Ever heard of hydrosols? They are some of my favorite herbal products and for good reason too! These fantastic herbal products, also known as herbal waters, are a must-have for any herbalist. Curious about how hydrosols are made, their benefits, and how to use them? Read on!

What are Hydrosols?

Hydrosols are essentially herbal water, but not in the way you might think. Unlike decoctions or infusions, hydrosols are created through steam distillation. They are often considered a byproduct of essential oil production, but don't let that fool you—they're incredibly useful in their own right.

Created by Steam Distillation

Steam distillation involves boiling water and directing the steam through fresh plant material. The steam extracts volatile oils from the plants, which are then cooled and collected. The resulting water has a layer of oil on top, which is separated to leave behind essential oils and hydrosols.

Hydrosols vs. Essential Oil Waters

Hydrosols are infused with the essence of the plant, containing small amounts of essential oil and water-soluble compounds. This makes them different from essential oil waters, which are simply essential oils mixed with water. Unlike essential oil waters, hydrosols are safe to use directly on the skin and can have a different aroma than their essential oil counterparts. This is due to the other water soluble compounds that are extracted into the water but that are not oil soluble. These compounds stay dissolved within the hydrosol and do not mix with the oil layer collected on top

Benefits and Uses of Hydrosols

The benefits of hydrosols are as varied as the plants they come from. They are gentler than essential oils, making them perfect for sensitive skin. Hydrosols can be used directly on the skin for both their scent and skin benefits. They have a decent shelf life, which can be extended by adding a small amount of alcohol or potassium sorbate. Potassium sorbate is a common preserving salt. If adding alcohol avoid spraying on your skin as it can be drying.

Aromatherapy Room Spray

Hydrosols are excellent for aromatherapy. To make a room spray, simply combine your favorite hydrosols in a spray bottle.

Uplifting Hydrosols: Citrus hydrosols like orange, lemon, and bergamot are invigorating and uplifting. Try them for an instant mood boost! As well, warming scents like cinnamon and clove are absolutely divine for awakening your mind and charging up.

Calming Hydrosols: Lavender, rose, and eucalyptus hydrosols are perfect for creating a calm atmosphere. Spray your pillow before bed for a restful sleep.

Hydrosols for Focus: Use hydrosols like frankincense, lemongrass, ylang ylang, and sage to help you stay focused and present. Whenever I find my mind wandering when I know I need to focus on something, spraying a bit of herbal water can bring me back to the present moment and help me focus. If you have a specific blend that you use everytime you need to get some work done you can trick your mind into associating it with being productive! It's an easy way to help you stay on track.

If you are looking for a quick aromatherapy fix, look no further than these enchanting herbal waters. Choose your hydrosol just like you would your essential oil for aromatherapy. To make a room spray, simply combine your hydrosols together into a spray bottle.

Skincare Staple

Hydrosols are a wonderful addition to any skincare routine. They can be used as facial toners and don’t need to be rinsed off.

Toning: Witch hazel hydrosol is a well-known toner that tightens the skin. A fun fact is that most witch hazel waters are actually hydrosols! Chamomile, helichrysum and calendula hydrosols are also great for reducing redness and calming the skin. These herbs are known as astringents, meaning they tighten the skin!

Hydrating: Hydrosols like rose and lavender are highly hydrating and can give your skin a much-needed moisture boost. I find that not only is the scent divine, the calming action of these herbs is exactly what my skin needs when it's feeling dry.

Cleansing: Similar to micellar waters, hydrosols can cleanse the skin by pulling excess oil from your pores and washing away dirt. Frankincense hydrosol is particularly effective as both a cleanser and acne treatment.

Hydrosols are an amazing addition to your skincare routine. You can use them just like you would a facial toner, and because they are gentle you don't need to wash them off at all!

Do Not Consume

It’s important to note that hydrosols should not be consumed as they contain essential oils. You should never consume essential oils the same goes for these herbal waters. Instead, opt for infused waters like rose water or orange blossom water, which are made by steeping rather than distilling.

I hope you enjoyed this post on hydrosols! If you have any questions, please let me know!