What is a hydrosol and how to use it

Hydrosols

I love hydrosols so much that I carry them with me everywhere and use them all day long. They feel and smell amazing and there is no upward limit of how much can be used and they are safe for all. I remember when I was in my 20’s loving the Evian spray and this is the big upgrade. I mix and match, blend and add to them all the time. I am often asked what I am wearing – like bathing in a plant essence. So here is the short version of what they are and how to use them. I have several blends listed on my website and can make just about anything you would like so don’t hesitate to ask if there is something specific you are looking for. I love making them almost as much as I love using them.

Hydrosols are steam distillates which are plant medicines made using steam distillation. Think essential oils. These can be called floral waters, essential waters, herbal waters, or hydrolates. They are made by steam infusing and penetrating plant or other material, condensing, and emerging as a liquid form of the material. Essential oils are made using the same machinery by siphoning off the oil that is produced. Essential oils are the fat soluble parts of the plants which are not plentiful at best. The other product produced is hydrosol. This is most of the water soluble and fat soluble elements the only parts left behind are the heavy elements like pigment. Even when the essential oil is removed there is still some oil left in the hydrosol. Many hydrosol producers, including myself, leave the essential oils in place producing a liquid that is as close as possible to the whole plant. I feel that hydrosols are as close as one can get to reproducing the whole plant in a bio-available form.

Without going too far down the rabbit hole just know that these are not limited to plants. Flowers, fruit, bark, wood, earth, rocks and more can all be distilled. In fact more then one can be distilled at a time. Think of an amethyst crystal bamboo tea infusing passion flower leaves in combination with palo santo wood. It is an art form unto itself.

Benefits/ uses of hydrosols:

• they have a ph around 5 so they are excellent for the skin
• they act as skin toners and balancers
• hydrosols absorb quickly and easily into the skin – moisturizing without feeling heavy
• safe for babies, elderly, pregnant women, and pets (although I still would apply in tiny amounts to cats)
• can be used internally if they are an edible plant
• great for freshening a room, car, or linens
• excellent mood enhancers
• can help to promote sleep
• great in drinks or cooking
• can be used to purify a space in place of incense or burning of herbs

Bamboo Hydrosol

So let’s talk a bit about bamboo hydrosol. Bamboo is very high in vitamins and minerals and well known for its silica content. Bamboo forms fungal and bacterial partnerships that allow it to pull all available nutrients from the soil. Most plants can only access a percentage of what is available but bamboo can even access the silica.

The silica in bamboo is water soluble and so bamboo hydrosol is a liquid silica solution. Silica is a building block of collagen

and is so nourishing and hydrating for the skin. Think of it as skin food. I have had clients successfully treat eczema and other skin irritations using bamboo hydrosol. It is powerful yet so gentle that anyone can use it.

 How to use hydrosols 

In addition it can be sprayed onto the hair as a liquid leave in conditioner. This feeds silica directly into the hair follicles and scalp. Silica eencourages hair growth, reduces and deters gray hair, and conditions the hair itself.

I like to start the day by spraying my face. Bamboo hydrosol has anti-inflammatory flavonoids and a ph of 5 which acts as a skin toner. It tightens pores and quickly reduces any puffiness from the night. I use it throughout the day to refresh myself and re-hydrate my skin. This is especially helpful with heated spaces in the winter when the skin suffers from chronic dehydration. Sometimes I like to add a little essential oil for an extra aromatherapy session. Hydrosols work great as carrier liquids for essential oils because they are partially oil based.

Bamboo hydrosol can be used internally for the same purposes as the teas or supplements. One dropper under the tongue first thing in the morning and last thing before bed is a great way to internalize all the benefits of bamboo. It can also be used as a mouthwash to remineralize the teeth and gums.

Pets also can benefit from the vitamins and minerals in bamboo hydrosol. It can be sprayed in their mouth for internal use or applied to their coat as a skin and coat conditioner. It is helpful for hot spots and other skin irritations.

I usually refrigerate my hydrosols but they are shelf stable for about 1 yr. I truly love this product and am so happy to share them with you.