Hydrosols: Plant Therapy and Essential Oils

Since the summer season of 2020 has started, let me share with you something that I truly enjoy at this time of year –
Hydrosols aka Hydrolats.

HairBlues followers know that I am an essential oils enthusiast, and that I use them as a Complementary Assisted Method (CAM) for wellness enrichment. What makes essential oils even more attractive to me is that every time I attend a webinar about them, people from all over the world are also attending, trying to figure out how, when, and why these “gifts” from plants can help us. To quote the News Correspondent, Rachel Maddow, “Why is that?”

In her book “Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy”, Suzanne Catty refers to aromatherapy as a branch of “phytotherapy” (plant therapy).
The study of aromatherapy continues to give me “Aha moments“. In my research I find that the story continues – that essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits, which make one feel and live better. Suzanne Catty defines hydrosols as the equivalent of a homeopathic version of essential oils. To quote her, “Hydrosols are the condensate water coproduced during the steam-or hydro-distillation of plant material for aromatherapeutic purposes.“

During the summer months, when the weather is especially hot and humid, I often reach into my refrigerator for my hydrosol stash. I use them as a facial mist. It turns out it’s a” win- win” for me. Not only do they refresh and hydrate my skin, but hydrosols can also help to relax you and family when sprayed in a room, or on bed linens. In addition, hydrosols are gentler than essential oils, and can be used with babies. When diluted, they are the safer choice for young children. Imagine using a nice Lavender hydrosol spray before going to sleep. Talk about a peaceful treat! There is much to explore with hydrosols.

Look for future posts about some options for exploring phytotherapy further. In the meantime, discover more at the links below for ideas on how to explore using hydrosols to complement the well-being of your, and your family’s, mind, body, and spirit.