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.
Click on titles for product descriptions and ordering options.
We are excited to introduce four new hydrosols:
2.7 oz spray bottle
Osmanthus fragrans
Aroma: Fruity-floral, notes of apricot
Osmanthus is an evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia with tiny flower clusters exuding an intense floral aroma. Osmanthus flowers are precious to the people of Guilin, China and seasonally permeate the streets with their intoxicating sweetness. This uplifting hydrosol can be sprayed topically to deeply hydrate dry skin as well as improve skin tone and lighten sun-damaged spots. As an immune tonic, it encourages the body to remove free radicals thus protecting the skin from oxidative stress. Osmanthus is beautifully calming and restorative to the nervous system, repairing the body and mind from chronic fatigue and weakness, and supporting healthy sleep. This bright floral spray is also helpful in the case of dry throat or bad breath.
pH 4.8
2.7 oz spray bottle
Lonicerae japonica Flos
Aroma: Light, floral, slightly bitter-sweet
The honeysuckle flower grows on twining vines and is well loved for the edible sweet nectar obtained from its tubular flowers. It is widely known in Chinese medicine for its effectiveness as an antiviral and antimicrobial agent. The Jin Yin Hua herb is a star ingredient in one of the most popular cold and flu herbal medicine formulas, Yin Qiao. This sweet, light and slightly bitter hydrosol shines bright with its ability to clear heat and detoxify the skin. It gently calms red, inflamed, acne-prone skin. Jin Yin Hua is proficient at supporting the elimination of dermatological woes such as sores, lesions, ulcerations and warts. It also has an affinity for soothing throat soreness and swelling. Feeling anxious, irritable or perhaps overwhelmed by insomnia? Spraying this clarifying hydrosol over your head and upper body can aid in calming a restless heart and overactive mind.
pH 4.7
2.7 oz spray bottle
Jasmine Sambac Flower
Jasminum sambac Flos
Aroma: Bright, sweet fruity with honey-tea undertones
Our invigorating Jasmine hydrosol comes from a species of Jasmine grown in the range from Southern China to Bhutan to India. A deeply nourishing and hydrating hydrosol, Mo Li Hua can help modulate hormones and protect the central nervous system from stress. With its sensual, sedative aroma, one feels penetrated with upliftment, self-love and an undulating calm. As a topical spray, Jasmine gently regenerates aging skin and reduces redness and inflammation. The bright aroma of Jasmine affects our pineal gland, touching the spiritual realm, balancing our circadian rhythm and soothing restlessness and insomnia. Joyful and playful, our Jasmine hydrosol is a wonderful ally for grief, loss, and depression.
pH 3.8
All sprays, hydrosols, and hydrolats:
Yuan Zhi/Polygala and Bai Ren Shen/Panax Ginseng
Aroma: earthy, herbaceous
LUCID Is a combination of two hydrosols: Yuan Zhi and Bai Ren Shen. Yuan Zhi/Polygala, calms the spirit, sharpens the mind and clears the senses. Bai Ren Shen/Panax Ginseng is vitalizing. It tonifies the Source Qi, and benefits memory. Together, when spritzed over the head or face, they have an awakening and brightening effect.
Lucid hydrosol may be utilized on its own or combined with our RECALL blend and inhaler to improve memory and mental acuity. (See the Blended Products page for further information about out LUCID RECALL SET)
This refreshing, all-natural insect repellent is effective against all insects, including mosquitos, flies and ants, both outdoors and within the home.
Our Bug Bu Yao includes Bi Cheng Qie (Litsea) essential oil which provides a bright, lemony scent similar to citronella, but much softer and less overpowering. It also features our Ai Ye (Artemisia) essential oil, which has been extensively researched for its insect-repelling properties.
If you do happen to get bitten, Bug Bu Yao also helps to soothe and support the healing of pesky bug bites.
When using as a mosquito repellent, spray directly onto exposed skin just as you would with any other repellent.
For use inside the home to deter ants, spray along their trails or around entry points where they are coming inside. This helps encourage the ants to find a different route without harming them, keeping them out of your living space while allowing them to continue on their way elsewhere.
