by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
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.
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
Check out my FREE offer below!
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Parenting is hard!
I am sure you have heard it and said it many times over, “Parenting is the best job on the planet, but also the hardest”. My boys are now 9 and 11, I am a newly single parent….and I can say with utmost confidence to all the new parents out there, it does not get easier. I do not say this to hear a collective “sigh”, but let’s face it, having kids is not easy! There is no manual! Hey, if there is a manual, can you all share it with me please?
So, if a trusted friend offers you help…you take it, willingly. When I had friends step up and say, “Just let me know when you need help, I am here”, my first instinct was to say “I got this”…..but I wound up graciously accepting their help, many times over, and I am very grateful for it.
There have been many conversations around a table talking about the latest achievements and the biggest challenges. Learning what works for other parents is very helpful to me. The same goes for many other areas of my life, but that “testimonial if you will” usually stops at medical advice. There is usually a limit to solicited advice for all of us, right?
Now, if I decided to head to Google to ask for advice about my kid’s behavior, I would be sure to find a plethora of information, many of it conflicting, about what it is I could do to get over my most recent challenge with my boys. Blogs, books, webinars, pieces of training, you name it….I would be reading for days, not really being sure if any of it would actually work. Some advice from parents, others from educated professionals, and everywhere in between.
The same goes for aromatherapy, if you Google a question you will find a plethora of good information, as well as a plethora of not so good information. The advice will come from parents, salesmen and woman, educated aromatherapists, and everywhere in between.
There are issues with both of these scenarios, but the one with the most risk is the latter. I can follow a few pieces of well-meaning bad advice about parenting, and the worst that will happen is it will not work, or I suppose it could even get worse…but not at any real risk to health or safety.
We cannot say the same about aromatherapy.
Even so, well-meaning individuals give bad advice every day. This is not intentional nor malicious…but it happens none-the-less. I know there are many parents out there that are hesitating to start using essential oil in the home because they just do not feel confident enough. Am I right? I also know quite a few who have contacted me asking if something they have been doing is ok, and I tread lightly when I explain to them why they should stop listening to that piece of advice poste haste, and really consider reevaluating where they are getting their essential oil advice from.
I, like all of you, want to know that I am doing the best that I can for my kids. There is no shame in relearning what we thought we knew. No one knows everything, and no one is always right. One thing is for sure, your kids do not need for you to be perfect, they just need you.
At the end of the day, you are your worst critic…..but I am here to cheer you on!
I decided to ask parents some questions on Survey Monkey about what type of information they were looking for. The response was outstanding! Over 300 parents chimed in about what they want to know….and for those of you that answered that survey and for those of you reading this today, I am going to be focusing on providing those very answers!
This is an exciting time; my focus is shifting, just a little. I will always, always, always make safety number one in all of my recommendations, but mom’s….you are getting all of my attention. Parenting is hard, and I can make it easier! So, with that in mind, welcome to “Mom’s Essential Oil Evolution”, strengthening families and empowering mom’s.
Let’s get started!
Want to know more about me and my mission? Click here!
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
Check out my FREE offer below!
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.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Essential oils for the youngest in the home. As someone that focuses on essential oil safety above all else, I tend to talk about why specific oils or methods of use are not safe. Today I want to shift focus to what essential oils are safe and look at them in a bit of detail. Empowering and helping are two words that are very important to me and my business…because if I do not support you to feel empowered to help your family, your children, and yourself..then what have I done? Fear is not where it’s at, so let us begin!
I am not an advocate of “never” use essential oils under the age of two, but I do recommend caution on using oils on the skin of our littlest blessings in the home. It is also important to acknowledge that other methods could be useful before automatically reaching for your oils.
Essential Oils for the Youngest in the Home
Herbs
When my boys were still little babies, I often used herbs before essential oils. Many times I was successful with herbal remedies and saved the oils for myself. Aviva Romm was a go-to for information a decade ago, as was Rosemary Gladstar. If you are interested in learning more about herbs for small children, I will list some resources at the end of this article for further study.
Elder Flowers Sambucus nigra, is great for overall immune boosting as well as to use in a weakened tea when there is a fever present.
Chamomile Matricaria recutita tea weakened down and given in very small doses is very effective for settling gassy tummies.
Linden Flowers Tilia europaea L. is soothing for a child who feels generally unwell and dehydration is a concern.
Calendula Calendula officinalis is a wonder herb for dry, irritated, rashy skin, including bums.
Of course, as with any remedy, natural or otherwise…every parent must do their due diligence and research.research,research. Herbs are a fantastic modality for even the littlest in the home.
Hydrosols
With the exception of maybe Peppermint Mentha piperita, hydrosols are a perfect choice for babies and small children. They are much gentler than essential oils, can often times be used undiluted, and come without the many cautions and contraindications that many essential oils do. Gentle, effective and safe.
