What is a Hydrosol?
Using spring or well water, I distill plant materials, using my Copper Al-Ambiq still. Alchemical results of the process transform the matter and yield small amounts of essential oil, and hydrosol…the water rippling gently out. This potent, distillated water now contains cells of the essential oils found in living plants. Infusing it with their scent, energy, and bio-chemical products it becomes a new synergistic water solution, safe for a number of uses.
Hydrosols should be refrigerated or kept at cellar temperature. Generally, they have a shelf life of one year. I generally leave a trace amount of oil in the water for extra added benefits. So, best to shake before use.
How are they used?
Hydrosols are used in high end skin and hair care products, and perfumery, and are safe enough to be applied directly to the face and body. Depending on the properties they contain, they can be applied topically for skin conditions, in the air for disinfectant, or as a room freshener, and added to other ingredients for healthy home cleaning products. They can be used in the kitchen for cooking and such, and can also provide medicinal applications, including relief from Stress, and Fatigue.
The following are my favorites that grow at the ranch:
**Rose (100% (Rosa Damascena Kazanlik): Bulgarian Roses bloom once a year to produce prolific, small flowers packed with fragrance. Rose is an aphrodisiac, its scent is known to open the heart, and sooth anger. It acts as a great toner for all skin types. Use it straight as a mist for face, hair and body, or as a base for cologne and body care products. It softens and soothes inflammation. Add an ounce to any already existing product you have in your shower and notice the improvement. Long appreciated in cooking and baking, it also tastes great in cocktails, lemonade, and tea. One spritz per drink… a relaxant, a little bit goes along way as it also works as a laxative 😉
**True Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla): Applied to the skin it acts as a balancer, degreaser, aftershave, and treats sunburn and acne prone skin. Used as an occasional hair wash or adding it to your conditioner will clean excess oils and chemicals from your hair. Mentally, it calms the psyche, while acting as a stimulant. A teaspoon in a glass of water will aid in sleep or an upset tummy. It is also antiviral, it can be added to equal parts vinegar to make an effective surface cleaning product.
**Lavender (Lavendula Intermedia Grosso): Everyone’s favorite fragrance because it instantly relaxes you. A sleeping aid, it also works as an antiseptic and is anti-inflammatory. Spray the air, body, linens, to refresh. Spray the water directly on the skin to sooth a sunburn.
** Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Balances hormones. Regenerative, it can be applied directly or added to any beauty product, supplying additional benefits to skin and hair. Alone it makes a refreshing facial mist equip to combat hot flashes. The scent has been known to lift the psyche. Use generously and enjoy.
