Hydrolates are not just for skin care, you can use them as medicine and in the kitchen

Hydrolates are not just for skin care, you can use them as medicine and in the kitchen

Hydrolates are not just a by-product of essential oil distillation

Hydrolates are sometimes unfairly referred to merely as a by-product of distillation of essential oils. However, they are very valuable as a gentle form of aromatherapeutic treatment, a part of the food industry, home baking and cooking, and cosmetic care. They offer a gentle but very effective weapon to support mental wellbeing, providing healing strength to the skin. They also come into play when the use of strongly concentrated essential oils is unsuitable for delicate persons, pregnant women or small children, who could experience strong contraindications with essential oils. Hydrolates are not just “some kind of water”. They contain 1% water-soluble aromatic molecules from the essential oil that get into it during distillation and give floral waters their typical healing power. In France, originally two types of waters were distinguished arising from essential oil distillation, depending on whether they came from flowers or other plant parts (e.g. leaves, needles, rhizomes or bark). So you might have encountered the terms “les eaux florales” and “les hydrosols” (for example petitgrain from bitter orange leaves is classified as a hydrosol). Today, no distinction is made between these waters and the umbrella term hydrolate or synonymously floral water is used for all types arising from the essential oil distillation process.

Gentler than essential oils and suitable for children and pregnant women

Precisely because hydrolates are much gentler than essential oils, they are perfect for use where for some reason you cannot use these concentrated substances. And we practically warn about this daily. Except for certain exceptions, you don’t need to worry about contraindications and they are an excellent alternative to essential oils in ultrasonic diffusers, if your offspring are struggling with viral infections or you want to effectively strengthen their immunity. You will also appreciate them during diaper changes. Here you will find a wide range of high-quality hydrolates from Bulgarian Arminy and French Éolésens. We guarantee them because we use them ourselves and swear by them. Which one to choose and why will they be useful to you?

Hydrolates suitable for diffusers, skin, and phytotherapy

The hydrolates described below can be used for skin care, diffusion by ultrasonic diffuser, and also internally or in cooking, except for tea tree, which is not suitable for internal use but can be used for example in cold prevention or during respiratory illness in small children. They dilute clay facial masks well. Floral waters can be used safely in the kitchen (rose, lemon, neroli, lavender or peppermint, even rosemary). They are suitable for baking, cooking or delicious non-alcoholic drinks.

Floral water ylang-ylang

In aromatherapy, it is one of the sought-after nerve tonics and is used for anxiety or nervous discomfort, shock. It is obtained by distillation of cananga odorata (Cananga odorata Lam.) flowers. The scent is strong, floral, exotic. Suitable for skin and hair care (especially oily hair). It acts as a regenerative agent, softens skin, is an anti-aging factor, so it is also suitable for mature skin. The calming abilities come from benzyl and geranyl acetate molecules. It also works as a mild aphrodisiac. Thanks to its ability to dilate blood vessels, it is especially suitable for lowering blood pressure, varicose veins, spider veins, or rosacea symptoms. It can be used without restriction during pregnancy or for small children. It is safe even for babies from three months old. Suitable for diffusers.

Floral water neroli

Or bitter orange flower water is obtained by distillation of flowers of Citrus × aurantium L. ssp amara. The scent is floral, sweet, mildly fruity, the taste is sweeter, floral. Neroli hydrolate is traditionally used in baking and can be added to Greek melomakarones. In aromatherapy, it serves as a good nervous system tonic, used for hyperactivity or anxiety, is pleasant for small children and suitable for animals. Cosmetic use focuses mainly on its ability to balance skin pH and benefit natural skin microflora. Suitable for all age groups, including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and all skin types, for diffusers.

Floral water tea tree

Obtained during distillation of leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. The scent is fresh, herbal, with green tones. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent for infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or yeasts. It can be indicated for skin, vaginal or digestive infections and respiratory tract infections, so it is ideal for ultrasonic diffusers if you catch some winter bug, excellent immunomodulator, relieves congestion and aids expectoration. Acts as a circulatory system tonic, stimulates lymph movement. As a nervous stimulant, it helps restore energy reserves and reduce fatigue symptoms. Suitable for all age groups, including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, for diffusers.

