Hydrosol
Information
 Hydrosols,
also know as hydrolats, floral waters, distillates and
plant waters, are an aqueous biproduct 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.
Defined by Suzanne Catty in her book “Hydrosols
– The Next Aromatherapy” as:
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, 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.
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.
Properties of Individual Hydrosols
Helichrysum
Aroma: Dry, warm, herbaceous, and haylike
Taste: Strongly bitter and soaplike
Properties: Strong anti-hematoma, slightly analgesic,
significantly anti-inflammatory and cicatrisant for
all wound and tissue damage, gingivitis and receding
gums, take internally for liver support, speeds recovery
after a long illness.
Lavender
Aroma: Floral and sweet with a honey overtone
Taste: Soapy and sweet comparable to eating dried lavender
Properties: Mainly for topical use, hydrating, skin
regenerative, calms sunburn, heat rash, rashes, itching
and bug bites, cleanses wounds, useful for insomnia,
refreshing room spray
Rose
Aroma: Moist, cool, intensely floral and fresh as a
rose
Taste: Dramatic and overwhelming, needs dilution
Properties: Highly recommended as a hormonal balancer
when used in dilution internally, treats the Autonomic
Nervous System to give euphoric feeling, adds and retains
moisture to dry/mature skin, improves immunity against
allergic reactions, promotes balance and aids emotional
healing
Hydrosol therapy is relatively new to the field of aromatherapy
and although research is ongoing by the professional
community data is still scarce.
We are in the process of creating profiles, based on
current research, of our other organic hydrosols. We
recommend referencing the essential oil uses to determine
probable properties of its hydrosol taking into account
the above mentioned nature of hydrosols.
We are open to feedback from consumers for suggested
applications and benefits.
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