Understanding Hydrosols: Nature’s Therapeutic Waters.

Hydrosols, also known as hydrolats, floral waters, or distillates, are a by-product of the distillation process used to extract essential oils. These aromatic waters are an essential part of the aromatherapy and holistic health communities due to their mild therapeutic properties and versatile applications. Despite their long-standing historical use, hydrosols remain underappreciated by many therapists and herbalists. This article delves into what hydrosols are, how they are made, their composition, benefits, and how they can be incorporated into everyday life.

What Are Hydrosols?

The term "hydrosol" comes from the Greek words "hydro" (water) and "sol" (solution), meaning "water solution." Simply put, hydrosols are water-based products that are produced during the process of distilling essential oils from plant material. According to Suzanne Catty, a well-known figure in the field of aromatherapy, a hydrosol is the water that remains after steam has passed through plant material, capturing its volatile oils and other water-soluble compounds.

In a typical distillation process, steam is generated and passed through plant matter, which may contain both water-soluble compounds and essential oils. The steam helps extract the volatile oils from the plant material, which then travel through a condensing tube and are cooled back into liquid form. The essential oil separates from the water due to the difference in density. What remains after the essential oil is siphoned off is the hydrosol, which contains a blend of the plant’s volatile compounds and a small percentage (usually between 0.02% to 0.05%) of essential oils.

What Is Hydrolat?

The French observed that some hydrosols initially come out of the still looking every bit like a glass of watery milk. So hydro stayed but “lait”, meaning milk in French, was added. A lot of Aromatherapist still use this term, but the phenomenon in which the distillate is milky resolves into a clear liquid within hours, days, or weeks, so by the time the consumer has it in hand, it isn’t actually a glass of watery milk, or hydrolat, any longer.

What Is Aromatic Water?

It is easy to use this term, however, it isn’t wholly accurate, since some hydrosols produced have very little aroma to them. For example, calendula and echinacea hydrosols are very low-door and smell a bit like a boring herbal tea. When compared with a bright aroma like rose hydrosol, they are a bit disappointing to the nose.

ESSENTIAL WATERS or ESSENTIAL OIL WATERS - this is another term that attempts to present this solution to a novice, but isn’t completely accurate either, as some hydrosols are distilled from plants that have no volatile oils in them at all.

What Is Floral Water?

Who wouldn’t want a floral water on their vanity? But what about the floral waters not distilled from actual flowers, like the bright lemongrass hydrosol distilled from the leaves of the lemongrass plant or the crisp pine hydrosol distilled from the needles or cones or bark of the pine tree? A lovely name, but it falls short in defining the breadth of hydrosols available to us.

How Hydrosols Are Made?

The process of making hydrosols involves several steps:

1. Distillation Setup: Fresh water and plant material are loaded into a still, which is a vessel designed for steam distillation. This still is typically made of copper for its conductive properties.

2. Steam Extraction: The water is heated until it turns into steam. As the steam travels through the plant material, it captures both the plant’s cellular water and its essential oils.

3. Condensation: The steam passes through a cooling coil, where chilled water runs over the coil to rapidly cool the steam, transforming it back into liquid water.

4. Separation: The essential oils and hydrosol naturally separate due to differences in density. The hydrosol, containing water-soluble components and trace amounts of essential oils, is collected, while the essential oils are siphoned off.

5. Storage: Hydrosols are typically stored in bottles that are dark and sealed to protect them from light and contaminants. They have a relatively short shelf life compared to essential oils, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years, and should be refrigerated to preserve their potency.

Composition of Hydrosols:

Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are not concentrated extracts, but they still contain bioactive compounds that offer numerous health benefits. Hydrosols contain water-soluble compounds such as volatile hydrophilic components, which are essential plant molecules that have a unique affinity for water. These compounds are often responsible for the distinct therapeutic properties of hydrosols.

Because hydrosols are milder and more diluted than essential oils, they often provide gentler effects. They may have subtle differences in fragrance from the essential oils of the same plant, though their scent is often reminiscent of their partner essential oils.

For example:

• Roman Chamomile Hydrosol contains 5-33% esters, which are known for their antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. It also contains alcohols (11-23%) that offer antibacterial and decongestant benefits. Roman Chamomile is commonly used in treatments for tired eyes, inflammation, and sleeping difficulties.

• Lavender Hydrosol consists primarily of alcohols (56-69%) with ketones (18-19%) and is known for its antibacterial, calming, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help alleviate headaches, ease mental fatigue, and soothe skin conditions like acne and burns.

