If you’re wondering what a hydrosol even is, you might be surprised to find out that you actually already know. Most of you are probably familiar with rose water, which is actually a hydrosol!

Another common name for hydrosols is floral waters. However, we don’t generally call them that, because they’re not just limited to florals. So many other plants produce hydrosols as well, as they are the co-product of the steam distillation process to obtain an essential oil. We even sell a frankincense hydrosol!

Hydrosols actually contain all the water-soluble components of the plant, as well as the essential oil in trace amounts. This means that hydrosols are super gentle, making them ideal for the more delicate parts of our body like our mucous membranes (ears, eyes, nose, mouth and genitals). This also means that hydrosols are just perfect for anyone with sensitivities; the elderly; children; and dogs.

Hydrosols provide a great opportunity to enjoy the benefits of some of the more precious oils. Take, for instance, helichrysum, which is awesome in a first aid spray mixed with witch hazel. Other precious oils whose hydrosols you can enjoy include rose and neroli.

If you are interested in learning more about hydrosols, check out Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy by Suzanne Catty. I personally love this book so much. It really digs in to the topic of hydrosols: their physical attributes, as well as their psychological and spiritual benefits. There are even some great recipes in there — because yes, hydrosols are gentle enough to be safe to ingest!

(On that note, let me just say that I have put a few spritzes of rose hydrosol in my water and it was delicious as heck.)

My advice? Definitely give hydrosols a shot. I know you’ll love them!