While a lot of people know about essential oils, hydrosols - often referred to as 'floral waters' - are only just beginning to be appreciated for their incredible versatility. And the truth is - they're pretty amazing!
Here on our farm, we use traditional steam distillation to capture hydrosol from 5 different types of lavender plants that we grow. Basically the process is this: plant material is placed in a still with boiling water in a separate still. As the water boils, the steam travels through the plant material, the buds pop open and the plant's oil is extracted. The steam is then cooled back down to its liquid form which now consists of two components: the essential oil and the hydrosol. While essential oils are the highly concentrated essence of a plant, hydrosols are a stable water-based product that contains micro-elements of the essential oil.
Much more gentle in potency and aroma than their essential oil counterparts, hydrosols are safe to use without needing to be diluted.
We love using lavender hydrosol in a number of different ways, and decided to compile a list of some of our favourites for you to try at home...
TO TONE & HYDRATE
Hydrosols are an excellent way to tone and hydrate skin. After washing your face, apply the hydrosol directly to your skin with a mister or a cotton pad, then seal in the goodness with your favourite moisturizer.
AS A CLEANING SPRAY
We bottle our hydrosol to use as a gentle countertop cleaner. This is also a streak free cleaner for windows, mirrors and stainless-steel appliances.
TO IRON YOUR CLOTHES
Add lavender hydrosol to your iron or place in a mist bottle and spray directly on clothes before ironing.
TO SOOTHE A SUNBURN
Lavender hydrosol is anti-inflammatory and is an excellent choice for soothing a sunburn or windburn.
TO FRESHEN YOUR BED LINENS
Lavender hydrosol can be sprayed directly on your bed linens to freshen your bed and help you sleep.
You can order our hydrosol online: bluewaterlavender.com/shop-online or come visit us on the farm in July and August!
