Lovely, Lovely Hydrosols by Kathy Steinbock

In my last post, I wrote up a very short and sweet description of Essential Oil Steam Distillation.  Recall that the essential oil contained in the plant is actually absorbed into steam, and once in the condenser, the steam/oil is cooled and thus reconstituted as liquid to be collected in the essencier.  The oil is lighter and floats on top of the water for easy extraction, thus leaving the wonderful 'hydrosol' or 'distillate' water.

       

This brings us to today’s subject, hydrosols.  Hydrosols are by-products of the distillation process; they’re the pure 'distillate' water that remains.  They are relatively clear with the consistency of water and an aroma similar to — but not exact to — the essential oil.  Hydrosols contain very small amounts of the essential oil, as well as soluble components of the plant material, and they offer an opportunity to use a well-diluted potency of a plant's essential oils.

We offer several hydrosols — or distillates, as we refer to them here at Essential Wholesale — and we sell sample sizes of all of them.  We recommend that you purchase samples to be sure that the scent is agreeable to you.Here are some of the many uses for our distillates:

    Add to your bath water for a lovely bath treatment

    Use in your formula for the water phase in soaps, lotions and crèmes

Since many essential oils are contraindicated for cats and small dogs, distillates are gentle enough to be used on or near them as an ear wash, or to soothe hot spots

    Wonderful as a room spray or added to your humidifier

    Use as a compress for wounds, bruises or other injuries

    Great to spray on your tired and sweaty feet

    Use distillates to wash your yoga mat

    Use as a mist or toner after cleansing, or to cool skin on a hot day

Ahhh, lovely, lovely hydrosols.  Enjoy!

Comments

[Madea]

Great idea, I hadn't thought about adding them to my humidifier. But I will now.

[Natural Health Lifestyle]

Very good to know. I'd never heard of hydrosols before, but I've recently got in to making my own natural bath and hygiene products for home use. This sounds like something to explore further.