5 Ways to Use Lavender Hydrosol
WHAT IS HYDROSOL? Hydrosol, also known as essential water, is the water by-product of steam and hydro distillation of plant matter. Hydrosol contains a small amount of essential oil as well as water soluble plant components. Compared to essential oils, botanical hydrosols are mild and can safely be used directly on the skin. Because hydrosols contain water soluble plant properties not included in its essential oil, it offers different therapeutic benefits. Interestingly, many hydrosols do not share the same scent as their essential oil counterpart. Floral water, which refers to water that has been infused with essential oils, is widely available commercially. As wonderful as they can be, these aromatic waters do not contain the soluble plant compounds captured through the distillation process and are not comparable to hydrosols.
WHERE CAN I GET HYDROSOL? Alberta Lavender Farm distills lavender once per year around the end of August. You can message us at any time to check on current availability and to preorder from our next freshly distilled batch of hydrosol. You can also look online at various Canadian lavender farms for availabilities. Buying directly from the farm not only ensures a good quality product but it also directly supports the hard working farmers who grow and care for their lavender field.
HOW TO USE HYDROSOL? Lavender is known to be soothing to both body and mind. Although lavender hydrosol is mostly known for it’s skin benefits, it can also be used to promote relaxation, reduce stress and can also be used in home care recipes to replace water. Here are a few ways of how to use lavender hydrosol. Tip: To prolong the life of your hydrosol keep it refrigerated. When stored properly, lavender hydrosol can last up to 18 months.
1. Lavender hydrosol as distilled water for ironing
Distilled water is usually recommended for ironing and since lavender hydrosol is a distilled water biproduct it can be used either added directly to you iron or keep it in a separate spritzer and spray as you go. The delicate hydrosol scent will leave a subtle and pleasant aroma to your clothings. It is recommended to use hydrosol on darker fabric when ironing as some of the hydrosol’s water soluble plant components and residual essential oil could interact with the heat of your iron and cause a slight yellowing of light fabrics.
2. Use lavender hydrosol as a face toner, body mist or use instead of water in your mask recipes.
Treat your skin with plant benefits directly from nature. Since hydrosol is safe to use undiluted you can use it directly on your skin or as a base for your DIY skincare formulations. Enjoy the many benefit of lavender without the added chemicals and fillers often added to store bought self care products. Lavender is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent way to maintain a healthy complexion.
3. Refresh your space and linens with lavender hydrosol.
Use lavender hydrosol to deodorize your space and to freshen the air in your home, your car, your bed linens, your closet or anywhere that would benefit from the soothing scent of lavender. Lavender hydrosol will add a lovely natural and relaxing scent, free of chemicals. Simply spritz hydrosol where desired and enjoy!
4. Use Lavender hydrosol as a bath water additive.
Enjoy the rejuvenating and relaxing aroma of lavender without having to clean oily residues in your bath tub. Since hydrosol is water based, it can easily be added to bath water. Start with two table spoons and adjust as you like. Combine with your favourite bath salts for added benefits.
5. Use lavender hydrosol as a natural cleaner for your home.
Put all the lavender benefits to good use in creating your own all natural surface cleaner. Since hydrosol is safe for pets and children, you can feel at ease knowing that your cleaning routine is safe for the whole family. Lavender hydrosol surface cleaner recipes can be found all over the internet but to get you started here’s an easy and quick recipe that will leave your home sparkling!
Lavender surface cleaner recipe:
Time: 10 minutes.
You will need a 16oz spray bottle, a measuring cup, measuring spoons, a small wisk for mixing and a funnel to pour your surface cleaner into a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can add all the ingredients directly into your bottle and give it a good shake before using.
1 Cup Distilled Water
1 Cup Lavender Hydrosol
1 tsp Castile Soap
1/8 Cup Cleaning White Vinegar
15 Drops of essential oil of your choice. (essential oils of tea tree, rosemary, thyme, lavender, spearmint, lime, lemongrass and pine generally make great additive to natural home care products).
Shake well before each use.
Put on your favourite tunes and clean away!
Veronica