Heritage Essential Oils
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Hydrosols
Top: Copper Distiller
Bottom: Essential oil floating on hydrosol after distillation.
Bottom: Essential oil floating on hydrosol after distillation.
Hydrosols are the pure water that is produced during the distillation process. When plants or flowers are put into the still or distillation tank, they are subjected to either boiling water, steam or both. The steam softens the aromatic cells of the plant and the essential oil that is contained within is released as a vapor. This vapor mixes with the steam and is only separated again as the steam cools in the condensing tank. The essential oil molecules separate from the steam, which has cooled, and float to the surface, forming a distinct layer on top of the water. The top layer is the essential oil, and the water below is now referred to as “hydrosol” or “flower water,” if it comes from flowers.
The hydrosol is a distinct product of the distillation process and can, according to Jeanne Rose, be termed 100% distilled, non-alcoholic distillates. They cannot be manufactured synthetically in the laboratory. Hydrosols are not to be confused with simply adding some essential oil to water. True hydrosols come only from the distillation process and carry minute particles of essential oil held in suspension and the water-loving properties of the plant that was distilled. In most hydrosols, there is less than 5% actual essential oil. Their aromas are typically mild and subtle with an herby or grassy overtone indicative of their authentic and therapeutic qualities. Hydrosols can be sprayed directly on the skin or added to bath, foot soaks or used as a compress.
Kurt Schnaubelt noted in his book, Medical Aromatherapy, that hydrosols are highly tolerable, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic substances.
Jeanne Rose notes that hydrosols are typically used full strength or can be diluted with water or in tea and used as a therapeutic drink (1 tablespoon/liter). She writes, “As herbs are to homeopathy, so are essential oils to hydrosols. Hydrosols represent the true synergy of herbalism and aromatherapy.
For more information see, 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols by Jeanne Rose
The hydrosol is a distinct product of the distillation process and can, according to Jeanne Rose, be termed 100% distilled, non-alcoholic distillates. They cannot be manufactured synthetically in the laboratory. Hydrosols are not to be confused with simply adding some essential oil to water. True hydrosols come only from the distillation process and carry minute particles of essential oil held in suspension and the water-loving properties of the plant that was distilled. In most hydrosols, there is less than 5% actual essential oil. Their aromas are typically mild and subtle with an herby or grassy overtone indicative of their authentic and therapeutic qualities. Hydrosols can be sprayed directly on the skin or added to bath, foot soaks or used as a compress.
Kurt Schnaubelt noted in his book, Medical Aromatherapy, that hydrosols are highly tolerable, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic substances.
Jeanne Rose notes that hydrosols are typically used full strength or can be diluted with water or in tea and used as a therapeutic drink (1 tablespoon/liter). She writes, “As herbs are to homeopathy, so are essential oils to hydrosols. Hydrosols represent the true synergy of herbalism and aromatherapy.
For more information see, 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols by Jeanne Rose