When plant matter is steam distilled, both essential oils (oil-soluble constituents), and hydrosols (water-soluble constituents) are produced. Hydrosols contain all of the water-soluble chemical constituents of distilled plant matter.

Hydrosol comes from the Latin hydro, meaning “water,” and sol, which means “solution.” “Hydrosol" indicates any water-based solution, not specifically the type we are discussing here – but it is the word we will be using in this article.

Technically, “hydrolate” is the most accurate word to use. It comes from the Latin words hydro, meaning “water,” and lait, meaning “milk.” The “milky” reference reflects how it appears when it comes off the still. Hydrolate can also be spelled “hydrolat.”

Floral water is not a very accurate representation, as hydrosols can be steam distilled from more than just flowers.

Aromatic water is an acceptable way to describe a hydrolat, as they are full of aroma. They don't always smell like their essential oil counterpart, however. Some smell better than others. If you find you don't like the aroma of a hydrosol that you acquired for its therapeutic benefit, you can blend it with a more pleasant-smelling hydrosol, or make it into a lotion, adding essential oils that you do enjoy.

Hydrosols are made during the steam distillation of plant matter that produces both essential oils and hydrosols.

Steam distillation has a simple, yet effective, design. A gentle fog-like steam enters through pipes with small vents located under a grate in the bottom of a large, tall pot containing plant matter. A tightly-fitting lid rests snugly on the pot, ensuring the steam makes its way into the tube leading to the condenser. The condenser contains coils, inside of which run cold water. This water cools down the steam, turning the steam back into water (hydrolat), and oil (essential oil).

Many distillers use a Florentine flask for collecting the water and oil. This container is designed to efficiently separate the essential oil, which floats on the top, from the aromatic water underneath. One drain is located on the bottom of the container, allowing the overflow of hydrosol to flow out during distillation. A second drain is located near the top and is used to decant the essential oil after the distillation is complete. Once complete, and the oil is drained and collected, the remaining waters are again drained from the bottom drain. The end result will produce many more times hydrosol than essential oil.

It can take an hour or longer to create a gallon of hydrosol, as best results are produced when slowly distilled under low pressure. This gallon will contain 0.2 – 0.8 milliliters of dissolved essential oil, which is not separated out due to its density.

Essential oils and hydrosols are both products of steam distillation, but their chemical makeup and uses are very different. It is known that there are safety considerations that must be respected when using essential oils. Hydrosols, on the other hand, have very few safety issues.

Here are the safety issues for the hydrosols I mention in my book:

• If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid consuming Cypress, Juniper Berry, and Rosemary.

• If you have renal/kidney disease, it’s best to avoid consuming Cypress and Juniper Berry.

One of my sources recommends avoiding peppermint for children under the age of three, but doesn't cite any research. The same source suggests that Eucalyptus be diluted when used topically and internally for children under the age of 4, but again doesn't cite a reference. I personally feel this caution is not warranted, but the ultimate decision is yours to make.

Both hydrosols and essential oils have their place. Here are some examples of when hydrosols are the best choice, and when essentials oils are preferred.

Generally speaking, hydrosols should be considered first for the following:

• using on pets

• using on children

• cuts, scrapes, and wounds

• base for making lotion

• skin care ingredient

• undiluted topical use

• consuming either as a water flavoring or for therapeutic use

• perfume

• linen spray

Some hydrosols are sold with preservatives. Witch hazel is technically a hydrosol that most of us are familiar with. It contains 14% alcohol which extends shelf life. Extending shelf life by adding preservatives is a good concept, as hydrosols are mostly water and can spoil in a few months if not properly stored. However, the addition of alcohol can sting on minor cuts and is not something you want in an eye wash.

There may be other stabilizers added instead of, or in addition to alcohol. Do your research - ask companies what they use, if anything, so you can be properly prepared to use the hydrosols.

Refrigerating your hydrosols can extend the shelf life. If you don't have room in your food fridge, you can purchase a small dorm-sized refrigerator on amazon.

Hydrosols have their own range of expected pH values which vary from 2.9 to 6.5. Test the hydrosols once when you receive them, and then again every three weeks. If you start to see the numbers drop, you know the hydrosol is starting to go bad.

If you don't want to play the part of a mad scientist, look for:

• visual signs of cloudiness

• floating bits of growth

• changes in color

There are so many ways to use hydrosols in your home and on your body. I am going to present some ideas, but I am sure you can come up with more ways to use hydrosols as you familiarize yourself with them.

Here are a few ideas:

• linen sprays

• iron water

• makeup remover

• facial toner

• use as perfume

• replace the water in your facial mask recipe with a hydrosol

• replace the water in your lotion recipe with a hydrosol

• add to baths
   

Hydrosols contain a higher concentration of volatile substances than herbal teas and are useful for therapeutic benefits when consumed. Some reasons you might want to consume hydrosols:

• to help soothe digestive issues such as cramping, diarrhea, constipation

• to calm nerves

• to eliminate cellulite

• to fight insomnia

• to eliminate a headache

• to soothe arthritic pain from the inside

• to help urinary tract infections

Hydrosols can be added to your pet's drinking water, sprayed on their fur to repel fleas, used in the mouth to combat gum disease, and help with digestive issues, among other uses. They must be diluted first before consuming (adding to water, using in the mouth), with the exception of emergency situations.

See Lea’s other book, Using Essential Oils Safely with DOGS, for more info.

Hydrosols do not require dilution before topical application. If you prefer to dilute for young children, you can, but it isn't necessary, except perhaps in the case of Peppermint and Eucalyptus.

Dilution guidelines for internal use vary depending on the reason for use. It must be noted that diluting is more about taste and therapeutic use than safety. Hydrosols can be consumed with little dilution, but they are so effective, there is no reason to use a lot when less will do.

For basic daily maintenance, ingesting 1-3 teaspoons per day should be enough. For therapeutic benefits, ingesting up to 3 tablespoons is suggested. Although you can't “overdose” on hydrosols, there is no need to use more than necessary. If you do feel compelled to consume more, listen to your body's urges, and do so. This likely won't last for more than a few days or weeks, and then you will probably find yourself backing off.

Babies old enough to eat solids can ingest a 5% dilution – roughly 1/2 teaspoon in 1 cup water.

Children up to age 10 can ingest a 10% dilution – roughly 1 teaspoon in 1 cup water.

Children over age 10 can ingest a 25% dilution – roughly 3 teaspoons in 1 cup water.