HYDROSOLS & HYDROLATS

Our aromatic Hydrosols are distilled from Chinese medicinal plants for the purpose of producing plant waters with therapeutic properties.

One of the main methods of extracting essential oils from plants is steam distillation. During this process, two products may be created; essential oil and Hydrosol. Essential oils are extractions of the oils and oil soluble compounds contained in the plant. Hydrosols contain the water soluble compounds present in the plant, whereas Hydrolats contain a small fraction of oil. Both are created as a result of steam and condensation produced during the distillation process. They have similar medicinal and energetic properties to their essential oil counterparts yet they are much less concentrated and therefore gentle on the skin. The aroma of hydrosol is lighter and more subtle compared to the aroma exuded by essential oil.

Hydrosols and Hydrolats are beneficial for skincare. Like normal healthy skin, many of these plant waters tend to have a mildly acidic pH. Maintaining normal pH balance is essential to support the skin’s natural protective barrier—also called the acidic mantle, as well as its moisture retention and healthy bacterial flora. When the skin becomes too alkaline it looses the integrity of the acidic mantle and is prone to develop conditions such as acne, rosacea, rashes, fungal or yeast infections.

The relatively light and subtle aromas of many plant waters are delightful as an aromatherapy spray to affect mental emotional states and to benefit the senses. They are ideal for those who are particularly sensitive, for children and for animals. They can be spritzed on the face, head, body or into the air to affect the environment. Hydrosols and Hydrolats are also safe for internal ingestion due to their gentle, dilute nature.

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