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What are hydrolats, hydrosols, floral waters, distillates, and aromatic waters?
These were generally the by product of the distillation process to produce essential oils, but are now used more widely and many are purpose produced. True hydrolats contain micronized droplets of essential oils suspended in the water and are very different from water which has had essential oil and a dispersant added. This causes some confusion as ‘floral waters’ may conjure up in the mind something which smells sweet or floral and this is not always the case. Indeed many true hydrolats do not smell like the plant they originally came from or the essential oil which may arise from the distillation of such a plant.
Their smell can be pungent and earthy, but not unpleasant. Some hydrolats are completely devoid of smell due to the minuscule proportions of aromatic compounds present and still others smell quite musty. The lack of aroma, however, in either the plant or the hydrosol does not detract from the sometimes very useful therapeutic properties.
As Hydrolats are mainly water they are gentle and safe to use, they are easily applied, absorbed and ingested. They can be used on babies and old alike. If you are familiar with Rose and Lavender hydrolats why not try another in our range.
Suggestions on how to use Hydrolats
Male, Female, Skin and Environment, hydrolats are perfect for so many uses and applications
- Skin treatmentsHydrolats make great toners and cleansers and also useful for the treatment of spots or sores, new piercing's, cuts and grazes. They are powerful yet gentle enough to use on sensitive areas, children and babies and sensitive skin. Tea Tree, Lemon Tea Tree and Lavender would be particularly good for problematic skin and wounds. For Herpes, Cold Sores / Chickenpox / Shingles use a mixture of Melissa, Tea Tree or any of the Tea Tree family and Chamomile.
- After shaveWhen combined or used alone hydrolats help with shaving rash and the prevention of in-grown hairs. Hydrolats which are particularly good for shaving are Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Lavender.
- Cooling sprayPut in an atomiser and sprayed on the face or body, great to refresh and cool especially when traveling, refrigeration of the hydrolat makes it even more refreshing upon application (especially when stored in our Aluminium bottles). For hot days Iced Rose and Peppermint are particularly good. For menopausal hot flushes a combination of Rose, Geranium and Lavender work well. Remember you can blend the hydrolats together to create your own customised skincare products.
- LaundryLaundry can be dampened by neat hydrolat in a pump spray and clothing can be given a light spray before brushing or sponging. This will also make sure germs do not lurk on an item of clothing which may not be worn again for quite some time. Hydrolats can also be put in the iron diluted or undiluted.
- Colds and FluHydrolats are extremely useful, top up the burner with Tea Tree, Lemon Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle or Rosalina they act as an immuno-stimulant and help breathing and clearing the atmosphere. They can also be used as sprays. They are great to use in an office, hospital or work place especially in the cold season and when it’s not possible to use a burner.
- Lotions and creams
Hydrolats are commonly used as the base ingredient to creams and lotions, their natural properties and scent enhancing the cream base. Hydrolats can be added to your favourite creams and lotions to enhance their properties.
- Hair Tonics & Treatments
Hydrolats are a safe and easy way to maintain your hair and stimulate your scalp. Rosemary Water makes a wonderfully refreshing scalp tonic. Wash your hair as normal and then apply the Rosemary water (about 5ml) and massage into your scalp. Equally hydrolats offer the perfect way to "freshen up" when on the move. Spray Peppermint or Rosemary on to your hair to revive the shine and kill environmental pollution from your hair during the day.
- Tummy upsetsTummy upsets can be settled by putting 1 tablespoon of Peppermint hydrolat into a tea pot of Earl Grey tea and serving with a little honey. The honey will serve as a healer and antiseptic too.
- EyesIf your eyes are tired place a cool hydrolat onto cotton pads and relax for 10 minutes, Roman Chamomile or Cornflower are very soothing.
- AnimalsAnimals respond well using hydrolats for treatments of many ailments and as insect repellents. The gentle nature of the hydrolats combined with their antiseptic actions make them ideal at soothing animals skin.
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Aromatherapy 
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