The word hydrosol is a chemistry term meaning “water solution”. It is derived from the Latin hydro, meaning, “water”, and sol, for “solution”[1]. My top uses for hydrosols-essential oils secret prize!
When steam distilling plants for their essential oil, there are two ‘containers’, one vessel collects the essential oil, and what is left is the fragrant water.
Every distillation process will contain hydrosol as the end result. Some discard it, others bottle it, and there are specific distillers that are dedicated artisans of hydrosols.
So what makes hydrosols different and gentler than essential oils?
According to Suzanne Catty, author of Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy, “Every liter of hydrosol contains between 0.05 and .2 milliliter of dissolved essential oil ”[2]. With hydrosols, the dissolved essential oil is micronized, in other words, the droplets are incredibly teeny tiny and thoroughly emulsified, much different than placing a drop of an essential oil in a glass of water. Hydrosols are incredibly safe for everyone, even to ingest…gasp….and are definitely a favorite first ‘aromatic’ for babies.
Some hydrosols smell very similar to the plant from which they were derived, while others do not, but they all contain therapeutic properties.
If you want to try aromatics, and you have a baby or a toddler, give hydrosols a try first. Here are a few of my basic recommendations:
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) hydrosol
Roman chamomile hydrosol can be added to a bath and used for any skin discomfort such as diaper rash, heat rash, or cradle cap. This hydrosol can also be mixed with water and applied via a warmed or cooled washcloth; whichever is preferred.
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) hydrosol
German chamomile hydrosol is preferred for teething pain.
Hydrosols are much safer and are still effective. You can apply German chamomile hydrosol neat (without a carrier) with a clean finger to the gum area for quick relief.
I began making hydrosol popsicles for toddlers with rave reviews. A mixture of German chamomile hydrosol (very little is needed), elderberry syrup, a small amount of raw honey to taste and water make tasty popsicles for toddlers. They instinctively know to bite down right on the spot that hurts, and it is smooth sailing. I love these silicone holders.
*Honey is not for babies under one year of age
Elderberry adds nutrition to the popsicle. Follow volume instructions based on the box of syrup. There are a lot of fun options here.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)hydrosol
Lavender hydrosol is one of the more popular hydrosols on the market. Just like the essential oil.
Add Lavender hydrosol to a spray bottle and spray it on any reddened skin. It is an exceptional skin soother.
Add a capful of hydrosol to a bubble bath or to a small amount of lotion for a reassuring and relaxing bedtime massage. Lavender hydrosol is a great enhancement to any night-time routine.
*Do not add a large amount of hydrosol into an existing lotion, you may lose the quality of the emulsion. You would also need to add a preservative, as hydrosols are water based.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)hydrosol (Not for use with small babies)
Peppermint hydrosol, in a spray bottle for cooling down on a hot summer day or if fever is present, is recommended over any other essential oil, hands down. Neither the hydrosol nor the essential oil counterpart will significantly reduce a fever but will definitely provide cooling comfort. You can also soak a washcloth with a capful of the hydrosol and apply to the forehead or back of the neck.
Here are a few more of my favorite uses…..
I have made up a solution 1/1/1 of calendula, tea tree, and Roman chamomile (can use German too) hydrosols as a toner for acne. A bottle sits on many countertops in my local area of teens that swear by it, and no longer use their soaps.
I have all but sworn off soap too! Why? Soap strips away the natural protective acid mantle in the skin creating irritation, it is also very drying, and for some teens even promotes acne! I typically do not use any particular mixture, although I am very fond of rose. Swoon….
I have made hydrosols a staple in my hair care routine. My hair is extremely thick, and extremely course, reminiscent of a horse’s mane, and getting to my scalp is a bit of a challenge. Without hydrosols, I had a really tough time rinsing out all of the conditioners; near impossible, in fact. Enter hydrosols. My favorite here is rosemary hands down, I love Chris Burder’s from Australia, but have substituted lavandin in a pinch. Right before stepping out of the shower I slowly pour cupful’s onto my scalp. My mix is usually 4 cups of warm water to ¼ cup hydrosol. Keep in mind that my hair is really thick and down to my waistband. Measure accordingly for your volume of hair. The result? A clean moisturized scalp, and much shinier manageable hair. I took this photo after a rinse and posted it on my Instagram page:
Start playing around with hydrosols, you will find many more uses for your whole family!
References
[1] [2] Catty, S. (2001) Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy. (p 9) Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
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