51 Ways to use Hydrosol

We hear a lot about essential oils these days, but what are hydrosols? 
It's hard to talk about essential oils without talking about hydrosols because essential oils cannot be made without also making hydrosol. Hydrosols are the pure, natural waters that are produced during the steam or hydro distillation of plant materials such as flowers, leaves, needles, twigs, resins, roots, seeds, and woods.

Hydrosols are produced during the same distillation process that also extracts the essential oils. Essential oils are the highly concentrated aromatic extracts that contain the oil soluble components of the plant. Hydrosol contains all of the water soluble components of the plant's essence, including natural alcohols, acids and tannins as well as micro-molecules of essential oil suspended within it. Hydrosols are a unique product, only obtained through distillation and cannot be manufactured synthetically. Hydrosols are not as concentrated as essential oils so they can be used undiluted on the skin. They are safe and gentle for all ages and for those with sensitive skin offering subtle aromatherapy and therapeutic benefits. 

How Hydrosols are made
I start with the highest quality local plants handpicked at their peak of freshness. Using a traditional copper alembic still, I pack the column with the plant material. As the water in the pot underneath comes to a boil, steam rises up through the plants bursting essential oil containing glands. The essential oil vapor mixes with the steam and rises into the swan neck and into the coils of the condenser. The condenser is a heat exchanger, the cool water in the tank cools the vapor and steam turning it back to liquid and producing both essential oil and hydrosol. My copper still is a thing of beauty, hand-hammered and imported from Portugal, and produces the sweetest hydrosols.  Would you like to see it in action?  Click here.

How to use Hydrosols
I use hydrosols in place of water in my soap making, and other formulations. But they have many uses, here are 51 ways to use hydrosol.

1. Mist onto the face and neck for a balanced glow
2. Naturally acidic, hydrosols help to balance the pH of the skin after cleansing
3. Mix with facial serum and apply to face for hydration and easy application
4. Activate dry clay facial masks
5. Face wash when only light cleaning is desired
6. Add one ounce to bath water
7. Add to a foot soak
8. Spray onto hair after washing for extra shine and overall health
9. Add to a very warm washcloth for a facial steam treatment
10. Facial toner
11. Make up remover
12. Mix with oatmeal for a homemade mask
13. Soak cotton pads in hydrosol and place on eyes to reduce puffiness
14. Body Spray
15. To help set make up
16. After sun exposure skin care
17. Substitute hydrosols for water-based ingredients in creams and lotions
18. Spritz on skin as an aftershave to soothe razor burn
19. No time to shampoo? Spritz your hair and comb through
20. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it's a great ingredient in homemade cleaners
21. Spray on your pet beds
22. Linen spray
23. Surface spray
24. Spray on dust cloth to help trap dust and leave aromatics behind
25. Room spray
26. Add a hydrosol-soaked cloth to your dryer
27. Clean your windows
28. Air freshener
29. Freshen up exercise mats and massage tables
30. Use a little in the rinse cycle of your washing machine to freshen clothes
31. Clean stainless steel without streaking
32. Natural insect repellant
33. When traveling to keep cool and calm
34. A great alternative to essential oils, for "gentle aromatherapy" 
35. Emotional support
36. Use in place of water in an ultrasonic diffuser to clear the air
37. All-natural perfume
38. Spritz on your pillow before bed
39. Stay alert and focused when energy and mental levels dip
40. Encourage a restful night’s sleep
41. Relief for hot flashes
42. Cooling spray for the pool or beach
43. When working outdoors in summer, mist on the back on the neck
44. During exercise, feel instantly cooler by misting skin
45. Antiseptic wound spray
46. Spray on irritated skin for relief
47. Perfect replacement for water in hot or cold compresses
48. Use in making poultices
49. Relieve discomfort for minor scrapes
50. Support acne-prone skin
51. Spray anywhere heat is present; sunburn, rash, bug bites...
52. BONUS TIP: Refresh your face mask or face covering!

Do you know of any other ways to use hydrosol? Share your thoughts below.

See my current line of pure, artisan distilled hydrosols here.

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