Hydrosols are much lighter than essential oils. They maintain many of the same attributes of essential oils and the addition of water simply makes a milder product. There are times when a milder version of an essential oil is preferred. For example, hydrosols are perfect for using as a toner for skin. Hydrosols, because they are milder, are also safer to use on children’s skin and sensitive skin.

Hydrosols are water-based so they’re sometimes also called floral water. Just be certain to read the label as some ‘floral water’ products claiming to contain hydrosols really are nothing more than colored water scented with a few drops of essential oils. Most hydrosols are nearly without color, so steer clear of those that have color.

A few drops of your favorite scented hydrosols can calm, invigorate, relax and soothe. Believe it or not, these light scents can turn a cranky person into a happy person in just a few minutes. Aromatherapy hydrosols really are that effective.

The thing that’s important to remember about hydrosols is that in order to preserve their shelf life, they need to be refrigerated. And although they are primarily used externally, they can be used internally, with caution. Some need to be heated prior to use. When in doubt, always read the product label.

Roman Chamomile hydrosol is an excellent way to alleviate a number of skin problems. Whether you have dry, flaky skin or a problem with eczema, acne and even hemorrhoids, a few drops will make a huge difference. A few drops on a compress can alleviate tired eyes and can even dull the pounding pain of a migraine headache.

If you love the aroma of freshly cut Christmas trees, a few drops from a bottle of balsam fir hydrosol can fill the air inside your home with that same pleasant scent all year ’round. The scent is distilled from a balsam fir’s needles. Besides adding the aroma to the air, you can pour a few drops into a foot bath to help invigorate tired feet. This scent is a powerful mood booster, too.

One of the most popular aromatherapy hydrosols and one that has been used for thousands of years is rose hydrosol. Rose hydrosol is used in many different types of skin care products including toners and moisturizers, body sprays and douches. Rose hydrosol can help balance the skin’s pH and its antibacterial properties can help those with acne.

Herbal Baths:
Hydrotherapy is an important aspect of naturopathic medicine. Primarily used for topical diseases, such as skin disorders, herbal baths can be made by adding large amounts of an herb to a cloth bag and submerging it in the bath to mix with the water.

Infusions:
Similar to a tea, you pour a pint of boiling water over an ounce of the herb and steep for approximately ten minutes. A cold extract is prepared with cold water, when you add two ounces of herbs to the water and let it sit for up to twelve hours before drinking. A decoction is best used with bitter herbs, so that you can just boil the plant and strain it into a cup for consumption.

Powdered Forms:
If you need to take the herb in powder form, you’ll need to pulverize it using a blender or mortar and pestle. After breaking the herb up into smaller parts, you continue grinding it until it’s in powder form and can be added to foods, drinks, and soups.

Once you have the powder, you can create a tincture by mixing four ounces of the herb to two and a half cups 60-proof alcohol. After the mixture sits in a warm environment for fourteen days, it can be strained and added to water as a tea mixture, or consumer straight.

Topical Use:
Sometimes an herb needs to be used topically. Ointments and creams can be created by making adding one part herbal powder to four pars petroleum jelly. If you want to save it for continued use, be sure to add some gum benzoin to each ounce.

Compresses:
If you need a compress of the herb, then soak a cloth in the infusion and apply it to the distressed area. You can create both hot and cold herbal compresses, depending on what the recipe calls for. A poultice is similar to a compress, but instead of using a liquid infusion, you would use mashed up parts of the herb and apply it in a gauze bandage directly to the affected area.