to produce the plant water that results.

She also mentions that a therapeutic hydrosol should be produced from organic or certified organic plant material free of pesticides or chemicals. Ideally, a longer distillation under low atmospheric pressure preserves all the therapeutic components of the plant material.

All of the hydrosols produced by Essential Aura come from organic or certified organic growers, harvested sustainably, and produced with low pressure, low temperature and longer distillation times, providing the full spectrum of therapeutic attributes.

What Hydrosols are NOT

Hydrosols are not herb teas, essences, tinctures, decoctions, macerations, or infusions. Nor are they distilled, spring, or tap water with essential oil added. Hydrosols are distillates produced during distillation of the plant material they originate from.

Catty suggests that in a litre of hydrosol there is between .05 and .2 ml of dissolved essential oil. The chemical profile of the essential oils IN the hydrosol is different than that found in the pure essential oil. The reason being that the hydrophilic properties of the essential oil are found only in the hydrosol and the essential oil that separates is lipophilic. Beyond the hydrophilic essential oil, other water soluble substances are also found in the hydrosol. This is what makes the hydrosol such a unique product.

Helichrysum Hydrosol -- CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

This is certified organic, steam-distilled hydrosol made from USA-grown Helichrysum angustifolium flowering tops. The odor is warm, herbaceous, and floral. Scent can vary by batch.

Good for bruises, wounds, scar prevention, healing of the skin, great for inflammation and acne. Recommended in Virginia Doran's Facial Rejuvenation program.

Properties: Strong anti-hematoma, slightly analgesic, significantly anti-inflammatory and cicatrisant for all wound and tissue damage, gingivitis and receding gums, speeds recovery after a long illness.

Lavender Hydrosol

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An excellent daily skin care treatment for any skin type. Especially cooling for eczema and regenerative for fragile or damaged skin. Cleansing and refreshing, add it to masks, use before and after shaving to prevent inflammation and ingrown hairs, or use in the home, car or office to promote calmness. Excellent for use as a gentle and effective cleanser and healer for cuts and scrapes for adults and children this Organic distilled Lavender hydrosol can be used for infants as a room spray for calming sleep, in the bath or spritzed on a cloth for a healthy alternative to baby wipes. Young children can use it as their own personal and non-allergenic perfume mist. Also useful as an after sun spray or in a cold compress for headaches and migraines.

Rose Hydrosol -- CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

The soothing properties of Rose evens out blotchy skin tone, treats inflammation, hydrates delicate skin and regenerates skin cells, diminishing the aging process. Cooling and mildly astringent, use it in a face mask, steam or as a compress. For the chemically sensitive, this distilled Rose hydrosol is worth a try as a lightly aromatic and hypoallergenic personal or room spray. Benefits emotional processing, balance and improves ability to love. A good scent to assist in decision making and completion of projects.

4oz and 8oz come in a spray top bottle. For use as a toner, spritz face and neck after cleansing. Do not rinse. Follow with recommended facial cream.

All our hydrosols are organic and the brand is Biodynamica by Essential Aura. LARGER SIZES MAY BE AVAILABLE - PLEASE INQUIRE. Special orders cannot be returned.

Organic helichrysum hydrosol is currently unavailable.

Organic lavender hydrosol is $9.50 for 4 oz spray, $12.50 for 8 oz spray, and $22.50 for 16 oz refill size.

Organic rose hydrosol is is currently unavailable.

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