What You Need To Know About Hydrosols?

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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The Truth About Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Essential oils are popular for their mesmerizing aroma and healing properties which make them alluring to various health care centers, aromatherapy centers, and spas. These oils are good for skin as they improve the skin texture, tackle acne, and enhance the glow of the skin. Some other benefits include their commercial perfumery value, owing to their enchanting aroma. You can use these Natural Oils as per your purpose, but be careful with the purity percentage inclusive of aroma and other contents. With this write-up, we give you a clear picture of the Essential Oils, their types, and availability in the market.

What is Essential Oil?

It is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid that consists of volatile aroma compounds. Scientifically, Essential Oils are also known as ethereal oil, aetherolea, or simply volatile oil. This oil has earned the name "essential" for its distinctive scent or basically "the essence" derived from the plant. Though, these oils are known to have various medicinal properties, they do not fall in the category of culinary, medical, or pharmacological, considering purpose of their use.

Source

It is extracted from aromatic plant by following various processing methods, the most common of which is steam distillation process.

Extraction

Pure Essential Oils can be extracted by following steam distillation process. There are other processes as well which is inclusive of solvent extraction or expression. There are variety extracted from plants of lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, ylang-ylang, and jasmine through steam distillation process. Various parts of these plants such as leaves, root, stem, peel, wood, bark, or seed are used as a raw material for extraction process. Most of the essential oils can be distilled in single distillation process, except from ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata), which takes up to twenty two hours to end through one fractional distillation. The process involves heated water from which the steam passes through the raw materials, thereby vaporizing the volatile compound. Herein, the vapor passes through a coil, wherein they get condensed to liquid, and accumulates in the receiving vessel. It is deeply concentrated due which they are very potent. The water which left from the distillation process is also sold in the market for their fragrance properties, also known as hydro sols. Some of these hydro sols are lavender water, rose water, orange blossom water, Clary sage, lemon balm, and so on. These hydro sols are finding immense usage in cosmetic industry.

Application

It is popular in cosmetic industry, toiletry Industry, Aromatherapy Centers, Spas, and other Health Care Institutions. In case of cosmetics, it is suggested that it used should be of low concentration. Thus, carrier oil is preferred to dilute these oils when applied on skin. Essential Oils are used in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, flavoring food, bath oils, candles, incense sticks, drinks, and a variety of household cleaning products. Due to believe of curative properties in Essential Oils, these are used for massage and other forms of external consumption.

Here you can find the listing of essential oils manufacturers, aromatic oils manufacturers, essential oils suppliers and many more to enhance your business across the globe.

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What You Should Know About Aromatherapy Treatments for Acne

Essential oils offer several anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which make aromatherapy treatments for acne an effective treatment. By providing yourself with a daily massage that includes essential oils you can effectively clear your skin of acne-causing bacteria. Using this tool in your fight against acne effectively promotes blood circulation while playing an active role in stimulating your mood and encouraging relaxation.

Certain aromatherapy treatments work best to target specific areas. One example, lavender oil features many antiseptic qualities. When diluted with witch hazel, lavender oil works effectively to remove problem acne. Lavender tops the list as one of several aromatherapy remedies that inhibit the growth of the bacteria known to cause acne. Jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and myrrh also remain on this list of favorite acne treating essential oils.

Tea tree oil, originally used for first-aid by the Australian army, features many anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. For use in treating acne, mix with aloe vera gel then apply it to clean skin. Once combined with the aloe vera gel, dab it onto the skin on the face, back, or chest, wherever acne occurs with the use of a cotton ball.

When used improperly, essential oils can pose a danger. One common misconception states that anything claiming to be natural will be safe. For topical use, essential oils need dilution. Failing to dilute the oil before applying it to your skin can cause a burn. For people with highly sensitive skin, most doctors and aromatherapists recommend testing the product in an inconspicuous spot prior to the first use. To test, add a single drop of your choice of essential oil to one teaspoon of vegetable oil. Rub this mixture into your skin. If you notice any redness, itching, or other irritation, do not use.

To effectively treat acne on the back, combine three or four of the essential oils that are recommended for use with acne and combine them with purified water and aloe vera gel. Add all of the ingredients to a bottle with a pump spray, preferably a dark or amber colored bottle, shake well and spray the mixture on the back.

When used properly, aromatherapy treatments for acne can unclog pores, heal scars and feature amazing antiseptic properties that help to contribute to clear, fresh skin. One of the most popular items used with the essential oil includes jojoba. This carrier oil remains a top choice used to dilute the oils because it effectively moisturizes the skin without blocking pores and without leaving an oily residue behind.

Joann Carlisle is a writer who looks forward to sharing her knowledge and advice with readers. For more on aromatherapy, Hive Health Media informs readers of other essential healing oils and their benefits.

Original article