Floral water rose geranium

Obtained from flowers of Pelargonium graveolens. The scent is pleasant, floral, similar to rose. It is mainly used as a nerve tonic, e.g. for shock or mental strain. In skin care, it exhibits anti-aging effects, helps heal scars, reduces tightness and skin discomfort, suitable also for very sensitive skin. Acts as a sweating and diuretic agent. Fights inflammation, so suitable for psoriasis, eczema, and fungal skin infections. Supports good blood clotting and blood circulation, indicated for hemorrhoids and varicose veins or spider veins. Repels annoying insects. Suitable for all age groups, including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, for diffusers.

Floral water damask rose

Obtained by distillation of petals of Rosa damascena. The scent is beautiful, floral, with a slight acidic tone. The taste is delicate, sweet and sour yet delicious. Used as a nerve tonic for trauma, suitable during labor, premenstrual syndrome, menopause. Has astringent effects, mild anti-inflammatory properties and also acts anti-aging. Appreciated by all skin types including children's, sensitive and aging, also used on eczema-prone skin because it is mildly anti-inflammatory. Together with cornflower and chamomile, it can form a mixture for irritated eyes to improve overall comfort and reduce eyelid swelling. Slightly aphrodisiac. Suitable for all age groups including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, for diffusers, dishes (sweet baked goods), sorbets, cocktails.

Floral water white rose

Obtained by distillation of petals of Rosa alba. Has the same cosmetic and aromatherapeutic benefits as damask rose, but with a gentler floral scent and slightly different chemical composition. Suitable for all age groups including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, for diffusers, dishes (sweet baked goods), sorbets, cocktails.

Floral water true lavender,

Sometimes also called medicinal lavender, obtained by distillation of flowering tops of Lavandula officinalis L. In aromapsychology, it is used as a tonic for the nervous system and a calming agent, has mild sedative and analgesic properties. Can be used for digestive cramps and helps with migraines. Excellent for soothing insect bites, sunburns or skin problems from acne to eczema or psoriasis, supports good skin healing and scarring. Suitable for postoperative scar care or tears after delivery. Acts as a mild repellent. Suitable for all age groups including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, for diffusers, dishes (sweet baked goods), sorbets, cocktails.

Floral water peppermint

Obtained by distillation of leaves of Mentha x Piperita. The scent is fresh, menthol, taste pleasant and energizing, slightly pungent. Mainly used for its analgesic properties, suitable for migraines. Relieves heavy legs. Can be effectively used as a digestive tonic, reduces muscle cramps, bloating, also appreciated for motion sickness. As a tonic, benefits oily and combination skin, is anti-inflammatory, cleanses and tightens pores. It is much gentler than strong essential oil. Has refreshing effects, boosts energy when driving. Supports circulatory and lymphatic system. Suitable for menopause symptoms relief. Not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, small children under six years old (essential oil is not suitable under ten years). Can be used in diffusers, dishes (sweet baked goods), sorbets, cocktails.

Floral water lemon

Obtained by distillation of lemon peels (Citrus limon). The scent is fresh, citrus. Used in aromapsychology to improve mental state and provide energy when feeling tired. Excellent for morning sickness in pregnancy. Has mild anti-inflammatory properties, reduces oily skin, tightens pores and adds needed brightness, unifies skin tone. Works as a digestive tonic, supports calm digestion. Suitable for all age groups including infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women, for diffusers, dishes.

Hydrolates suitable for phytotherapy and skin care

Many hydrolates, which are suitable for phytotherapy and skin care, are not used in diffusers because they may contain ketones and other aromatic molecules unsuitable for diffusion or have a specific aroma. They are used mainly for local treatment, some are not recommended for internal use. Which are suitable for local treatment and what to watch out for?

Floral water from wild carrot

Produced by distillation of seeds of Daucus Carota. Its scent is sweet-sour with a hint of earthiness, the taste is sour. Contains mainly sesquiterpenols. Mainly used as a protective agent for the liver, in France it is a part of detoxification cures during seasonal transitions, mainly in spring and autumn. It is also beneficial for the digestive system. Acts as a sweating and diuretic agent. Regenerates skin epithelium and supports new skin cell growth, fights inflammation signs, indicated for relieving skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema or acne. Also suitable for tired skin and scar care. Acts as an anti-aging agent. Used as a nervous system tonic. Slightly raises blood pressure. Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Hydrolate atlas cedar

(Cedrus atlantica).