• Tea Tree Hydrosol is dominated by alcohols (93-94%) and is recognized for its antiviral, bactericidal, and decongestant effects. It is widely used for treating skin irritations, fungal infections, and as a mouthwash for sore throats.

Therapeutic Benefits of Hydrosols:

Hydrosols offer a variety of therapeutic uses, both internally and externally. These benefits are often milder than those of essential oils, making them a safe option for individuals seeking gentle, non-invasive treatments.

1. Internal Use: Hydrosols can be taken internally, though it is important to consult a qualified practitioner before using them for medicinal purposes. In France and Belgium, hydrosols are used as homeopathic remedies and can be taken over extended periods (1-2 months). They are considered safe for internal use, provided they are of high quality and stored correctly.

2. External Use: Hydrosols are popular in skincare for their ability to cleanse and tone the skin. They are used in compresses, facial toners, and skin treatments. Lavender and chamomile hydrosols, for instance, are great for soothing irritated skin, acne, and eczema.

3. Antiseptic and Antibacterial Properties: Hydrosols, particularly those made from plants like tea tree and lavender, have natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. They can be used to disinfect wounds, treat fungal infections, and serve as a natural mouthwash.

4. Mental Health Benefits: Many hydrosols, such as lavender and roman chamomile, are known for their calming and relaxing effects, making them ideal for stress reduction, anxiety relief, and sleep aid. They can be sprayed in the room or added to a bath to promote relaxation.

Hydrosols in Everyday Life:

Hydrosols have various practical applications in daily life. These include:

• Room Sprays: Hydrosols can be sprayed to refresh and purify the air in a room. Lavender, rose, and chamomile hydrosols make excellent room fresheners with their gentle fragrances.

• Skincare: Hydrosols are frequently used in DIY beauty products like toners, lotions, and creams. They hydrate the skin, balance oil production, and provide a subtle, natural fragrance.

• Sleep and Relaxation: Hydrosols like lavender or roman chamomile can be used to promote a restful night’s sleep. Spraying them on pillows, bed linens, or in the room can create a calming atmosphere.

• Compresses: Hydrosols are ideal for compresses to reduce inflammation and irritation. They can be applied to tired eyes, bruises, and irritated skin.

Why Are Hydrosols Not More Widely Used?

Despite their many benefits, hydrosols are underutilized by many in the holistic health and aromatherapy communities. Several reasons for this include:

• Lack of Understanding: Many therapists are not familiar with hydrosols and may confuse them with other water-based products like herbal infusions or “false” waters.

• Scientific Research: Hydrosols have not been studied as extensively as essential oils, and their therapeutic properties are often backed by anecdotal evidence rather than scientific research.

• Limited Availability: True hydrosols are often harder to find compared to essential oils, and few companies provide detailed chemical analysis for their hydrosols.

Despite these challenges, there is growing interest in hydrosols as a gentler, safer alternative to essential oils for various health and beauty applications.

I Want To Know More About Hydrosols:

My absolute favourite list of books that are available at your local library or on Amazon:

• Amy Kreydin. Aromatic Waters: Therapeutic, Cosmetic, and Culinary Hydrosol Applications.

• Shirley Price. Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy: A Guide for Health Professionals.

• Ann Harman. Harvest To Hydrosol Second Edition: Distill Your Own Exquisite Hydrosols at Home.

• Suzanne Catty. Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy.

• Lydia Bosson. Hydrosol Therapy: A Handbook for Aromatherapists and Other Practitioners.

Where Can I Buy Good Quality Hydrosols?

My top places to purchase quality products:

https://www.voyageursoapandcandle.com

https://soapandmore.ca

https://www.naturewisdom.ca

https://www.terrebleu.ca

What Do I Create With Hydrosols?

Face toner for youth "Lavender & Aloe Vera"

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Face toner "Ferulic Acid & Vitamin C"

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Face Toner "Vanilla Bean & Hibiscus"

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Face Toner "Champa Flower & Blueberry"

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Face Foam Cleanser "Vanilla & Turmeric"

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Hair hydration mist

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Conclusion:

Hydrosols are a valuable but often overlooked product in the world of aromatherapy and holistic healing. These water-based distillates offer therapeutic benefits that are milder than essential oils, making them an ideal choice for people seeking natural remedies with fewer risks. Whether used for skin care, mental relaxation, or internal wellness, hydrosols provide a wide range of applications that can complement and enhance essential oil therapy. As awareness grows and scientific studies on their benefits continue to expand, hydrosols may gain more recognition for their subtle yet potent healing properties.

References:

• Catty, Suzanne. Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy. 2001.

• Müller, Bernd. "Hydrosols: The Homeopathy of Aromatherapy?" Aromatherapy Journal, 2005.