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Hydrosols and Floral Waters

Corinna Underwood | April 28, 2008

The word “hydrosol” comes from the Latin words hydro and sol meaning “water solution”. During the process of steam distillation, which is used to extract essential oils from bark, roots or stems of plants, some of the soluble chemical compounds from the plant material build up in the water. It is only when the water becomes saturated that the oil collects on the surface (essential oil).

The Subtlety of Hydrosols

The remaining distillation water is the hydrosol. Hydrosols are usually clear liquids that have the consistency of water. Their scent is usually the same as the essential oil but more subtle because they contain minute amounts of the essential oil. They often also contain water soluble chemicals from the plant material that are not present in the essential oil itself, which may make the aroma subtly different from its essential oil partner. Not all hydrosols have a pleasant aroma and some, such as yarrow are too unpleasant to use.

Recently hydrosols have become more popular in the practice of aromatherapy. Sometimes, because essential oils are so concentrated they may be too strong to use directly on the skin and can cause irritation. Because hydrosols are well diluted they can be safely used for therapeutic purposes. This makes them suitable for using with children, the elderly and people whose immune system may be compromised.

Therapeutic Value of Hydrosols

Although hydrosols are therapeutically effective, they do not have the powerful antibacterial properties that essential oils have. This makes their shelf life relatively short. An unopened hydrosol can last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years.

Hydrosols are also sometimes called hydrolates. They should not be confused with floral waters. A floral water is an aromatic water which is made by adding fragrant oils. Floral waters do not have the same therapeutic value as do hydrosols.

Hydrosols can be added to creams, lotions and used as body and room sprays. Because they are produced at extremely high temperatures and have a lower pH, hydrosols do tend to inhibit the growth of bacteria, however they are not sterile and should be kept refrigerated to prevent contamination.

Uses for Hydrosols

If you are feeling drowsy and need to stay awake, spray a lemon verbena spritzer to keep you going.
Use lavender or witch hazel as a toner after you’ve shaved.
Moisturize and rehydrate your skin with rose.
If your room smells musty, freshen it with a peppermint spray.
Nervous about traveling, spray lavender to help you relax.
If you run out of baby wipes use artemisia.
When your towels and sheets are musty from being in the closet spray with lavender to freshen them.
When your eyes are tired from staring at the computer screen all day, rinse them with geranium to sooth.
For aching feet, soak them in lemon verbena to revive.
Use you favorite hydrosol instead of water when making soap.
Use your favorite hydrosol to spray on clothes when you’re ironing.
Though you cannot use essential oils directly on cats, hydrosols are gentle enough.
Use a peppermint hydrosol to deodorize sweaty sneakers.
Use a lavender hydrosol on a compress for cuts and bruises.