What is a Hydrosol
I admit it. Hydrosols are my latest obsession!
I am a military veteran with PTSD. Additionally, I suffer from bouts of insomnia. Recently, I read that lavender hydrosol can help with insomnia. So I decided I had nothing to lose by giving it a shot. I spray it on my pillow and bed linens a couple times a week. And guess what? It works!
In the simplest of terms, hydrosols (or hydrolates/hydrolats) are really just flower waters.They are a byproduct of the essential oil distillation process.
Did you know that hydrosols have the same therapeutic benefits as essential oils? In addition, hydrosols have a more subtle fragrance than essential oils. That makes hydrosols gentler to use.
First, let me be clear that I am not an expert when it comes to hydrosols. Nor am I a medical expert. I have, however, found them to be extremely beneficial. Maybe you will find them beneficial as well.
Reasons Why Hydrosols Are So Awesome:
- They’re safe for everyone from babies to the elderly, even the family pet!
- They have multiple uses in food, drinks, skin and hair care, room and linens sprays, bug deterrent…the list goes on!
- Use hydrosols internally or externally. Unlike essential oils, they don’t need to be diluted prior to use.
- They can be used in place of plain water when making homemade lotions, fragrances and personal care products.
- Hydrosols have been around for ages. Interestingly, one of the oldest hydrosols on record is rose water. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that it was used by Cleopatra!
- They are so stinkin’ easy to make!
Because they’re so easy, I knew I had to try my hand at making my own hydrosol. Initially, I began by experimenting with spearmint from my garden. Spearmint seems to grow very well in our soil and I had more than I really knew what to do with. But after experimenting with both spearmint and peppermint, I really like the stronger, minty fragrance that peppermint produces.
If you know how to make distilled water using the steam method, you too, can make hydrosols. If not, go here to learn how. It’s super easy!
So without further ado, below are my favorite uses for Peppermint Hydrosol. Certainly, there are at least a dozen more reasons if you need them. However, this list alone should be impressive enough to get you started!
Top Ten Uses for Peppermint Hydrosol
1. Deodorizing body spray: Fill a spray bottle with peppermint hydrosol. Spray under arms and over entire body after showering. It’s a great way to get going in the morning.
2. Room freshener: Spray the air, bed linens, pillows and seat cushions. Additionally, use it around the cat’s litter box.
3. Sore throat spray: Hydrosols are safe enough to use internally without spitting!
4. Queasy stomach: Add 1-2 tbsp in a glass of water and drink. It will have you feeling right as rain in no time!
5. Acne-prone skin: Fill a small flip-top bottle with hydrosol and use as a facial toner. It’s great at healing the skin and reducing redness.
6. Bad breath: Use it just like regular mouth wash. It’s just as effective but more gentle to use than mouth wash.
7. Sore gums: Use it the same way as for bad breath. Plus, it’s better tasting than Anbesol.
8. Insect bites: Use a spray bottle to make the itch and irritation of insect bites go away.
9. Foot soak: Add a cup of hydrosol to a foot bath and relax. Especially nice after being on your feet all day!
10. Heat relief: Keep a spray bottle of hydrosol in the fridge. Spray after a day in the sun or to help relieve hot flashes
Some final thoughts:
Some final thoughts:If you chose not to make a hydrosol but still want to try one, you can find them on most reputable websites.
But beware: some hydrosols labeled as such, may not be.
There are a lot of fakes out there claiming to be hydrosols. Rather, they’re really just drops of cheap essential oil blended with water.
Therefore, if the label doesn’t specifically say “steam distilled “, better ask the merchant for clarification or look somewhere else.
Once your hydrosol is made, proper storage will help it last longer. Keep it in a dark jar or spray bottle, away from heat and light. The fridge is an excellent option. Use it up within a year.
If it becomes cloudy, toss it out immediately. Bacteria can find it’s way in and it’s no longer safe to use. It happens. However, if your mint grows as quickly as mine does, making another batch of hydrosol shouldn’t be a problem.
I do hope you’ll try making a hydrosol for yourself. The therapeutic benefits plus the money saved really can’t be beat. And did I mention…it’s soooo easy to make?
Until next time,
lisa
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