About Floral Waters

Learning about Floral Waters

The word hydrosol actually comes from the Latin words for hydro, meaning water; and sol, meaning solution.

The water that remains after the production of essential oil by way of steam or water distillation is the process that creates hydrosols. Hydrosols contain very little of the essential oils.

Hydrosols are also called distillate water or floral water. Hydrosols are used for aromatherapetuic reasons and are created from the condensate water that is co-produced during the steaming of the plant matter. This plant matter could include the flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, roots and bark. The plant matter (hydrosol) is what provides the water with a pleasant fragrance and also provides therapeutic benefits. The hydrosol is not only a byproduct of the distillation process, but the actual reason that plants are distilled.

A disadvantage of hydrosols, as opposed to essential oils. is that hydrosols contaminate faster and easier because they are usually collected over long periods of time. This also reduces shelf life because of ensuing handling and storage conditions.

If you are considering purchasing a hydrosol, ask vendors for a sample of their hydrosols because in some cases, vendors will falsely advertise floral waters as hydrosols. Floral waters are merely water that is blended with essential oils. Thus, make sure the seller is specific about his or her "floral waters."

Some skin care products, including facial tones, are created from hydrosols instead of water. Hydrosols can also be used in the bath water or as a body spray or a light smelling cologne. Hydrosols have also been used in finger bowls to provide an elegant, romantic touch to a pleasant dinner. Some of the more common hydrosols include rose, roman chamomile, lavender and neroli.

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