Understanding Hydrolats: The Specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy
by Len Price and Shirley Price
To learn more about Aromatherapy:
'Miracle Waters'
Hydrosols are commonly referred to by many names: hydrolates, toilet waters, aqua vitae, essential waters, herbal waters, floral waters, hydroflorates, or distillates.
Hydrosols are the condensate water that is left over after the natural process of extracting an essential oil by water or steam distillation. This aromatic water contains the very essence of everything that was contained within the plant when it was still alive and growing. By and large, hydrosols are used in flavouring, medicine, and skin care.
When essential oils are extracted by steam distillation, some of the aromatic and healing principles held within the plant are not captured during the process. These are absorbed by the steam or water that is used to extract the oil.
Hydrosols contain the water soluble plant molecules that also retain healing energy from the properties of the plants which do not form an oil residue. In other words, they contain all of the essence of the plant in every drop, just like essential oils but in a milder form.
Since there is approximately .02% of essential oil in hydrosols, it makes them suitable for all manner of applications where essential oils would be too strong. For example as topical skin applications, with children, the elderly, or individuals with sensitive skin.
Until the Middle Ages the art of water distillation was employed specifically for the purpose of producing these precious aromatic waters, and amazingly, very little attention was paid to the precious essential oil that was produced. Essential oils were utilised of course, but they were extracted by infusing the plant material in a vegetable oil until it had absorbed all of the healing properties of the volatile oils.
The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans are all known to have made great use of hydrosols for their healing and aesthetic properties along with infusions and unguents.
As essential oils became increasingly more popular, the use of hydrosols began to slowly decline. By the early 20th Century the healing benefits of these miracle waters were generally being ignored, with the precious hydrosols actually being thrown away after distilling the essential oil.
Today, hydrosols are considered an important co-product and are being incorporated more and more into cosmetics, aromatherapy, holistic medicine and in culinary creations. Literature on the subject is also on the rise. A good example is Grace Firth's 1983 book entitled Secrets of the Still, in which she documents much of the process that goes into making and using herbal distillates.
Hydrosols have a huge array of uses. For example in skin care as a skin toner diluted with distilled water in a spray bottle, or incorporated into skin creams and lotions. They can be poured in the bath to make a gentle fragrance with therapeutic properties or applied to a handkerchief for use as a compress for sports injuries or bumps and sprains.
Hydrosols are a mild perfume ingredient, they can be sprayed directly onto the skin or can be used as a rinse for delicately scented hair. Try them in a humidifier or in a foot spa. Add them as flavouring ingredients to food and beverages. Spray them on cotton sheets for sensuously scented bedding, table linen, and while ironing clothes. They can also be used as a disinfectant for wiping surfaces or washing. Hydrosols are ideal for aromatherapy burners - to be used instead of oil, in a humidifier, or in a spray bottle as a toilet water or an air freshener.
The actual chemical components of distillates have not yet been fully identified, but it is known that distillates contain essential oil compounds as well as organic acids which are hydrophilic (water-loving) with a pH between 5-6.
Because hydrosols are somewhat acidic, they tend to inhibit bacterial growth and are considered ‘skin-friendly’. Bacteria do not live well in acidic environments (which is why acidic liquids such as vinegar make good preservatives for food items like pickles or olives).
Acidic environments are astringent and so the hydrosols are useful in skin care products as astringents to constrict and contract the tissues. They also act as a mild antiseptic and have healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is important to note that hydrosols are not sterile. They are a fresh product, like milk, and should be kept refrigerated.
Lavender hydrosol can be used in any skin care regime as it is suitable for all skin types. It is especially ideal for oily and combination skin. It can be used for children as it is calming and relaxing.
It is also suitable for hyperactive types who are very sensitive to strong smells. Pleasant for spraying on sheets before sleep for a restful atmosphere or to spray on a handkerchief to wipe across the brow to ease tension.
Medicinally it is recommended by aromatherapists for soothing heat rashes, irritations, abrasions and localised swellings. A must for a first-aid or travel kit: it is an excellent coolant for minor burns, rashes, and hot sores. Mentally refreshing and marvelous on the emotions.
Many of the 'floral waters' available today have been made with synthetic compounds which have no therapeutic or beautifying qualities. Others are produced by adding essential oils or absolutes to water by using alcohol or some other type of dispersant or solvent.
This may appear to be perfectly acceptable, since the finished product contains essential oil and has a pleasant fragrance similar to a natural hydrosol.
However, this type of reconstituted product lacks the wealth of vital healing properties present in a true hydrosol. After all, many of the plant constituents were dissolved into the water whilst extracting the oil, so they were never present in the essential oil in the first place. Therefore adding an essential oil to water will never create a product with the same range of healing benefits as a true hydrosol.
There is simply no substitute for a true hydrosol.
Of late it has become quite common for these man-made products to be misleadingly referred to as hydrosols or hydrolats by some manufacturers and suppliers, thus making the situation extremely confusing. Be sure to seek reassurances that you are buying a natural, co-product and not a re-constituted counterfeit.