INGREDIENTS:
Litsea Cubeba - Bi Cheng Qie essential oil
Pine Needle - Song Zhen essential oil
Artemisia argy - Ai Ye essential oil
Ethyl alcohol
Distilled water
Lightweight 2.5 oz. Aluminum spray bottle
AROMATIC SANITIZING SPRAY for HANDS AND SURFACES - 2.5 oz $21
“Sane-itize” and sanitize with the added psycho emotional benefits of aromatic essential oils. Fear and panic can weaken the immune system. Protecting and cleansing are practical and important these days, but keeping calm and positive while doing so is of great benefit and equally important.
Contents:
Citrus Fruit and Peel - Zhi Ke/Bitter Orange/Citrus aurantium, and Qing Pi/Mandarin Orange Peel/Citri reticulatae - Citrus essential oils have broad spectrum anti viral, anti bacterial and anti fungal properties largely due to their high d-Limonene content. Citrus aromas are elevating and uplifting, inspiring one to step above.
Cedar Wood Nan Mu / Southern Chinese Cedar Wood - In Chinese medicine, conifers like Cedar impact the Lungs and break up mucus and phlegm. The monoterpene content of Cedar Wood essential oil serves as a strong antiseptic while sesquiterpenes make it anti viral as well as gentle and beneficial to the skin. Like other evergreens, Cedar’s aroma instills a sense of quietude and this Cedar in particular is calming, grounding, and protective.
Sweet Wormwood / Artmisiae annuae / Qing Hao - Research into the prominent artemisinin content of Artemisiae annuae led to the 1915 Nobel Prize for Medicine awarded to Dr Yuyou Tu for the discovery of a ground breaking anti malaria drug. This essential oil has anti viral properties and potentiates the clearing energy of the blend.
Organic Everclear - 190 proof which equates to 95% alcohol
Organic Aloe Vera Gel - Healing and moisturizing for the skin
Blumea balsamifera Folium
2.7 oz spray bottle
Aroma: Earthy and transformative with elements of the musty autumnal forest floor.
The water distillate from the fresh leaves of Blumea balsamifera, produces a cooling and refreshing effect. It clears heat, detoxifies, and vitalizes. It is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, benefits blood circulation, reduces feverishness, swelling, inflammation and pain, soothes sore throats, mouth sores, burns, skin irritations, and insect bites.
pH: 3.0
Artemisia argy Folium
2.7 oz spray bottle
Aroma: Fresh Foliage
Ai Ye Hydrosol is the water distillate of the mugwort leaf used clinically as moxibustion. Mugwort warms and dredges the meridians, promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, dispels dampness and cold. Applied topically in skincare it relieves itching skin irritations such as eczema or scabies and is an effective Insect repellant. Sprayed as a mist AI Ye Hydrosol has a very grounding and calming effect bringing the spirit gently into the body.
pH: 5.5
Thymus mongolicus
Aroma: herbaceous spice
Thyme is a low bushy plant that is found all over the world. It is well known for its effects as a digestive as well as a strong antiseptic. This concentrated hydrosol is unusually viscous and maintain’s the plant greenish color and distinctive aroma, and can be sprayed to refresh, protect, and sanitize. This species of thyme has been shown to have antifungal properties, and can be used topically to help control fungal infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot.
pH: 6.3
Ginseng Radix
Aroma: light, earthy
White Ginseng hydrosol is energizing and stimulating. It invigorates the body and awakens senses. Relative to Red Ginseng which is slightly warm, White Ginseng is slightly cool in nature; this hydrosol can enliven the body and spirit without adding additional heat into the body.
Ginseng is a highly regarded herbal medicinal, and in addition to having a tonifying effect on all body organs, it benefits immune system and is one of the only herbs that can boost the Yuan /Source Qi and Essence of the body.
pH: 6.4
2.7 oz spray bottle
Bitter Orange Flower
Citrus aurantium Flos
Aroma: Light citrusy floral with soft green note
Our Neroli hydrosol is produced from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree native to Southeast Asia. This elegant hydrosol is renowned for its cooling and astringent properties. It shines as a revitalizing, pH balancing toner mist for oily or overactive skin while also gently hydrating delicate, sensitive, dry, blemish-prone or mature skin. This comforting blend of softly exfoliating and conditioning natures can uplift sluggishness and refresh dullness.
