The wonderful world of hydrolates: Natural healing power for body, mind, soul and skin

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters or plant waters, are true wonders of nature. They are a byproduct of the distillation of essential oils and contain the water-soluble components of the plants. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are gentler and can often be used undiluted, making them versatile aids in natural health care.

In this in-depth blog post, we'll explore the fascinating properties and uses of 20 selected hydrosols. You'll discover how these natural essences can positively influence your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, as well as your skin health.

General benefits of hydrolats

Before we look at the individual hydrosols, let's take a look at the general benefits these natural waters offer:

1. Gentle effect : Hydrolates are milder than essential oils and are therefore also suitable for sensitive skin and people with hypersensitivity.
2. Versatile use : You can use it as a facial toner, room spray, in aromatherapy or as an additive in body care products.
3. Natural ingredients : Hydrosols contain the water-soluble components of plants, including minerals, vitamins and other bioactive substances.
4. Balancing effect : Many hydrolates have a balancing effect on the pH value of the skin and can thus contribute to a healthy complexion.
5. Aromatherapeutic properties : Although milder than essential oils, hydrosols still have aromatherapeutic effects that can positively affect your body and mind.

Now let's turn to specific hydrolats and explore their unique properties and uses.

Pine hydrolate

Pine hydrosol is extracted from the needles and branches of the pine tree (Pinus sylvestris). It is known for its fresh, woody scent and its many benefits:

• Body :
• Supports your respiratory system and can be helpful for colds or bronchitis
• Promotes blood circulation and can relieve muscle pain
• Spirit :
• Invigorating and concentration-enhancing
• Helps with mental exhaustion and lack of motivation
• Soul :
• Gives you a feeling of freshness and naturalness
• Can have a calming effect on stress and tension
• Skin :
• Astringent effect, helpful for oily skin
• Can reduce acne and skin blemishes

Application tip : Used as a room spray, pine hydrolate cleanses and refreshes the air and creates a pleasant, woody atmosphere in your home.

Neroli hydrolate

Neroli hydrolate is extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) and is known for its delicate, floral scent:

• Body :
• Can lower your blood pressure and support the cardiovascular system
• Promotes restful sleep
• Spirit :
• Calming and balancing, helps with nervousness and anxiety
• Can improve your concentration and mental clarity
• Soul :
• Considered a "soul comforter", helpful in cases of emotional stress
• Promotes your self-confidence and inner peace
• Skin :
• Ideal for mature and sensitive skin
• Regulates sebum production and refines your pores

Application tip : Used as a facial toner, Neroli Hydrolat refreshes and soothes your skin and gives it a natural glow.

Rose hydrolate

Rose hydrolate, obtained from the petals of the rose (usually Rosa damascena), is a true all-rounder in natural cosmetics:

• Body :
• Supports your lymphatic system and promotes detoxification
• Can relieve menstrual discomfort
• Spirit :
• Harmonizing and balancing
• Promotes positive thoughts and inner harmony
• Soul :
• Opens your heart and promotes self-love
• Helpful for emotional injuries and heartache
• Skin :
• Ideal for all skin types, especially dry and mature skin
• Soothes irritated skin and can reduce redness

Application tip : Used as a facial spray, rose hydrolate refreshes your skin and gives it a natural, rosy complexion.

Peppermint hydrolate

Peppermint hydrolate is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita) and is known for its refreshing effect:

• Body :
• Cooling and invigorating, ideal for heat and exhaustion
• Can relieve headaches and nausea
• Spirit :
• Promotes concentration and mental clarity
• Helps with mental fatigue and lack of motivation
• Soul :
• Brings new energy and joy of life
• Can have an uplifting effect in cases of mild depression
• Skin :
• Regulates sebum production, good for oily and impure skin
• Refreshing and cooling for sunburn or skin irritations

Application tip : Used as a body spray, peppermint hydrolate refreshes on hot days and can increase your performance.

Lemon balm hydrolate

Melissa hydrolate, also known as lemon balm hydrolate, is obtained from the leaves of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis):

• Body :
• Can help with indigestion and flatulence
• Supports the nervous system and promotes relaxation
• Spirit :
• Calming and stress-reducing
• Helps with sleep disorders and inner restlessness
• Soul :
• Lifts the mood and has a balancing effect
• Can help with mild depressive moods
• Skin :
• Soothing for sensitive and irritated skin
• Can be helpful for skin problems such as herpes or eczema

Application tip : Used as a pillow spray, lemon balm hydrolate can improve your sleep quality and ensure sweet dreams.

