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Wisdom of the Earth Aromatherapy Hydrosols
What are hydrosols?
When plant material is steam distilled to produce an essential oil, the water that comes off of that process has a considerable amount of essential oil in it…that water is known as a hydrosol. Some farmers release the water from the distillation back on to the land; for years, it was considered “waste”. But in recent years, the value of this precious liquid has been recognized, so increasingly, more and more farmers are capturing this water and offering it to people like Wisdom of the Earth for medicinal hydrosols. They are very subtle, yet, in aromatherapy, subtle means powerful…so they are a perfect example of this principle.
While many use the term “hydrosol” and “floral water” interchangeably, my teachers in Europe drew an important distinction between them. Floral water, as they described it, is the mixture of water and an essential oil. So…I have a cup of distilled water, and I place 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum in it…do I have a Helichrysum hydrosol?? NO…I have a mixture of water and Helichrysum. If I am distilling Helichrysum, and I capture the first water (which is said to be the most aromatic) siphoned from the distillation during the processing, YES, I have a true Helichrysum hydrosol.
Is a floral water as potent as a hydrosol?? I think not. During the distillation, the water cells are imbued with the Helichrysum essential oil…and have become more than the simple addition of water and essence…they have become something unique, a hydrosol.
Photo: Essential oil from a steam distillation shown atop the water from "the cook" ...the hydrosol. Many thanks to Gary Stadler of HeartMagic.com, a producer of distillation equipment, for this picture.
How are hydrosols used?
Some of our hydrosols are offered in 4 oz (120 ml) spray bottles; others are offered in 30 or 60 ml dropper bottles. All can be used as libations…several sprays, or one dropper-full in a small juice or wine glass filled with distilled or spring water. Such libations help to open and soften communication, so they are wonderful to have when two or more people are engaged in a discussion to impart information or make decisions.
A small glass of pure water with an appropriate hydrosol makes a perfect libation to
initiate ceremonies, meditation, important conversations and consultations.
I often will invite a client to have a hydrosol drink with me prior to a consultation or Reiki treatment. It supports the setting of a shared intent for the session and also facilitates harmony and balance between and within ourselves. Applying an essence and then ingesting the hydrosol made from the same plant is a powerful practice wherein you are experiencing the full spectrum of the essential chemistry of that plant.
The spray hydrosols can be used as room fresheners (great between facial or massage clients, in a work space, or in a sick room). Many are excellent skin toners (especially Neroli, Geranium, Helichrysum or Rose) and are wonderful as a finishing touch to facials, or at-home facial treatments (like my daily essence facial regimen or my semi-weekly exfoliation…ask me…I am happy to share my “secret”!!).
Medicinally, they are excellent for very small pets such as birds, which have very little body mass. For humans, they are powerful moisturizers and antibacterial sprays for burns, cuts, or scrapes. Finally, Helichrysum hydrosol is incredible as an eye spray…for eye irritation (from pollen, smoke), eye health problems such as “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), and as a general eye wash.
Photo: Spraying a hydrosol like Geranium directly on a clean, freshly washed face, helps to tone and moisturize the skin...plus, it is incredibly refreshing!
How do I store my hydrosols to retain their quality?
Essential oils, when kept tightly closed in dark colored bottles and stored away from extreme temperatures, will literally maintain their quality for hundreds, if not thousands of years, with some very few exceptions. In fact, most just get better and better (deeper, more complex aroma). However, hydrosols are considerably more perishable, and need to be stored accordingly. Some are hardier than others, but it is good to be on the safe side and keep hydrosols from extreme heat and cold, and use them within a one to two year period. While I have had some that retained their quality for several years, it is not something you can count on. In the summer, I store my hydrosols in the refrigerator…this is not only good for them, but makes them wonderfully refreshing if you are spraying them on your face or body.
I carry a comprehensive offering of Hydrosols, including some made in the Southwest, such as Sage or Lavender. Click here for a price list of Wisdom of the Earth Hydrosols.
Several of our 4oz Hydrosol offerings
Please call (505) 438-0855 or e-mail to order.
Shining Sun Aromatherapy
(505) 438-0855
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