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Hydrosols are the "other" product of distillation, when plants are distilled to release their essential oil.  

Hydrosols are extremely gentle & suitable for the very young, the elderly, & those who are hypersensitive to essential oils. Their therapuetic benefits are numerous & useful to all.

How Hydrosols are Made
Hydrosol means "hydro"-water & "sol"-solution.

Hydrosols are created from stills like the one pictured at right. This one is Elisabeth Gladstone's first still.

The flowers are suspended above a boiling water bath inside the vessel on the left. As the steam rises, it collects the floral essence in it's purest form. This steam is then forced, by physics, into the long neck which continues down inside the condensing cannister on the right. Here the neck becomes a coil of copper pipe, surrounded by water that is cooler than the steam.

As the steam travels down through the coil, the cooler water reduces the steam to liquid, which then flows down, drop-by-drop, into a collection receptacle. Copper is used as it attracts the less desirable sulphur molecules away from the solution, resulting in a sweeter distillation.

This water solution contains some water soluble micro-molecules of essential oils, as well as water soluble plant components.  These micro-molecules of essential oil give hydrosol it's scent, & the plant components give the hydrosol it's herbal or floral therapy.

Hydorosols are not just misters(i.e. water to which essential oils have been added).  They are a true product of distillation & cannot be manufactured synthetically.

Hydrosols are 100% distilled, non-alcoholic waters, straight from the still. All of our hydrosol has the APP Aromatic Plant Project seal of approval & our flowers are CCOF organic certified.
Use of Hydrosols
Hydrosols are safe for all, & provide gentle, soothing relief for all sorts of skin conditions. They can be used to refresh, cleanse, & soothe irritations.  They give relief from hot flashes & moisturize dry or chapped skin.  

They are gentle & safe for use on the elderly, children, or those with sensitive skin. Apply directly as mists, splashes, soaks, & in compresses.

Hydrosols can also be used as subtle aromatherapy throughout the home.
Lavender Hydrosol

Lavender is well known for it's calming, soothing & relaxing therapuetic qualities. Lavender hydrosol is especially refreshing. The scent is more of a subtle, lavender-honey smell, than the much stronger scent of the essential oil.

Skin Care
Gentle balancing toner, anti-inflammatory, cooling burns, hydrating dry conditions, good for all skin types. Lavender hydosol is a great aftershave.

Children
Good for burns, cuts & scrapes. Calms cranky moods. Soothes restlessness.

Emotional
Relaxing, lessens mental fatigue, good for jet-lag. Spritz on pillow for a restful, deep sleep.

Helps ease the stresses of the modern, hectic world.

Home
Room freshener, laundry spray, linen water & spot aromatherapy.

Also:

Lavender Hydrosol | Rosemary Hydrosol | Rose Geranium Hydrosol

Gladstone Botanicals would like to give special thanks to renowned herbalist Jeanne Rose, who has generously consulted with us throughout our business' progression.

Jeanne oversees the Aromatic Plant Project & can also be visited at her site:

www.JeanneRose.net