8 Hydrosols for Summer!
Have you heard of a hydrosol before?
A hydrosol is the aqueous solution of the steam distillation of a plant. Hydro meaning ~ water, and sol meaning ~ soluble, these liquid aromatics are also known as hydrolates, and floral waters. Often, hydrosols are byproducts of the essential oil steam distillation process, where the intent of the distillation is to create a good essential oil vs a good hydrosol. To obtain a good oil, such distillations can go on longer than what would benefit a higher quality hydrosol. Most often, said hydrosols become blended with essential oils and oil dispersants, found in your common chain stores. We have something rare and unique in our botanical apothecary, since we are always on the hunt for the best and most exceptional products!
Our new hydrosols are distilled for the sole purpose of a superior hydrosol, yielding a more potent end product compared to the lengthy heated byproduct hydrosols. Our particular hydrosols are made from pure spring water and organic plant materials and are distilled and harvested the same day. These hydrosols are truly exceptional. It is curious to note that because hydrosols have a very low concentration of aromatic chemical compounds, they smell distinctly different than their intensely aromatic essential oil counterparts, often smelling more of the herbaceous notes than the lovely floral notes. Also, due to the gentle nature of hydrosols, they are generally well tolerated on sensitive skin and often recommend for pregnant women, infants/children, the elderly, and with animals.
These gentle hydrosols can be used alongside other natural remedies for safe and effective treatments like outdoor repellents, after sun soothing lotions, bites and scrapes and other outdoor summer care. Please note, these are still powerful and can be diluted further to extend a hydrosol. Being 100% pure and preservative free, hydrosols are best kept in the fridge to keep them from spoiling.
Here are a few of our unique organic hydrosols we are featuring to get an early start on summertime remedies:
Lemon Balm is a good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory hydrosol. It is helpful for calming rashes, irritations, eczema and for after-sun body care. This is also soothing to the nerves, as Lemon Balm contains some aldehydes that are effective for topical use on shingles and herpes sores.
Lavender has a very herbaceous smell to it, unlike its essential oil counterpart. Suitable for all skin types it makes an excellent toner and wound healer, especially during summer for scrapes, sunburns and insect bites. Blended with Rose Geranium hydrosol and a dash of pure alcohol (not rubbing alcohol), it is safe to be used on outdoor cats as a tick repellent. Learn more.
Floral Tonique is a unique combination hydrosol of rose geranium, lavender, and lemon verbena. It is highly anti-inflammatory, calming, cooling and hydrating to the skin. Learn more.
Rose Geranium is a cooling hydrosol with great anti-inflammatory properties. This is useful on skin conditions with redness, broken capillaries, couperose, rosacea and hot flashes. To use for soothing hot skin conditions, keep refrigerated to increase its cooling effects – see notes under lavender hydrosol. Learn more.
Holy Basil is rejuvenating, calming and restorative. This is a good balancer for stress or anxiety, and is great to calm down children or pets due to its soothing effects. Holy Basil is also known to be helpful for destroying microorganisms that may carry disease, so makes a great antimicrobial hydrosol. Learn more.
Peppermint is cooling, revitalizing and anti-inflammatory for any kind of heated conditions (like sunburns). It works great for irritated and inflamed skin conditions and is an effective stimulant for the mind. Keep refrigerated to maximize its cooling effects (it is extremely helpful during hot flashes). Learn more.
Sweetgrass is energetically clearing and uplifting. Traditionally used as a smudge and air purifier, Sweetgrass aids in clearing spaces with the intent of bringing in peace and joy. This one is certainly a staff favorite! Learn more.
Rosemary is a great mind and body stimulant, supporting mental clarity, stimulating circulation and is a powerful antioxidant. We are feature it in our luscious “All Spruced Up Spray” from our blog; a spray for freshening up gym equipment or even yourself. This hydrosol also does a great job in bug sprays and tick repellents. Learn more.
Feel free to stop by our Botanical Apothecary or call us at 780-433-1090 ext. 4 to ask any of our botanical consultants any questions you may have. Shop Earth’s Aromatique Hydrosols online or in our Botanical Apothecary. Get Directions!
