Hydrosols

What is a Hydrosol and How to Use a Hydrosol

Copper still for distilling essential oils

Ever wondered about hydrosols? These gentle plant waters offer a softer alternative to essential oils and can be used for skincare, home care, and even pets. Let’s explore how they work and how you can use them!

Understanding Hydrosols

In aromatherapy, "less is more" philosophy emphasizes providing the body with gentle support without overwhelming it. Hydrosols, also known as hydrolats, perfectly embody this principle. These aromatic waters are produced during the steam distillation of plants that yield essential oils. Unlike essential oils, which are highly concentrated and require dilution for safe use, hydrosols are the gentle, water-based byproduct of this process. They retain the therapeutic properties of the plant in a milder form, making them safe and suitable for sensitive skin, including that of babies and animals.

It is important to distinguish hydrosols from floral waters. Floral waters are typically created by adding essential oils or fragrance oils to water, whereas hydrosols are therapeutic aromatic waters obtained directly from steam distillation.

Water portion of distillation

Versatility of Hydrosols

Hydrosols bring a fragrant touch of nature to your daily life, offering a wonderful variety of uses that enhance both your skincare routine and household cleaning. In skincare, they shine as gentle toners, healing sprays for minor wounds, or ingredients in water-based cleansers and DIY bug-repellent sprays. For example, lavender or rose hydrosols can soothe overheated skin, while German chamomile or cornflower hydrosols offer relief for allergy-irritated eyes.

Beyond skincare, hydrosols can enhance your home environment. Use them as room sprays, linen mists, or even natural cleaning solutions. Their versatility and gentle nature make them a must-have in any natural wellness toolkit.

Hydrosol Spotlight

Popular Varieties and Their Benefits

Lavender Hydrosol: Relax and Rejuvenate

With its calming and cooling properties, lavender hydrosol is a perfect linen spray. Safe for all ages, spritz it on bedsheets and pillowcases to unwind after a busy day. It also supports healthy skin, soothing redness, bug bites, irritation, diaper rash, and sunburns.

Peppermint Hydrosol: Refresh and Revitalize

Energizing and cooling, peppermint hydrosol revitalizes both mind and body. Use it as a breath-freshening spray, a soothing foot mist, or a facial toner to kickstart your day. It’s also excellent for relieving sore, tense muscles after physical activity.

Eucalyptus Hydrosol: Clarify and Revitalize

Known for its breath-opening properties, eucalyptus hydrosol doubles as a shower spray to decongest sinuses and freshen the air. Its crisp aroma purifies your space naturally.

Helichrysum Hydrosol: Rejuvenate and Soothe

A skincare essential, helichrysum hydrosol soothes irritations and balances the skin. It supports the healing of scars, bruises, swelling, acne, and psoriasis, making it an ideal natural toner.

Rosemary Hydrosol: Clarify and Refresh

Rosemary hydrosol enhances mental clarity, making it an excellent room spray for students or workspaces. It also brightens skin tone, relieves mild irritations, and promotes healthy, shiny hair.

Frankincense Hydrosol: Radiate and Restore

Frankincense hydrosol promotes a radiant complexion and a sense of peace. Use it as the water base in your essential oil diffuser or as a room spray for a calming, cleansing effect.

Calendula Hydrosol: Nourish and Heal

Renowned for its skin-soothing benefits, calendula hydrosol rejuvenates and calms the skin. It’s perfect as a daily toner, a bath additive, or a “boo-boo spray” for minor injuries.

Ginger Hydrosol: Energize and Purify

Bold and spicy, ginger hydrosol aids digestion when mixed with warm honey water. As a body spray or bath additive, it stimulates circulation and warms the body.

