Lavender hydrolat
Most people know the essential oil of lavender, but hydrolat of lavender is not so well known. Many wonder, what is that? How do I use this? Hence this blog post.
Hydrolat is the water fraction that is formed during the steam distillation of lavender. What does this actualy means ? If one wants to extract the essential oil from lavender, this is done via steam distillation with an alembic. At the bottom of the steam boiler, water is heated and the steam is passed through the lavender. The lavender is on a grid and is heated by the steam without burning. The volatile substances are entrained with the water vapor. This water vapor is then cooled back to liquid via a cooling coil. This liquid consists of 2 layers: the essential oil floats above and the hydrolat is at the bottom. This hydrolat contains a small percentage of essential oil and further contains the water-soluble substances of the plant. No extra additives or preservatives are added in our hydrolat. It is the 100% natural stuff that is created during steam distillation.
Like the essential oil of lavender also the hydrolat has many beneficial properties for our skin and for our minds. The smell however is very different than you are used to with essential oil of lavender, you could describe the hydrolat as spicy. There are numerous possible applications in our daily lives. Below I describe a number of them, but please feel free to fill in the list yourself...
The hydrolat has calming and soothing properties just like the essential oil of lavender. It works refreshing, calming, astringent, purifying, anti-inflammatory,...
It is an excellent calming solution for sunburn, minor burns and inflammation of the skin. You can spray the liquid on the face (close your eyes) as well as on the body.
It has a soothing effect in case of insect bites or contact with e.g. irritating plants.
The hydrolat can be used for all types of skin. It is also perfect for use in daily skin care as toner. It cleanses, removes impurities and moisturizes the skin. It can even be used with acne.
With greasy hair you can also use it after the shampoo. Spray lavender hydrolat on your hair and let it rest for a minute before you dry it.
In addition to all the positive properties on our skin, the hydrolat, like the essential oil, also has a refreshing and relaxing effect on our mind. Spray it for instance on your pillowcase, in the room or use it in an evaporator.
RELAX!