Hydrosols

Taken from National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy :

Hydrosols , also known as hydrolats or floral waters, are produced through the same process as essential oils. The distinction between the two products is in the chemical make-up of the end product. Hydrosols are predominately made up of hydrophilic compounds of the plant, with a minute number of essential oil compounds. Hydrosols contain volatile components with a maximum molecular weight of 250. Hydrosols contain between 0.02 –0.05% of the hydrophilic parts of an essential oil. This is only about 10 drops per 1 litre of hydrosol. Hydrosols also contain carboxylic acids, which may explain their observed anti-inflammatory activity.

Non-aromatic plants, as well as aromatic plants, can be distilled for a hydrosol. The aroma of a hydrosol may vary from that of the essential oil, and don't be surprised that it can be a totally different aroma from its essential oil counterpart!

Hydrosols are a great alternative to essential oils for use with vulnerable groups such as moms-to-be, babies, children, pets and the elderly, due to their water-based therapeutic properties.

Use of hydrosols include:

• Effective, cooling skin toners
• Wound healing and skin inflammation
• Safe for breastfeeding and pregnant women
• Safe for newborns, infants and young children
• Safe for pets