Hydrosols, also known as Hydrolats, Hydrolates or Floral Waters, are a
natural by-product of the distillation process of essential oils. During distillation, steam is passed under pressure through plant material (such as flowers or leaves), the oil evaporates and, when cooled, condenses back into liquid form. The essential oil floats on the top of this liquid (or sinks to the bottom, depending on the density of the essential oil). The remainder is an aromatic water, known as a hydrosol. Although not as well-known or easy to obtain as essential oils, hydrosols have their own healing properties and are especially valuable in skin care.
To gain the full benefit of hydrosols, it's important to make sure you buy them from a reputable supplier. There are products on the market which have been manufactured using synthetic fragrances or made by adding essential oils to water, and although these may smell lovely, they don't have the same healing properties as pure hydrosols. Hydrosols sometimes have a different fragrance to that of their essential oil counterpart - Roman Chamomile for example can have a musty smell. Pure hydrosols can be used undiluted, and as they contain no preservatives they should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
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Uses for Hydrosols Skin and Hair Care Rose Otto, Neroli and Lavender hydrosols can be used as a facial toner after cleansing. Use in a spray bottle to cool the skin after being out in the sun or during hot flushes. Hot or tired feet can be revived by spraying with Peppermint hydrosol. Make your own wet-wipes by spraying on a tissue or damp cloth. Add to the final rinse after shampooing to condition and add shine to your hair. Add up to 100ml to your bath water. As hydrosols are gentle on the skin they are also suitable for children. Add up to 50ml of Lavender or Roman Chamomile hydrosol to a child's bath before bedtime to calm them down and soothe any skin irritations.
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Around the Home Avoid using synthetic chemicals in your home by replacing them with hydrosols: Add to the final rinse in the washing machine. Spray onto clothes during ironing. Use as a room spray - not only will they fragrance the air, buy they can help to clear the air of bacteria and viruses.
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Car Journeys To keep you alert during long journeys, spray reviving Peppermint or Rosemary hydrosol into the car.
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The Properties of Hydrosols
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Clary Sage Salvia sclarea
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Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
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Frankincense Boswellia carterii
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Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
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Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
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Melissa (Lemon Balm) Melissa officinalis
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Neroli (Orange Blossom) Citrus aurantium
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Peppermint Mentha piperita
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Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis
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Rose Otto (Rosewater) Rosa damascena
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Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
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Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
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