In a recent newsletter I did a little feature on hydrosols, so I thought today I might give you some ideas of what to do with them!! Here is the write up from the newsletter for those who missed it!
“Hydrosols are the condensate water co-produced during the steam – or hydro-distillation of plant material for aroma-therapeutic purposes.”
Hydrosols are also often described as ‘holograms’ of the plant – cool right? Hydrosols contain all of the plant in every drop just like a hologram. They contain all of the water-soluble components and all of the essential oil molecules; the very fluid that was flowing through the plant cells when the plant was collected.
Hydrosols are amazing liquids with taste and scent, chemical make-up, therapeutic properties, and with diverse applications.
A Hydrosol IS NOT water with essential oils added, nor are they water and essential oil combined with a dispersant (alcohol or glycerin).
True Hydrosols, treated with respect, will keep for around one year – sometimes a little longer, but unlike the essential oils that they are co-produced from, they do not have their shelf life. They are not expensive and are virtually harmless. They may be consumed, bathed in, washed with, used in food and drinks, used on pets, fed to your plants, cooked eith, sprayed onto bedding, ironed into clothes – but mostly we put them into our creams, lotions, shampoo, conditioners and almost any bodycare product to enhance its effectiveness. For cooking with a difference, try making a sorbet with your favourite Hydrosol!! Yummy!
Amazing uses for hydrosols!
So here we go – a list of magical things to do with hydrosols!!
For Burns
The hydrosol adds a significant cooling effect and works synergistically with the essential oil. For severe burns add 15 drops of pure essential oil of Lavender to 100ml of Chamomile hydrosol. Spray onto burns and continue using until healing is complete.
Hair Rinses
Hydrosols can be used as a leave-in rinse after shampoo and conditioning, do not rinse out – dry and style as usual. Hydrosols may also be misted directly onto hair and scalp. Excellent for scalp problems, hair loss, poor growth, itchy and or flaky scalp, and dry hair.
For Halitosis
30 mls hydrosol of peppermint.
Take ¼ tsp at a time to a maximum of 30 mls per day. Repeat daily for 7 days. Great even for pets.
Creams and Lotions
Add from 10% to 30% of your favourite hydrosol to your base creams. The more liquid added – the thinner your base cream becomes. If too thin, add further quantity of base cream to e-thicken.
Skin Spritzer
Using a fine mist sprayer – use your favourite hydrosol sprayed directly onto skin after cleansing. Improves skin tone, texture and health.
Shampoos, Conditioners
Dilute 50% – 70% with hydrosol of choice, for shampoo and less for conditioner. Hair will be totally clean, the acid mantle of the scalp will be preserved – they will feed the hair follicle and condition your scalp and hair will shine and be soft and smooth.
Moisturising
Spray straight hydrosol of choice, either singly or in a blend onto face before applying an oil or cream to skin. This helps skin to stay moist longer, whilst balancing the overall texture and condition. Both substances will be emulsified and rapidly absorbed in the process.
We have a rather large range of hydrosols available, all now $9.95
Available in 100ml bottles
Have some fun with hydrosols! E-mail me at donna@cottagehillherbs.co.nz to place your order!
Donna x
