Hydrolates, floral waters and floral essences

Someone asked recently if there is a difference between a floral water and a hydrolate. Her question reminded me of the fun I had researching this topic when I first started making moisturizers. Finding information in books and on the web were certainly enjoyable, but the most fun of all was to drive to Les Grondines, Quebec, and visit Alixir, a producer of essential oils and hydrolates. Below is a short description of how the three products are made, but do spend time to find more about these amazing products and properties yourself.

Floral waters are a mix of water plus drops of one or several essential oils. The oil typically will float on top of the water. You simply need to make sure you shake the bottle before spraying. One thing to keep in mind is that essential oils, as other oils, can stain fabric. Be particularly mindful of darker ones such as roman chamomile and tansy, which are ink blue.

Hydrolates (or hydrosol) are the water left over from the production of essential oils. Here is how it works.
- Water is boilded under a large container of plant material (not only flowers).

- The steam rises in a small glass pipe that then goes through a cooling zone then bends down into a glass beaker.

- As the steam cools off, it condenses back to liquid form and separates into hydrolate (clear water) in the bottom and essential oil floating on the surface.

- the oil is then drained

- the water/hydrolate remaining carries the memory of the plants properties, so product is subtle and light yet has a distinct smell both from the plant and the essential oil.

They are wonderful as mood harmonizers, whether in moisturizing cream. Several of them can be mixed with water or fruit juices. As there is no risk of staining, they can be spayed in the air or on your pillow. You can also add some to your laundry water but I prefer to spay them directly on my clothes. Contrary to essential oils, hydrosols will keep only for a couple of years provided they is stored in a dark, cool place.

Flower essences are beautiful products that result from picking perfect flowers and dispersing them on the surface of a bowl of pure water and letting the bowl sit in sun or moon light for several hours, then straining the water and mixing it to an alcohol or vinegar base to preserve it. The essence thus created has powerful healing properties. Bach remedies are examples of such essences, but you can make your own very easily and experiment with the various essences. And the beauty of it is that with floral essences can never make you sick. Start with wild flowers or flowers from your garden if they are not too exposed to pollution. Read about each flower's properties but also rely on your intuition to know how to use them. Take a few drops under the tongue or mix them in a glass of water  three times a day or more.