Distilled from wood. Like the essential oil, mainly used as a venous and lymphatic tonic. Its scent is balsamic, warm, resinous. In cosmetics it serves as a hair tonic, reduces scalp itching, acts against dandruff and hair loss, reduces sebum production. Suitable for oily skin. Can also be used as a nerve tonic. Because it contains the ketone atlantone, it should not be used preventively in pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under six years old.

Floral water everlasting

Or Italian strawflower (Helichrysum italicum) distilled from flowering tops. Has an intense scent reminiscent of hay and honey. Mainly used to support blood circulation (for hemorrhoids, rosacea, heavy legs feeling, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, spider veins), activates blood microcirculation, reduces visibility of bruises and scars (e.g. postoperative), is anti-inflammatory. Recommended as an anti-aging agent and for treatment of acne skin. Can be used as an effective mucolytic (thins mucus) to support expectoration in respiratory diseases. Acts as sweating and diuretic agent. Not suitable for pregnant women and children under three years.

Hydrolate witch hazel

Obtained from leaves of Hamamelis virginiana L. The scent is light, pleasant, sweet, grassy, slightly woody with tea notes. Mainly used as a blood circulation tonic in hemorrhoids, bruises, spider veins, varicose veins. In cosmetics suitable for irritated, oily, acne-prone, mature, sensitive skin. Improves blood microcirculation in the skin, thus also suitable for rosacea. It is astringent and hemostatic (stops bleeding). Regulates sebum production. Relieves skin itching. For precautionary reasons, not recommended for children under three years.

Floral water calendula

Obtained by distillation of flowers of Calendula officinalis. The scent is sweet plant-like, slightly honeyed, reminiscent of herbal tea. Used for wound disinfection, healing support, treatment of skin diseases, sunburn, acne, eczema, psoriasis. Soothes inflamed skin. Very useful for diaper rash and skin care in small children. Regulates digestive tract functions, relieves bloating and heartburn. Also acts as a spasmolytic, relaxes abdominal or menstrual cramps. Has mild antibacterial and antifungal effects. Helps with eyelid swelling. Not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Floral water common sage

(not to be confused with musk sage) obtained by distillation of flowering tops Salvia officinalis. The scent is aromatic, spicy, fresh, the taste aromatic, mildly spicy, refreshing. In aromatherapy used for menopause, excessive sweating, menstrual cycle disorders (its effect is similar to estrogen hormone), or as a tonic for oily hair and skin. Especially suitable for acne and other skin problems. Also suitable as an anti-aging agent. Anti-inflammatory, can be used for respiratory difficulties to relieve congestion. Positively affects digestive functions. Has astringent and anti-infective effects. Due to the presence of ketones, it is not recommended for small children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Formally contraindicated in case of hormone-dependent pathologies and mastoses.

Floral water cassis

or blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) valued mainly for its slightly fruity taste. Obtained by distillation of twigs, leaves and fruits. The scent is strong, spicy, fruity. Often used in fruit desserts or combined with other less agreeable hydrosols. Besides taste and aroma, it is attributed anti-inflammatory, diuretic, digestive abilities and used as a circulatory tonic. Acts as sweating and diuretic agent. In cosmetic care, for example suitable as a hydrating aftershave agent. Has anti-inflammatory effects, stimulates kidney and digestive tract activity. Exhibits beneficial effects in supporting the circulatory system. Relieves mucosal congestion. Due to circulatory system effects, not recommended for children under three years.

Floral water linden flower

Obtained by distillation of flowers and leaves of Tilia vulgaris. The scent is sweet, pleasant, floral, the taste honeyed. Used as a nerve tonic and for promoting good sleep, better digestion and support for drainage. In cosmetics used as an agent against skin itching and soothing agent. Acts as a mild sedative, excellent against digestive cramps and menstrual cramps. Reduces bloating. Mildly anti-infective. Stimulates tired skin, suitable for controlling redness and irritation in eczema, psoriasis and other skin diseases. Can be used internally. Suitable for all, including small children and infants.

