What Are Hydrolats and How Do They Benefit You?

Have you ever heard of hydrolats? No, not some newfangled energy drink – hydrolats are the aromatic waters resulting from the distillation of plant materials. Also known as floral waters or herbal distillates, these versatile liquids can be used for everything from skin toners to cooking.

And unlike their more famous cousin, essential oils, they don’t require special knowledge or equipment to operate safely. So what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle of lavender hydrolat and start spritzing!

What Are Hydrolats and How Do They Benefit You?

Are you wondering what hydrolats are? Hydrolats are a gentler alternative to essential oils. They have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are safe to use on your skin and can also be used in cooking. So, what are hydrolats, and how do they benefit you? Read on to find out! Listed below are some benefits of hydrolats.

Hydrolats Are a Gentler Alternative to Essential Oils

Hydrolats are often used as skin toners and blending agents for facial packs and creams, a milder alternative to essential oils. These oils are soft and ph balanced, making them gentle enough for all skin types, including the most sensitive. Some hydrolats have a slightly superior aroma to essential oils. They are also softer on the skin and may be used internally.

A distillation process separates an essential oil from the hydrolat. The two phases are separated by polarity. The more polar a compound is, the more likely it is to distribute to the hydrolat. On the other hand, the unoxygenated compounds have no water molecule, so they distribute almost exclusively to the essential oil. Hydrolats are safer than essential oils and are therefore used in cosmetics.

Hydrolats Have Antimicrobial, Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

It has been found that nutmeg essential oil and its hydrolats affect the viability of human fibroblasts. They were diluted in 96% ethanol, 1% magnesium aluminometasilicate, and in their essential oil solution. These dilutions were found to have similar antioxidant activity.

However, when diluted to 10%, they showed higher antioxidant activity, reaching a peak of more than 50%. The dilution ratios of essential oils were assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging method.

The hydrolats from herbs usually contain higher levels of dissolved volatiles as they are oxygenated. Essential oils, on the other hand, contain lower concentrations of dissolved volatiles. Both essential oils and hydrolats have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are necessary to prevent infections and other diseases caused by bacteria and fungi.

Hydrolats Can Be Used Undiluted on The Skin

Hydrolats are oils that are extracted from plants and are used both internally and externally to improve moods and improve the appearance of the skin. Hydrolats are found at the intersection of aromatherapy and phototherapy.

They have similar properties to essential oils but with a milder action. They are also used to disinfect the body and can be used as cosmetics. Hydrolats are safe and effective for most skin types and can be used internally and externally.

Hydrolats can be applied to the skin to treat various skin problems, including cuts, new piercings, and sores. Hydrolats can also be applied to wounds and can even be used as a hair rinse. Hydrolats can be used undiluted or diluted with water to enhance the effects. They can also be used to treat acne and other skin problems.

Hydrolats Can Be Used in Cooking

The natural flavorings found in hydrolats are often used in cooking. They are commonly used to flavor desserts, soups, and fruit salads. Many are also ingested, making them a great alternative to bottled fragrances. Hydrolats are highly nutritious and suitable for internal consumption.

Hydrolats are extracted from wild or semi-aromatic plants. The hydrolats obtained from organic plants must be stored in a refrigerator.

While hydrolats are often used for fragrance and personal hygiene, the use of these natural products in cooking dates back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Distilled plant water became a common commodity in Europe, and every large house had its distillation room. Hydrolats were widely used for cooking, medicine, and personal hygiene. In 1665, the French government patented Eau-de-Cologne. Today, the medicinal uses of hydrolats have diminished. Orange blossom water made its last mention in a French Pharmacopoea in 1965.

Hydrolats Can Be Used as Plant Mists

While essential oils are widely accepted, hydrolats can be more gentle. Generally, hydrolats and essential oils complement each other well. Mixing them can increase their therapeutic value and versatility. Hydrolats are naturally diluted and pH-balanced, which makes them a safe alternative to essential oils.

They can be applied directly to the skin or diluted further.

Aromatic hydrolats are made by combining hydrosol and organic essential oils. Depending on the blend, they are used for several different purposes, such as room sprays, linen sprays, and face and body mists. Hydrolats contains many aromatic compounds and nutrients, making them ideal for aromatherapy. These plant mists are gentle enough to be used on sensitive populations and in the bathroom.