I drop the word hydrosol around a lot and it’s finally dawning on me that lots of folks don’t know what a hydrosol is. I hope this helps
I make my hydrosols by steam distilling the medicinal herbs and flowers I grow in my garden. It takes about six hours in my stainless steel still to distill around 2-3 liters of hydrosol.
While I make roman chamomile and lavender hydrosol from the flowers of these herbs, my helichrysum, rosemary, and mint hydrosols are drawn from the plants’ fragrant leaves. Helichrysum leaves look prickly like rosemary, but are wonderfully soft to the touch.
What is produced through this distillation is a cellular botanical water, a clear liquid, called a hydrosol, with a subtle aroma and the qualities of the distilled plant. In addition to the particular qualities of each individual plant, hydrosols, in general, have a delightful array of household and skin care uses. I’ve put together a partial list of ways they can support you. Hydrosols are safe to use internally and externally. They are happiest stored in the fridge or in a stable cool place.
They are great in spray form to enliven any room, or to spray on your linens, or in the laundry water;
They tone and hydrate the skin as a spray after washing the face, and work great to activate a clay facial mask;
They are soothing on a sunburn, rash, or boo boo;
They’re great in a diffuser for adding subtle aroma;
They can be added to seltzer or tea for added flavor and other benefits.
I love helichrysum in particular, the live plant, the hydrosol and the essential oil. I love its earthy, honeyed scent. Helichrysum is a graceful generous plant and I use the hydrosol in many ways:
Diffused or sprayed in a room it can create a feeling of calm;
Sprayed on the skin, it can help and relieve calm irritated, bruised or wounded skin;
It can also help with inflammation and support scar healing;
Combined with rose hydrosol and witch hazel it offers a treat for the skin and the spirit - pat it on cleansed skin with a cotton pad or towel.
I keep a spray bottle in the bathroom for a refreshing face and body spritz.
I use helichrysum in my skin care oils and in my boo-boo spray. It never lets me down.