If you know about essential oils, then you must also know what hydrosols are! On this page, you’ll discover what exactly hydrosols are, their uses, benefits, pH, shelf life, the top 10 hydrosols and more!
What are Hydrosols?
Simply put, hydrosols are liquid plant extracts that are usually aromatic and have therapeutic properties. Not all hydrosols are the same: they vary in color, taste, aroma, pH and chemical constituents.
The word hydrosol is coined from two Latin words: hydro meaning water and sol which is solution. There are many other terms for hydrosol used in aroma therapy. They include: hydrolates, distillates, hydrolats, plant waters, flower waters and floral waters.
Most of the well-known hydrosols including the top two: rose and neroli, come from flowers hence the term flower or floral waters. However, not all hydrosols come from flowers, for example: vetiver hydrosol comes from roots while eucalyptus hydrosol comes for leaves.
How are Hydrosols Extracted?
Hydrosols are obtained during the same process essential oils are extracted and this is steam distillation. The same plant material can give two extracts: an essential oil and hydrosol. While essential oils are collected in a vat, hydrosols are collected in the other.
However, not all plant material gives an essential oil. Some plants such as witch hazel and aloe vera cannot produce essential oils: only hydrosols. In the same sentence, hydrosols can be distilled alone without collecting the essential oil, such as during rose hydrosol extraction.
How are Hydrosols Different from Essential Oils?
Hydrosols and essential oils are both derived together at the same time, during the same extraction process and from the same plant material. But they do have their differences! Here’s a list of the differences between hydrosols and essential oils:
- Hydrosols are water-based substances while essential oils are oil based substances.
- Hyrosols are like the diluted versions of essential oils: they contain a tiny percentage of essential oils in them.
- Hydrosols are very safe and gentle: they can be used on children, babies and pets comfortably, unlike essential oils.
- Hydrosols are much cheaper and easier to extract – you can do it right at home!
- Hydrosols can be freely ingested by a healthy human being unlike essential oil ingestion, which is very debatable.
- Hydrosols do not require dilution while essential oils must be diluted before use.
Did you Know…?
- There are no citrus hydrosols because most citrus oils are cold pressed and not steam distilled. However, you can find bergamot and lime hydrosol.
- Hydrosols are affected by UV rays which makes them degrade faster. Either store them in colored bottles such as amber or cobalt blue glass bottles or keep them away from light.
- Hydrosols should be refrigerated to lengthen their shelf life.
Top 10 Hydrosols, Aroma, Properties, pH & Shelf Life
Below are the top 10 hydrosols and their profiles:
1. Rose Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Rosa damascena
- Aroma: Fresh roses, heavenly, romantic
- Properties: aphrodisiac, fights depression, has antiseptic properties, has anti-viral properties, acts as a nervous system, acts as a sedative, is a laxative, acts as an emmenagogue, has antibacterial properties, is an astringent, helps heal scars and damaged skin, cools & refreshes skin, reduces inflammation, reduces muscle spasms, is a hepatic & stomachic, haemostatic, depurative & choleretic.