Floral water thyme thymol

Distilled from leaves of Thymus vulgaris CT thymol. The scent is strong, herbal. Used to regulate oily skin, disinfect wounds, cleanse skin. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Applied mainly locally. Can be used to support respiratory tract relief by spraying on chest and back. Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under ten years old.

Floral water rosemary borneol chemotype

Obtained by distillation of twigs of Rosmarinus officinalis. Has a fresh, herbal, strong yet refreshing aroma. Used as a cleansing tonic to regulate sebum production, soothe inflamed skin, as an anti-inflammatory and astringent agent. Suitable for hair loss and dandruff elimination. Supports blood microcirculation, so suitable as an anti-aging agent. Not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women and small children.

Floral water lemon balm

Obtained by distillation of leaves of Melissa Officinalis. The scent is aromatic, fresh, with a light hay undertone, gently lemony. The taste is slightly bitter, lemony. Used to support digestion and in nervous exhaustion, insomnia. Appreciated for menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome. Acts as a mild sedative. Its anti-inflammatory effects help heal skin inflammation, ease itching and burning of damaged skin. As a tonic, suitable for oily skin treatment and as an anti-aging agent. One teaspoon mixed in a glass of water can be taken internally in nausea and vomiting. Lowers blood pressure. Mild analgesic effect appreciated for migraines. Antiviral effects help eliminate shingles or herpes, ideal for treating chickenpox. Suitable for all age groups, including infants and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Floral water juniper

Obtained by distillation of twigs and berries of Juniperus communis. The scent and taste are woody, slightly peppery. Has strong diuretic properties. Used for musculoskeletal pain and water retention. Rich in terpinen-4-ol. Acts as analgesic and antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory agent. Stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic activity. In cosmetics used for treating inflammatory skin diseases, especially acne. Cleanses scalp and reduces oiliness. Not suitable for kidney problems, pregnant and breastfeeding women and small children.

Floral water blue cornflower

Obtained by distillation of flowers of Centaurea cyanus L. The scent and taste are sweet and honeyed, herbal. Mainly used for eye diseases, especially inflammations, relieves eyes strained from computer use. Reduces dark circles under the eyes. Also excellent as skin toner, acts anti-aging, tightens pores and promotes better skin circulation. Suitable for sunburnt skin treatment. Blends well with chamomile hydrolate. Suitable for all ages, including infants and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Floral water german chamomile,

also known as true chamomile, obtained by distillation of flowers of Matricaria recutita (L.). Has a pleasant, honeyed, sweet, herbal scent and taste. Popular for sensitive skin care, eczema and psoriasis, due to chamazulene having anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Suitable as conditioner for blond and light brown hair. Used in urogenital infections, as a tonic for the digestive system. Relieves digestive tract spasms and menstrual pains. Gently alleviates headaches and migraines. Pleasant, calming scent helps to establish a deserved resting moment, relieves stress. Very popular after depilation and shaving or after diapering to support healthy baby skin. Suitable also to add to baby baths. Chamomile hydrolate is also beneficial for your eyes. If you do not have cornflower hydrolate handy, which mixes well with chamomile, it can be used alone for swelling or tired eyes after long computer work. Also blends well into clay facial mask bases. Suitable for all ages, including infants and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Floral water smoketree (Cotinus)

Obtained by distillation of leaves of Cotinus coggygria. Has a very specific scent, earthy herbal, smoky. Generally used mainly as a phytotherapeutic and cosmetic medium and dental hygiene aid instead of mouthwash. Has mild anti-inflammatory effects appreciated mainly by inflamed skin (eczema, psoriasis, rosacea). Acts anti-aging, tightens and helps reduce wrinkle visibility. More suitable for local application. Supports blood circulation in varicose veins, spider veins, rosacea, acts antibacterial. Can also be used as a mild antifungal agent and for vaginal discharge.

Floral water geranium macrorrhizum

Known locally as rhizomatous cranesbill, obtained by distillation of flowers of Geranium macrorrhizum. Do not expect a floral scent like roses. It is rather dense, earthy, atypical. Used as a facial and hair tonic, for men can replace aftershave. Appreciated by normal and oily skin, which it cleans and maintains in good condition. Fights acne symptoms. Supports skin elasticity, brightens. Supports blood circulation and improves skin damage healing.