Hydrosols (hydrolats)

Hydrosols have a delicate nature and a light aroma. (See How to use hydrosols). They are ideal for situations that require gentle aromatic care, especially with children, the elderly, the highly sensitive, and those debilitated by illness. And they can be highly effective because they contain the water-soluble parts of the plant ... and of course the body is about 60% water. When you steam distil plant material you end up with two different liquids. One is 'oily' and the other 'watery'. After the distillation process they quickly separate out (like oil and vinegar) with the essential oil floating on the surface. However the watery compound also contains many therapeutic plant compounds and this water is known as a Hydrosol or Hydrolat. The image on the right is Helichrysum italicum growing on the high Valensole plateau in Provence. The hydrosol from Helichrysum is remarkable for skin repair.