pH 4.9
2.7 oz spray bottle
Osmanthus fragrans
Aroma: Fruity-floral, notes of apricot
Osmanthus is an evergreen shrub native to eastern Asia with tiny flower clusters exuding an intense floral aroma. Osmanthus flowers are precious to the people of Guilin, China and seasonally permeate the streets with their intoxicating sweetness. This uplifting hydrosol can be sprayed topically to deeply hydrate dry skin as well as improve skin tone and lighten sun-damaged spots. As an immune tonic, it encourages the body to remove free radicals thus protecting the skin from oxidative stress. Osmanthus is beautifully calming and restorative to the nervous system, repairing the body and mind from chronic fatigue and weakness, and supporting healthy sleep. This bright floral spray is also helpful in the case of dry throat or bad breath.
pH 4.8
Scutellaria baicalensis
Aroma: Light earthy, woody, bitter
Commonly known as Skullcap, Huang Qin Hydrosol is produced from the golden yellow colored root of the scutellaria plant. I has a subtle woody, bitter aroma and taste. In traditional Chinese medicine the root is used to clear up of damp heat conditions. The hydrosol, with a Ph which is slightly more alkaline than normal skin is balancing for oily skin. It helps to even the skin tone and assist in lightening dark pigmentation. Plus, considering it’s attributes as an herbal medicine, it may be applied for purulent, damp skin conditions and infections. It can also be used as a mouthwash for sores, or gargle for sore throat.
Ph 5.8
2.7 oz spray bottle
Lonicerae japonica Flos
Aroma: Light, floral, slightly bitter-sweet
The honeysuckle flower grows on twining vines and is well loved for the edible sweet nectar obtained from its tubular flowers. It is widely known in Chinese medicine for its effectiveness as an antiviral and antimicrobial agent. The Jin Yin Hua herb is a star ingredient in one of the most popular cold and flu herbal medicine formulas, Yin Qiao. This sweet, light and slightly bitter hydrosol shines bright with its ability to clear heat and detoxify the skin. It gently calms red, inflamed, acne-prone skin. Jin Yin Hua is proficient at supporting the elimination of dermatological woes such as sores, lesions, ulcerations and warts. It also has an affinity for soothing throat soreness and swelling. Feeling anxious, irritable or perhaps overwhelmed by insomnia? Spraying this clarifying hydrosol over your head and upper body can aid in calming a restless heart and overactive mind.
pH 4.7
Nymphaea tetragona
Aroma: Light sweet floral
The blue water lily is a perennial aquatic plant that is revered in Asian culture and spirituality, and has been used medicinally for centuries. Its extensive underground root system aids its environment in water purification and can absorb heavy metals and filters microorganisms. It’s cooling and purifying nature can be used to calm emotional disturbances such as anxiety, restlessness, depression, and short temper. This plant can be used in skin care to retain moisture in the skin due to its astringent nature, and can also be used topically to reduce inflammation of skin legions, rashes, and allergic reactions or bacterial infections.. This wondrous plant also contains compounds that have been shown to maintain healthy cells within the hair, skin, and nails.
Ph 6.6
Portulaca oleracea L. Herba
Aroma: Light, herbaceous
Ma Chi Xian hydrolat can be used topically for damp heat fire toxin type skin problems such as carbuncles and sores. It can also be used as an antidote for pain and swelling from insect strings and snake bites. It has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
The Chinese herb Ma Chi Xian is contraindicated during pregnancy if taken internally.
pH: 7.3
2.7 oz spray bottle
Rosa damascena Flos
Aroma: Light, true rose floral
Damascus Rose nourishes the Yin, and Jin/Ye body fluids, including hormonal secretions, and is a wonderful herbal ally for moistening and restoring aging skin. It calms the spirit, relaxes blood pressure and heart rate. The aroma of Rose inspires feelings of nourishment, beauty, love and transcendence.