How to Use Hydrosols

• Diffuser: Replace water with your favorite hydrosol in an essential oil diffuser

• Room Spray: Use a hydrosol or blend as the base for a refreshing room mist

• Skincare Products: Incorporate hydrosols into homemade soaps, lotions, or creams

• Facial Toner: Swap store-bought toners for a soothing hydrosol, ideal for sensitive skin

• Body Spray: Cool down with a hydrosol mist during hot weather or hot flashes

• Baths and Foot Soaks: Add 2 tablespoons of hydrosol to bathwater or foot soaks for relaxation

• Cleaning Products: Use antimicrobial hydrosols in DIY household cleaners

• Facial Steams: Add 1-2 tablespoons of hydrosol (like lavender or rosemary) to a facial steam

Recipes

Ouchie-Boo-Boo Spray

• 1 oz lavender hydrosol

• 1 oz calendula or helichrysum hydrosol

• 2 oz glass or PET plastic spray bottle

Mix equal amounts of the hydrosols in a spray bottle and label. Shake before using. Spray on affected areas as needed to soothe minor cuts, scrapes, burns, or irritations. For external use only. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 months.

Household Surface Spray

• 1.5 oz peppermint hydrosol

• 1 Tbsp Castile soap or 1 tsp Sal suds

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops juniper berry essential oil

• 1 Tbsp rubbing alcohol

• 2 oz glass or PET plastic spray bottle

Mix all ingredients in the spray bottle and label. Gently shake before using. Use to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Facial Toner Spray

• 1 oz helichrysum hydrosol

• 1 oz frankincense hydrosol

• 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional)

• 2 oz glass or PET plastic flip-top bottle

Mix the hydrosols and optional essential oil in a spray bottle and label it. Shake before using. Apply to face with a cotton ball after washing. Store in a cool space and use within 2-3 months.

How to Make Your Own Hydrosols

Interested in creating your own hydrosols? You don’t need specialized equipment—just a few kitchen items will do. Here’s a simple method to get started:

What You’ll Need:

• A large stockpot with a lid

• Aromatic plant material (preferably fresh, but dried can work; about 2-3 cups)

• Distilled water (enough to cover the plant material by about an inch)

• A heat-safe dividing device (e.g., a bowl, stone, or steamer tray)

• A heat-safe collection bowl

• Optional: A bag of ice

• Dark glass bottles for storage

Instructions:

• Prepare the Pot: Place aromatic plant material (e.g., lavender, spearmint, or rosemary) in the bottom of the stockpot. Add distilled water until it covers the material by about an inch.

Spearmint in stockpot with steamer tray

• Set Up the Divider: Place your dividing device (e.g., a steamer tray or stone) on top of the plant material to create separation.

Makeshift hydrosol distillation kit setup

• Position the Collection Bowl: Place a heat-safe bowl on the divider to collect the distilled hydrosol.

• Add the Lid: Place the pot lid upside down so the handle directs condensed steam into the collection bowl.

Ice bag added to promote condensation collection

• Optional Ice: Add a bag of ice on top of the inverted lid to enhance condensation.

• Heat the Pot: Gently heat the water on low to medium heat to create steam (avoid boiling to prevent scorching or pressure buildup). Steam for about 20-30 minutes, refreshing the ice as needed.

• Cool and Collect: Turn off the heat and let the setup cool completely. Carefully remove the collection bowl and transfer the hydrosol to a dark glass bottle.

• Store Properly: Label and date the bottle, then store it in the refrigerator. Use within 2-3 months for optimal freshness. Discard if the scent changes, the liquid becomes cloudy, or you notice any signs of spoilage.

A Personal Example

I recently made a spearmint hydrosol using this method with dried spearmint leaves. I’ve been using it on my dog, who has been suffering from allergies, evident from red, itchy patches on her stomach. After applying the spearmint hydrosol, her symptoms have significantly improved, and her licking has nearly stopped.

Final Thoughts

Hydrosols are a gentle, versatile, and natural way to incorporate the benefits of aromatic plants into your life. Whether you purchase them or craft your own, they offer endless possibilities for skincare, wellness, and home care. Experiment with different hydrosols and enjoy the delightful results of bringing nature into your daily routine!

What’s your favorite hydrosol recipe? Share in the comments!