Hydrosols are the biproducts of essential oils which are steam distilled from dried or fresh plant materials containing their many compounds. They are versatile and are used in many ways ranging from cosmetics to household products.
Some hydrosols are known for their anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, and deodorizing properties, and have been used in treating various skin conditions. With that said, let us dig deeper in finding out why hydrosols are good for your health.
Most of us would not be influenced to put chemicals in our bodies so why do you want to put it on your skin, your body’s largest organ?
Most commercial hydrosols are made with synthetic chemicals which can be very hard on the skin and will cause more harm than good. On the other hand, hydrosols (flower water) are made with the finest of nature’s treat that keeps your body moist and healthy.
Why Hydrosol Is Good For Your Health
With so much flower water on the market, it is important for you to find one whose feel of luxury and tantalizing scent will speak to your inner soul. If your favorite is lavender, citrus, or something else, you have options. We have identified a few to help kick-start your search.
Commercial hydrosol (flower waters) are made to last longer as the chemicals act as a buffer for you to use less because they can cause dryness to your skin creating more harm than good.
With our recommended hydrosol, I am sure you will be able to choose one that will give you the added benefits for your health needs. In addition, because they are natural you will be able to enjoy the goodness in the ounce.
Rose Hydrosol
Rose is a flower that generates a strong feeling of love, soft fragrant, and romantic. The beautiful bloom is more than just a declaration of love, It’s also an amazing ingredient for skin care and more.
Rose hydrosol offers some wonderful benefits which are listed:
- hydration
- anti-inflammatory properties
- the ability to soothe irritated skin
- culinary ingredient
- hair care
- household disinfectant
Rose hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after steam-distilling roses. While hydrosols have the same properties as essential oils, they are less concentrated.
The high concentration of antioxidants in rose hydrosol has many potential benefits for the skin. As a water-based ingredient rose hydrosol makes a fantastic addition to cleansers, serums, and other products with a fluid consistency.
Flowers have a long history of adding a touch of elegance to your meals and date back to Middle Eastern cuisines.
Rose water is one of those special culinary ingredients that will work wonders when used in various desserts and drinks. Using rose water is not complicated you need only a small amount and this is because of its strong aroma and potent nature.
There is, however, a tendency to confuse rose water (that which has been scented with petals or rose essential oil) with rose hydrosol. When shopping for the rose hydrosol, be sure to differentiate the two.
The hydrosol contains a small percentage of the oil and is highly aromatherapeutic. It also has a long history of hair care. When sprayed directly onto the scalp, the vitamins penetrate the skin and hair follicles and provide them with the goodness they lack, triggering hair growth.
Rose hydrosol is a clever way to enhance the smell of your home. One popular way of using it is as a linen spray. You can use your hydrosol in any way preferable to you for enhancing your home’s beauty. It is a personal choice.
Chamomile Hydrosol
Chamomile is a herbaceous plant from the daisy family with flowers on long stems and can grow up to about 3 feet in height. Believed to originate in Western and Southern Europe, Chamomile is now grown across the globe.
The hydrosol from the plant is used in various departments for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
It is also used to practice aromatherapy due to its gentle richness and soothing properties. Chamomile hydrosol can be used for easing feelings of anger, frustration, anxiety, and depression. Some benefits of chamomile hydrosol include:
- Relief of irritated skin condition
- Clean and soothe minor cuts, and burns, among other wounds
- Relieves itchy burning eyes
- Heals scars and stretch marks
- Food spray
- Room spray
- Anti-allergenic spray
The many possibilities of using chamomile hydrosol are well documented and can blend well with other herbs to add more benefits and increase its effectiveness.
Lavender Hydrosol
Lavender hydrosol has been known the world over and has been used for centuries and its application has been well-tested through time.
Here are some proven, tested, and tried benefits according to Nicholas Culpeper, a 17th
Century English Herbalist:
- Fainting and swooning
- Diaper rash
- Sunburn
- Irritated skin
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Insomnia
For fainting and swooning, lavender hydrosol can be applied to the temples or nostrils. In addition, lavender hydrosol can help recover your voice, or if you find yourself trembling.
Lavender hydrosol or the essential oil has already been a staple in toilet waters containing alcohol and other aromatics which makes it no stranger to your home.
Lavender hydrosol is not as concentrated as its oil, so you don’t have to worry about dilution, just put some in a spray bottle and spray and it will do the trick for you.
Lemon Hydrosol
Lemon hydrosol is known for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, and deodorizing properties. It has been used in treating various skin conditions such as:-
- Greasy skin
- Acne
- Cellulite
- Varicose veins
The rich contents of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and citric acids, are believed to significantly help to lighten dark spots and reduce wrinkles and scars from acne.
The hydrosol is effective in combating excessive oil production on the face leaving skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
This hydrosol needs no further dilution and can be used to replace the water in the formulation of other products
How is Hydrosol made?
The most popular method of making hydrosol is through the steam distillation process. This is where the plant material with all its many compounds is placed in a steam distillery.
The process is started by placing the plant material in the distillery cup along with distilled water and injecting heat.
When the water is heated, the plant extract is released and travels through a chrome pipe that is covered
with cold water. The cold water helps to condense the plant extract and convert it into essential oil and distillate.
Essential oil and water are released into a holding changer where the oil is separated from the water. The leftover water is the potent hydrosol (flower water) which contains small amounts of essential oil.
Conclusion
Hydrosols are commonly called “flower waters”. This is because they are produced by distilling plant materials like flowers and other botanical matters.
Hydrosols are the byproducts of essential oil and have therapeutic properties and can be used for skin care, and other health and household benefits
Hydrosols can be used without any further dilution as they are soothing to the skin and will not cause irritation. They can also be used to fragrance products without adding essential oils which can be harsh on the skin.
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I hope you find this post of value to you and if you have a question you may leave a comment below and I will be more than happy to help you out
MazieT