How To Use Hydrolats

Hydrolats, also known as hydrosols, are simply flower or floral waters

. They are made from the waters collected when plants are steam-distilled to gather their essential oils so they offer similar properties to the essential oils themselves, but on a milder level. Raw plant materials consisting of flowers, leaves, bark, wood, seeds or peel are put into a distillation apparatus over water, and as the water is heated the steam passes through the plant material. The vapours flow through a coil where they condense to a liquid, and this liquid is called as a hydrolat. Popular hydrolats include rose water, lavender water, lemon balm and orange blossom water, which possess a range of aromatherapy uses. Some hydrolats are also used in cosmetics.

The mildness of hydrolats makes them ideal for those with sensitive skin, the elderly, children or people suffering from a debilitating illness. Orange flower (neroli) and rose hydrolats are even safe for use on women before, during and after pregnancy. Good quality hydrolats are 100% pure with no additives, colours or preservatives. Hydrolats must be stored correctly however, as they are delicate compared to essential oils due to their lack of antibacterial properties.

Hydrolats should be kept in aluminium or glass bottles and away from sources of direct sunlight. Leaving bottles of hydrolats half full for a length of time can cause deterioration due to oxidation, so it is best to transfer the liquid into a smaller bottle. When transferring it is important not to let unsterilized items like your fingers touch the content. They can be kept in the fridge, which may maximise their shelf life, but wherever they are stored it is best to make a note of when you opened your hydrolats so you will know when they will expire.

Hydrolats are seen by many people as worth their elaborate storing process. Hydrolats are 100% natural and are commonly used for mild therapeutic skincare. Hydrolats can be blended with creams, lotions, Aloe Vera and clay, or they can also be used on their own for cleansing and toning.

Chamomile is said to have a calming influence on body and mind, lavender has relaxing properties, lemon balm restores skin appearance and tone, peppermint is energising and rosemary has been worshipped since Pagan times so is great for meditation.

Another benefit which hydrolats offer is that they are considered to be antiallergenic. As they are milder than essential oils they present an effective way of soothing allergic reactions. Geranium is soothing for eczema-type skin as it provides anti-inflammatory properties and promotes healing. Geranium hydrolats can be used by adding 30ml to 100ml of non perfumed and uncoloured hand cream. A little peppermint hydrolat added in can relieve itching. Lavender hydrolat can also soothe damaged or fragile skin and relieve irritation if experiencing an allergic reaction. It can be sprayed over dermatitis and heat rashes for a calming effect.

Hydrolats can also be used as a room spray or cooling body spray if transferred to an atomiser . They can also be blended in with lotions and creams for hydrating skin care or used in the bath for a calming effect. Hydrolats such as rose or neroli can also be used as a scented linen spray.

With a huge range of soothing properties and scents along with a diverse way of application, it"s hard not to see the benefits which hydrolats offer.

by: Georgia Greenwood

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