By far, the two books that I recommend for hydrosol use for babies and children (and adults) are Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy by Suzanne Catty, and Harvest to Hydrosol by Ann Harman (see below).
Great First Essential Oils
Back to essential oils, there are quite a few that are perfectly safe for babies and small children. We always want to keep in mind that less is more, very low dilutions are always a good idea to start with. Oftentimes you will find that you need very little to be effective. I recommend using Plant Therapy’s dilution chart, found here.
I tend to recommend to my clients to avoid essential oils topically less than one year of age if it can be helped but definitely avoid for the first few months of life. I would consider their skin to be oversensitive; their skin is still very delicate.
Short periods of diffusion is likely your best bet under one year of age (10-20 minutes is a safe amount of time), and if topical use is necessary, remember to use the smallest amount possible, or reach for your hydrosols first. In addition, when diffusing make sure baby is in a well-ventilated room.
*For more information on safe diffusing and why, refer to Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety 2e.
Here are a few of the oils that I recommend as first use oils:
Chamomile Roman Anthemis nobilis
Go stand in the middle of an apple orchard and close your eyes, take a big deep cleansing breath. You are smelling Roman Chamomile. R. Chamomile is very high in esters, therefore it is a very calming essential oil. It is also very soothing to irritated skin of all varieties and is a great tummy soother.
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
The aroma of Lavender is fresh and sweet, floral and slightly herbaceous. Lavender is superior for supporting mental wellness, promoting a good night sleep, supporting a healthy stress response, and is great to soothe sun-kissed or irritated skin.
*Special note: Lavender is a favorite of many and used often, therefore, we should pay attention to how much we are using it (As we really should with any oil we use). Less is more.
Lemon Citrus limon
Lemon smells amazzzing! Super sweet, fresh, and fruity. Due to the phototoxic risk of this essential oil, I recommend diffusing only unless you are very well-versed in how to use oils topically that are phototoxic.
Diffusing lemon essential oil is a great support for a healthy immune system. It can also be utilized in school-aged children as a pick them up to get them started in the morning, or just to alleviate “Grumpy Gus” syndrome.
Orange Citrus Sinensis
This is by far the most used oil in my household. It calms my 12-year-old like no other oil. It is known as both uplifting for the mood, yet calming on the nervous system. Lavender is often called the Swiss Army® knives of essential oils, but I can easily apply that term here as well for sweet orange. Sweet orange is not photo-toxic to the skin, yay!. A few other varieties are Bitter orange Citrus aurantium var. amara, Wild orange Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck and Blood orange Citrus sinensis (not all-inclusive). Steam distilled vs cold-pressed is often misunderstood when it comes to photo-toxicity. If you are unsure what you have, please reach out to your essential oil provider.
Mandarin Red Citrus nobilis
This is hands down one of my favorite citrus essential oils. Citrusy and tangy, super sweet and fresh. I would diffuse this oil when my oldest (probably 3 at the time) was going through a “Mom don’t you dare leave this room” phase. I would sit and rock him and Mandarin would have him resting in no time, but is great for all ages.
Mandarin Red is a superior, mood-lifter, and promotes all the happy go lucky feelings of being a kid. It is a great addition to a diffuser blend when under the weather, supporting a quicker recovery by providing comfort. Helps to calm thoughts so sleep can come. This essential oil is not phototoxic.
Rosalina Melaleuca ericifolia
Rosalina is herbaceous, medicinal, robust, warm, and slightly spicy.
There are even times when our little ones need assistance to push their bodies toward homeostasis. They need support. It is important to note that essential oils are not a cure, but there are times where essential oils are called on to give the immune system a little extra oompf. Rosalina can be used here.
A powerhouse for supporting a healthy respiratory system, Rosalina is a great oil for kids, has calming properties like Lavender as well as is soothing to skin bites and various irritations like tea tree. A very well-rounded essential oil, and a must-have for your wellness kit.
*Special note: If you are utilizing Rosalina between the ages of three months to one year to support a healthy respiratory system, I recommend light diffusing only. Save must-have topical use for Chamomile Roman, Lavender and Mandarin Red.
These are the first few essential oils that I do not hesitate to recommend for use (not all-inclusive). I always analyze benefit vs risk in all things. Always start with the least invasive, at the smallest dose. When we respect them and their methods of use, many essential oils are perfectly safe for even our youngest in the home.
Let me know if you have any questions, you can direct them to Lifeholistically@gmail.com. I am happy to assist, always.
Stay tuned for more information on essential oils and kids coming soon!
Herbal Recommendations
Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs A Beginner’s Guide
Additional Resources
Petersen, D. (1986-2014) American College of Healthcare Sciences. Aromatherapy Materia Medica Essential Oil Monographs
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.
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
Check out my FREE offer below!
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