How to use hydrosols
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Posted On :
Nov-28-2011
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Article Word Count :
585
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Essential oils are not the only aromatherapy option. Hydrolats are also 100% natural and present a more gentle form of skin care which can be used to create lotions and creams, room sprays or bath soaks.
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Hydrolats, sometimes called hydrosols, are simply flower or floral waters. They are the waters collected when plants are steam-distilled to gather their natural oils and they offer similar properties to the essential oils themselves, but on a milder level. Raw plant materials consisting of flowers, leaves, bark, wood, seeds or peel are put in a distillation apparatus over water, and as the water is heated the steam passes through the plant material. The vapours flow through a coil where they condense to a liquid, and this liquid is known as a hydrolat. Well known hydrolats include rose water, lavender water, lemon balm and orange blossom water, which have got a huge range of aromatherapy uses. Some hydrolats are also used in cosmetics.
The mildness of hydrolats means they are perfect for those with sensitive skin, the elderly, children or people suffering from a debilitating illness. Orange flower (neroli) and rose hydrolats are even safe for use on women before, during and after pregnancy. Quality hydrolats are 100% pure without any additives, colours or preservatives. Hydrolats must be stored correctly however, as they are fragile when compared to essential oils due to their lack of antibacterial properties.
Hydrolats should be stored in aluminium or glass bottles and away from sources of direct sunlight. Leaving bottles of hydrolats half full for a length of time can cause deterioration because of oxidation, so it is best to transfer the liquid into a smaller bottle. When transferring it is important not to let unsterilized items like your fingers touch the content. They can be kept in the fridge, which may maximise their shelf life, but wherever they are stored it is best to make a note of when you opened your hydrolats so you will know when they will expire.
Hydrolats are seen by many people as worth their complex storing process. Hydrolats are 100% natural and are widely used for gentle therapeutic skincare. Hydrolats can be combined with creams, lotions, Aloe Vera and clay, or they can also be used on their own for cleansing and toning.
Chamomile is said to have a calming influence on mind and body, lavender has relaxing properties, lemon balm restores skin appearance and tone, peppermint is energising and rosemary has been worshipped since Pagan times so is perfect for meditation.
Another benefit which hydrolats offer is that they are believed to be antiallergenic. Because they are milder than essential oils they offer a great way of soothing allergic reactions. Geranium is calming for eczema-type skin as it provides anti-inflammatory qualities and promotes healing. Geranium hydrolats can be used by adding 30ml to 100ml of non perfumed and uncoloured hand cream. A little peppermint hydrolat added in can relieve itching. Lavender hydrolat can also soothe damaged or fragile skin and relieve irritation if experiencing an allergic reaction. It can be sprayed over dermatitis and heat rashes for a calming effect.
Hydrolats can also be used as a room spray or cooling body spray if transferred to an atomiser bottle. They can also be mixed in lotions and creams for hydrating skin care or used in the bath for a calming effect. Hydrolats like rose and neroli can also be used as a scented linen spray.
With a huge range of soothing qualities and scents along with a diverse way of application, it’s hard not to see the advantages which hydrolats offer.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to use hydrosols _111003.aspx
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Author Resource :
Visit Base Formula for a huge range of pure hydrolats, essential oils and cosmetic bases. They also offer more information on hydrolats and aromatherapy, including news, techniques and training courses.
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Keywords :
Hydrolats, hydrolates, hydrosols, essential oils, aromatherapy,
Category :
Health and Fitness
:
Alternative Medicine
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