I discovered hydrosols many years ago. I was in a bookstore and I picked up a book by Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy. I quickly thumbed through the book and immediately found myself excited. For years I was in search of a significant plant and herb extract that was medicinal and healing like an essential oil but also something that was more subtle and tempered. I am not comfortable mixing and playing with essential oils, not because I do not love them, but because I am not an aromatherapist and do not have the experience to understand completely their “personalities”. Hydrosols however are much more approachable and once I began studying and experimenting with them, I fell in love with their subtle powers. Hydrosols were exactly what I was looking for.

A hydrosol is a pure essential water  from  flowers, herbs, needles, leaves, woods, roots, barks and seeds that is left over after the distillation process of extracting an essential oil. These “waters from the gods”, as I have penned them, contain a subtle strength that is all their own. Because they are less complex than essential waters and oftentimes contain components that are not in their partner essential oil, they are so skin and body friendly that many even drink them for internal healing. However do not be fooled by their calm nature. They have a power all their own and can heal even the most inflamed skin and body conditions. When using the highest quality essential waters, the sky is the limit when it comes to their therapeutic capacities.

Back in the day and until the the Middle Ages, it was the hydrosol that was sought after when practicing the art of water distillation and believe it or not, very little attention was paid to the essential oil that was produced. Though the oils were used, they were not extracted by distillation and instead by steeping the plant material in a vegetable oil carrier until it had absorbed all of the healing properties of the volatile oils. However, in time, essential oils became increasingly more popular and with the demand for them grew, the use of hydrosols slowly declined. By the early 20th century these precious waters were being ignored and were actually being thrown away after distilling the essential oil. Can you imagine!

Hydrosols are extremely versatile and can be used for beauty care, personal care and even around the house. When it comes to skin, my favorite hydrosols are Bulgarian rose, German chamomile, orange blossom and geranium. German chamomile contains azulene, which is one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatories. It is fantastic used topically post sun, in a compress for tired and puffy eyes and for eczema or rosacea like symptoms it also proves very effective. Because I have always had a sensitive digestion I sip aloe vera juice with German chamomile and find it to be very calming and even subtly analgesic. Other hydrosols like rose and lavender are not only soothing and comforting but they are also healing. Many people do not know that rose has trace amounts of vitamin c, making it a lovely skin food to maintain the surface immunity of the skin. Geranium is soothing to the nervous system and is expert at easing stress and anxiety. And the scent alone is heaven. It is quite well-rounded making it one of my all time favorites!

Babies have tremendous positive response to hydrosols and can be a life saver for the mom with a colicy baby or a baby with troubled skin. German or Roman chamomile is a fantastic spray for the bum in between diaper changes and to treat any rashes. As well, if baby has any topical redness, rashing or has even gotten too much sun a little chamomile hydrosol will soothe and comfort your baby’s skin. As well, misting your crib sheets with a little lavender will induce a soft and gentle sleep.

Hydrosols are the most versatile and easy to use skin food. However, like any food, please make sure you purchase a quality and organic product. This is when you will be able to truly witness hands on the benefits and amazing healing properties  of these precious waters. And please make sure, before you begin drinking and experimenting with them for internal use, learn more about  Suzanne Catty and read her book, Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy. When it comes to these lovely essential waters, she is the woman to know!