Hydrosols Part I

HYDROSOLS

A hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after hydro-distilling or steam-distilling botanical material, such as specific plants and essential oils. Hydrosols, as well as pure essential oils, are used for aromatherapeutic purposes. Hydrosols can also be used for medicinal purposes and are considered the homeopathic version of aromatherapy. When these plants or essential oils are steam-distilled they are safe to use with children, animals and people with a poor immune system. Hydrosols are used in cosmetics, holistic treatment and in food as a digestive aid. It is also known as treatments to better suite people who are prone to sensitivity.

Essential oils are not recommended to be used on your skin if it is undiluted. Hydrosols are much gentler on the skin without further dilution.

History

The word “hydrosol” is originated from the Latin language. The chemistry term, “water solution”, is derived from the Latin word hydro meaning “water” and the word sol meaning solution.

Beware of “Floral Waters” and other terms

Sometimes water simply blended with essential oils are sold as floral waters or improperly classified as hydrosols. It is always wise to ask vendors for details about the hydrosols that they sell to ensure that what you are purchasing is a true hydrosol as defined here.

Hydrosols are not distilled, spring or tap water mixed with essential oils. Hydrosol homemade recipes found on the internet cannot be classified as a hydrosol. The reason for this is that to obtain a hydrosol, you must distill plant material in a still. Water mixed with essential oils are still something you can mix at home and use as a face or room spritzer, just be sure it is correctly and safely diluted.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Hydrosol

Tea Tree Hydrosol is known as one of the most useful hydrosols to have, and we cannot agree more. This hydrosol has been tried and tested by us and is also a product to be purchased on our store. The combination of Tea Tree and Frankincense hydrosols are a perfect match to use as a rejuvenating and hydrating toner, suitable for all skin types. More detailed information will be discussed regarding these two hydrosols, Keep reading to find out why we cannot live without these healthy products.

Amazing properties of the Tea Tree hydrosol:

· Antiseptic,

· Anti fungal,

· Antibacterial, and

· Antiviral.

Benefits of a hydrosol includes that it can be used internally and topically.

Applications for internal use:

· Use to gargle or as a mouthwash to assist with a soar throat, coughs and gingivitis.

· Combined with honey and essential oils, it can be ingested and aids as a natural cough syrup.

· To combat chest infections, combine with eucalyptus or rosemary. Use a few drops to snuff (like a nasal spray) for allergies and sinus congestion.

· 1 Tablespoon 4 times a day will help cleanse parasites. Combine with peppermint for bad breath that is a result from poor digestion.

Applications for topical use:

· Use undiluted to clean any type of cut, scrape and wound.

· Perfectly safe for children, and if combined with lavender hydrosol it is an excellent remedy for their “ouchies”.

· Use clean cotton balls to wash areas where skin infections are present as the Tea Tree hydrosol reacts positively to any skin ailment.

· Soak in or compress the hydrosol for nails with a fungal infection. Afterwards, use a drop of clove oil directly on the infected nail.

· For psoriasis, use internally and topically for about 3 weeks. Combine with yarrow and apply directly on the affected areas.

So, what does this amazing hydrosol smell or taste like, you might ask…

Tea Tree hydrosol, unfortunately, has an unpleasant taste and odor, like a sharp, medicinal disinfectant. Dilution, however, will improve the flavor quite a bit. Since it’s purely used for health benefits, you might want to ingest it undiluted in a small amount rather than sipping all day long.

Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) Hydrosol

Frankincense Hydrosol is popularly used for its energising and anti-aging properties. It is fantastic for the skin. Experience this hydrosol for yourself and see how it effects your energy levels and concentrate especially on how your body reacts to the expansion of your energy levels.

Applications for internal use:

· Try taking a drop or two, undiluted, before your quite time with God, as it is known to deepen and expand breathing and open airways.

· As it is a diuretic, it can dry up excess mucus in the lungs and assist with phlegm.

· It may be a beneficial treatment for mouth and/or gum infections as a gargle.

· Combined with Sandalwood it may assist with infections of the reproductive and urinary systems.

Applications for topical use:

· For an almost immediate noticeable finer texture on your skin, mist Frankincense Hydrosol over your face and leave it to air dry.

· Perfect for high humidity summers.

· It can also aid as a daily treatment for winkles.

· May be used in face masks for an almost instant lift.

· Combined with Rock Rose and other hydrosols. We absolutely love and recommend trying the combination of Tea Tree and Frankincense, available in our shop.

The scent of Frankincense Hydrosol is of a slightly sweeter and warmer smell in comparison with Frankincense Essential Oil. Undiluted, it has a bitter taste, although not unappealing. Diluted, it loses all the bitterness and becomes soft and warm with a very dry texture.

Keep a look out for our next blog on Hydrosols...