- pH: 4.1–4.4
- Shelf Life: 2 years
- Read More: Rose Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
2. Neroli (Orange Blossom) Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Citrus arurantium var. amara
- Aroma: sweet, strong, floral with a hint of citurs
- Properties: is an anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, antiviral and has anti-infectious properties, reduces inflammation, has aphrodisiac qualities, reduces muscle spasms, is calming for the skin and body, has astringent properties, cools the skin, is a decongestant and supports digestion
- pH: 3.8 – 4.5
- Shelf Life: 2 years
- Read More: Neroli Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
3. Lavender Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Aroma: fresh, floral, powdery
- Properties: has pain relieving properties, acts as an antiseptic, heals scars, is an anti-coagulant, has anti-infectious properties, fights bacteria, viruses and germs, has decongestant properties, reduces inflammation, has calming properties, cools down skin, supports digestion, is an expectorant, has lipolytic, mucolytic, regenerative, relaxing, revitalizing and sedative properties
- pH: 5.6 – 5.9
- Shelf Life: 2 years
- Read More: Lavender Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
4. Peppermint Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
- Aroma: fresh, minty, cooling
- Properties: pain relieving, antioxidant, reduces inflammation, fights germs, bacteria and viruses, calming properties, supports digestions, refreshing, relieves respiratory conditions and congestion, is a stimulant and sedative, has anticoagulant properties,has lipolytic and mucolytic properties
- pH: 6.1- 6.3
- Shelf Life: 1 year
- Read More: Peppermint Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
5.Roman Chamomile Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Chamaemelum nobile
- Aroma: sweet, apple-like fragrance
- Properties: calming properties, relieves muscle spasms, reduces pain, fights bacteria, germs & fungus, is an astringent, purifies skin, reduces inflammation, heals scars, acts as a decongestant, supports digestion
- pH: 3.0 – 3.3
- Shelf Life: 2 years
- Read More: Roman Chamomile Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
6. Witch Hazel Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Hamamelis virginiana
- Properties: pain relieving, fights bacteria, fungus and germs, reduces inflammation, soothes skin irritations, is an anti-oxidant, is an astringent, heals scars, cools down skin, acts as a tonic for skin, has diuretic properties, has sedative properties
- pH: 4.0 – 4.2
- Shelf Life: 1 year
- Read More: Witch Hazel Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
7. Rose Geranium Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens
- Aroma: Strong, floral with a hint of pepper
- Properties: has adaptogenic properties, relieves pain, uplifts mood, has balancing properties, cools & calms skin, reduces inflammation, heals wounds and scars, supports digestion, is an analgesic, fights germs, bacteria and viruses, is a humectant
- pH: 4.9 – 5.2
- Shelf Life: 1 year
- Read More: Geranium Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
8. Tea Tree Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
- Aroma: fresh, strong, medicinal
- Properties: fights germs, fungus and bacteria, reduces inflammation, reduces skin irritation, is a decongestant and expectorant
- pH: 3.9 – 4.1
- Shelf Life: 1 year
- Read More: Tea Tree Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
9. Sandalwood Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Santalum album
- Aroma: sweet, warm, woody, musky, lingers for long
- Properties: has anti-infectious properties, reduces inflammation, acts as an astringent, has balancing and calming effects to the body
- pH: 5.9 – 6.0
- Shelf Life: 2 years
- Read More: Sandalwood Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
10. Rosemary Hydrosol
- Where to Get it
- Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Aroma: fresh, strong, herbal, like rosemary
- Properties: pain relief, antioxidant, fights fungus, anticoagulant properties, reduces inflammation, anti-infectious properties, relieves muscle spasms, has anti-viral & antibacterial properties, is balancing & calming, heals scars, relieves congestion, is a sedative, supports digestion, is an expectorant, has lipolytic and mucolytic properties
- pH: 4.6 – 4.7
- Shelf Life: 2 years
- Read More: Rosemary Hydrosol Benefits, Tips & Recipes
Hydrosol Dilution Rates for Internal Consumption
- Babies: Internal consumption, dilute 1/3 tsp of hydrosol in milk, juice or water and give 3 times a day.
- Adults: Any amount for internal consumption, according to taste and aroma. There’s no fear of overdose. Though hydrosols are mainly added to drinks, soups, pastry dough and sprinkled on rice and prepared food. You wouldn’t find yourself drinking pure hydrosol undiluted in gallons.
- For topical use: In toners, facial masks, baths, compresses, lotions, bases for cleaning and cosmetic products, any amount as desired diluted or undiluted.
You can mix up different hydrosols as you wish for scent, therapeutic effects, aroma and more.
Ways to Use Hydrosols in Your Daily Life
Without repeating myself, please check out this article on the blog: 25 Ways to Use Hydrosols
How to Store Hydrosols
Read these articles on the blog for more details:
- How to Store Hydrosols to Maximize Shelf Life
- How Long Do Hydrosols Last? Shelf Life & Recommendations
Safety Issues with Hydrosols
Hydrosols are generally very safe to use for all. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Do not consume hydrosols without consulting your doctor.
- If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult a doctor before using hydrosols.
- If you have any health issues, consult your doctor before using hydrosols.