Hydrolats, sometimes called hydrosols, are flower or floral waters. They are made from the waters collected when plants are steam-distilled to gather their natural oils and they offer similar properties to the essential oils themselves, but on a milder level. Raw plant materials consisting of flowers, leaves, bark, wood, seeds or peel are put in a distillation apparatus over water, and as the water is heated the steam passes through the plant material. The vapours flow through a coil where they condense to a liquid, and this liquid is known as a hydrolat. Well known hydrolats include rose water, lavender water, lemon balm and orange blossom water, which have a huge range of aromatherapy uses. Some hydrolats are also used in cosmetics.
The mildness of hydrolats makes them ideal for people with sensitive skin, the elderly, children or people affected by a debilitating illness. Orange flower (neroli) and rose hydrolats are even safe for use on women before, during and after pregnancy. Quality hydrolats are 100% pure with no additives, colours or preservatives. Hydrolats must be stored correctly however, as they are fragile compared to essential oils due to their lack of antibacterial properties.
Hydrolats should be stored in aluminium or glass bottles and away from sources of direct sunlight. Leaving bottles of hydrolats half full for a length of time can cause deterioration because of oxidation, so it is best to transfer the liquid into a smaller sized bottle. When transferring it is important not to let unsterilized items like your fingers come into contact with the content. They can be kept in the fridge, which may maximise their shelf life, but wherever they are stored it is best to keep a note of when you opened your hydrolats so you will know when they will expire.
Hydrolats are seen by many people as worth their elaborate storing process. Hydrolats are 100% natural and are widely used for delicate therapeutic skincare. Hydrolats can be combined with creams, lotions, Aloe Vera and clay, or they can also be used on their own for cleansing and skin toning.
Chamomile is said to have a calming influence on body and mind, lavender has relaxing properties, lemon balm restores skin appearance and tone, peppermint is energising and rosemary has been worshipped since Pagan times so is perfect for meditation.
Another benefit which hydrolats offer is that they are considered antiallergenic. As they are milder than essential oils they present an effective way of soothing allergic reactions. Geranium is calming for eczema-type skin as it provides anti-inflammatory qualities and promotes healing. Geranium hydrolats can be used by adding 30ml to 100ml of non perfumed and uncoloured hand cream. A little peppermint hydrolat added in can relieve itching. Lavender hydrolat can also soothe damaged or fragile skin and relieve irritation if experiencing an allergic reaction. It can be sprayed over dermatitis and heat rashes for a calming effect.
Hydrolats can also be used as a room spray or cooling body spray if transferred to an atomiser. They can also be blended in lotions and creams for moisturising skin care or used in the bath for a calming effect. Hydrolats like rose and neroli can also be used as a scented linen spray.
With a huge range of soothing qualities and scents and a diverse way of application, it's hard not to see the advantages which hydrolats offer.
Visit Base Formula for a huge range of natural hydrolats, essential oils and cosmetic bases. They offer more information on hydrolats and aromatherapy, including news, techniques and courses.
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