| Floral Waters/Hydrosols/Hydrolates |
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When plant material is subjected to steam distillation two products are produced; the essential oil and the hydrosol (also called Floral Waters or Hydrolates). Hydrosols are water solutions which contain some of the water-soluble micro-molecules of the essential oil in addition to the water-soluable plant components. While essential oils are highly concentrated substances, hydrosols are far gentler as only a very small percentage of the aromatic molecules will remain in the water. Hydrosols can be used in a variety of ways e.g. as a spritzer (spray), as a skin toner, in compresses, when making creams, soaps or lotions hydrosols can be used instead of water.
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| Some Uses of Hydrosols |
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Hydrosol |
Use |
| Rose |
Good for all skin types as a freshner or toner.
Add to cotton pads to put on irritated tired eyes.
Use in a facial or body spray or compress. |
| Neroli |
Good for combination and sensitive skin types.
Good as a room spray when feeling anxious or stressed out. |
| Lavender |
Good for normal and sensitive skin types.
Excellent for soothing sunburn.
Spray on pillows for a good sleep (especially helpful when away from home).
Lavender is good for stress and helps reduce mental fatigue. |
| Roman Chamomile |
Good for dry, sensitive and inflammed skin.
Add to cotton pads to put on irritated tired eyes.
Good as a room spray to calm irritated babies and young children. |
| Lemon Verbena |
Mildly astringent and good for oily skins.
Good in a spritzer to clean and disinfect the air. |
| Rosemary |
Good for sallow skin that needs stimulation and regeneration. |
| Helichrysum |
Good for rejuvenating mature or damaged skin.
Healing and soothing for inflamed skin conditions. |
| Geranium |
Good for mature skins.
Excellent in a spritzer to cool a hot flash. |
| Peppermint |
Excellent as a cooling and deodorizing foot spray.
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References:
Jan Kusmirek, Aromatherapy Quarterly, Summer 1996, No.49, 1996
Beverley von Marksfeld-Fuhrherr, Aromatherapy 101 Course Notes & Aromatherapy 201 Course Notes, 1999.
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