Damascus Rose hydrosol is balancing and gentle and can be used for all skin types including sensitive skin, and due to its gently astringent nature can be used alone as a gentle facial toner. It is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, and can be applied to calm irritated skin or acne.
pH: 3.8
2.7 oz spray bottle
Jasmine Sambac Flower
Jasminum sambac Flos
Aroma: Bright, sweet fruity with honey-tea undertones
Our invigorating Jasmine hydrosol comes from a species of Jasmine grown in the range from Southern China to Bhutan to India. A deeply nourishing and hydrating hydrosol, Mo Li Hua can help modulate hormones and protect the central nervous system from stress. With its sensual, sedative aroma, one feels penetrated with upliftment, self-love and an undulating calm. As a topical spray, Jasmine gently regenerates aging skin and reduces redness and inflammation. The bright aroma of Jasmine affects our pineal gland, touching the spiritual realm, balancing our circadian rhythm and soothing restlessness and insomnia. Joyful and playful, our Jasmine hydrosol is a wonderful ally for grief, loss, and depression.
pH 3.8
Artemisia annua Folium et Radix
2.7 oz spray bottle
Aroma: Refreshing spring scents of wet dewy moss
The water distillate of the roots and leaves of Artemisia annua, like its essential oil, is anti viral, and relieves the pain and burning irritation of Herpes Zoster or Simplex. Commonly called wormwood, it is also used to eliminate worms as well as insect infestation. It may be applied topically for ring worm, head lice and bed bugs. Utilized as a mist Qing Hao enlivens the senses and clears and opens the sensory orifices.
pH: 3.8
Zingiber corallinum hance Rhizoma
2.7oz spray bottle
Aroma: A warm, balsamic scent reminiscent of bay leaves and oregano.
Commonly called coral ginger, the essential oil of this plant is known to have anti fungal and sunscreen properties. While the hydrosol is much less concentrated, it expresses these traits in a very gentle, dilute form.
pH: 7.2
Centaurea cyanus Flos
Aroma: Light sweet floral with mild tart spice
The bright blue color of this flower illustrates its affinity with the Liver and by extension its relationship to the eyes. Shi Che Ju hydrolat can be used to brighten and benefit the eyes for cases of eye strain, puffy eyes, or inflammation, conjunctivitis or blepharitis. It can be sprayed on the skin to clear heat, and reduce swelling for skin for sores, abscess, and itchy inflamed skin. Emotionally, it’s aroma releases pent up emotion. It is cooling, calming and freeing.
Blue Cornflower hydrolat is gently astringent. Sprayed on the face as a toner prior to moisturizing, it brings and retains moisture to the skin and helps to reduce wrinkles.
pH: 3.5-4.0
Polygala tenuifolia Radix
Aroma: Herbaceous, earthy
Yuan Zhi’s traditional usage in Chinese medicine is to calm the spirit and nourish the Heart. It quiets the mind and emotions and treats insomnia, palpitations, anxiety and restlessness. Its special function to clear phlegm enveloping the orifices of the Heart, and obstructing the senses makes it a commonly used herb to relieve mental and emotional disorientation, quell seizures and to aid mental clarity and memory. Yuan Zhi strengthens the will (Zhi 志) and opens the sensory orifices fostering the ability to see, strengthen or change ones purpose in life.
It can also be applied for topical use to reduce abscess and swelling.
pH: 5.8
Gardenia Jasminoides Flos
Aroma: Light sweet floral
The bud of the Gardenia flower is used in Chinese medicine for clearing heat in the body. Heat tends to rise to the head and upper body, giving rise to mental emotional symptoms; the descending nature of this herb will guide the heat downward. In addition, it’s cooling temperature counterbalances any accumulated heat in the body. As a fully blossomed flower, the mental, emotional and spiritual attributes of Gardenia are enhanced. Zhi Zi Hua hydrosol can be used in helping to treat mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, restlessness, short temper, and irritability. The aroma of this hydrosol is spiritually up lifting. It can also reduce swelling and inflammation, and can be used topically to reduce acne, eczema, boils, and wounds.
Antibacterial, Antibiotic, Analgesic, anti hypertensive, anti hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory.
pH: 4.6
2.7 oz spray bottle
Bitter Orange Flower
Citrus aurantium Flos
Aroma: Light citrusy floral with soft green note
Our Neroli hydrosol is produced from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree native to Southeast Asia. This elegant hydrosol is renowned for its cooling and astringent properties. It shines as a revitalizing, pH balancing toner mist for oily or overactive skin while also gently hydrating delicate, sensitive, dry, blemish-prone or mature skin. This comforting blend of softly exfoliating and conditioning natures can uplift sluggishness and refresh dullness.
pH 4.9