Witch hazel hydrolate

Witch hazel hydrolate is obtained from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub (Hamamelis virginiana):

• Body :
• Astringent and anti-inflammatory
• Can help with hemorrhoids and varicose veins
• Spirit :
• Promotes inner peace and serenity
• Helps in processing impressions and experiences
• Soul :
• Supports with emotional injuries and insults
• Promotes self-acceptance and inner balance
• Skin :
• Ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin
• Can relieve skin redness and irritation

Application tip : Used as a compress, witch hazel hydrolate can reduce swelling and bruising.

Chamomile hydrolate

Chamomile hydrolate is obtained from the flowers of the true chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):

• Body :
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing
• Can help with gastrointestinal complaints
• Spirit :
• Relaxing and stress-reducing
• Promotes inner peace and serenity
• Soul :
• Comforting and balancing
• Helps with emotional overload
• Skin :
• Ideal for sensitive and irritated skin
• Can relieve redness and inflammation

Application tip : Used as an eye compress, chamomile hydrolate can refresh and soothe tired and irritated eyes.

Cornflower hydrolate

Cornflower hydrolate is obtained from the flowers of the cornflower (Centaurea cyanus):

• Body :
• Can help with eye problems and inflammation
• Supports skin regeneration
• Spirit :
• Promotes clear thinking and mental freshness
• Can help with lack of concentration
• Soul :
• Harmonizing and balancing
• Promotes inner peace and serenity
• Skin :
• Ideal for the care of the eye area
• Can reduce bags and dark circles under the eyes

Application tip : Used as a facial spray, cornflower hydrosol refreshes your skin and gives it a radiant complexion.

Vetiver hydrolate

Vetiver hydrolate is obtained from the roots of the vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides):

• Body :
• Grounding and centering
• Can help with sleep disorders and restlessness
• Spirit :
• Promotes concentration and mental clarity
• Helps with stress and overexertion
• Soul :
• Stabilizing and calming
• Supports in processing trauma
• Skin :
• Regulates sebum production
• Can help with acne and impure skin

Application tip : Used as a foot bath, vetiver hydrolate can ground you and calm you when you are stressed.

Coriander hydrolate

Coriander hydrolate is obtained from the seeds and leaves of coriander (Coriandrum sativum):

• Body :
• Supports digestion
• Can help with bloating and fullness
• Spirit :
• Promotes creativity and new ideas
• Helps with mental exhaustion
• Soul :
• Invigorating and mood-enhancing
• Can help with mild depressive moods
• Skin :
• Regulates sebum production
• Can help with oily and impure skin

Application tip : Used as a room spray, coriander hydrosol can refresh the air and stimulate your creativity.

St. John's Wort Hydrosol

St. John’s wort hydrolate is obtained from the flowers and leaves of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum):

• Body :
• Can help with nerve pain and neuralgia
• Supports wound healing
• Spirit :
• Mood-enhancing and antidepressant
• Helps with winter blues and mood swings
• Soul :
• Promotes inner peace and balance
• Can provide comfort in cases of emotional injury
• Skin :
• Regenerating and promotes wound healing
• Can help with sunburn and minor burns

Application tip : Used as a compress, St. John's wort hydrolate can accelerate wound healing and reduce scarring.

Lavender hydrolate

Lavender hydrolate is obtained from the flowers of the true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):

• Body :
• Relaxing and calming
• Can help with sleep disorders and restlessness
• Spirit :
• Promotes inner peace and mental clarity
• Helps with stress and tension

• Soul :
  • Balancing and harmonizing
  • Can stabilize during emotional fluctuations
• Skin :
  • Soothing for all skin types, especially for irritations
  • Can help with acne and skin blemishes

Application tip : Used as a pillow spray, lavender hydrosol can improve your sleep quality and ensure a restful night's sleep.

Yarrow hydrolate

Yarrow hydrolate is obtained from the flowers and leaves of yarrow (Achillea millefolium):

• Body :
  • Anti-inflammatory and wound-healing
  • Can help with digestive problems and menstrual problems
• Spirit :
  • Promotes clarity and decision-making ability
  • Helps you focus on essential tasks
• Soul :
  • Strengthening and protective
  • Supports in cases of emotional overload
• Skin :
  • Regulating for oily and impure skin
  • Can help with skin irritations and inflammations

Application tip : Used as a facial toner, yarrow hydrosol can clarify your skin and refine its appearance.

Lemon verbena hydrolate

Lemon verbena hydrolate is obtained from the leaves of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora):

• Body :
  • Invigorating and refreshing
  • Can help with indigestion and flatulence
• Spirit :
  • Promotes concentration and mental clarity
  • Helps with fatigue and lack of motivation
• Soul :
  • Mood-enhancing and invigorating
  • Can help with mild depressive moods
• Skin :
  • Refreshing and clarifying for oily skin
  • Can help with skin imperfections and large pores

Application tip : Used as a room spray, lemon verbena hydrosol can freshen the air and lift your mood.

Lady's mantle hydrolate

Lady’s mantle hydrolate is obtained from the leaves and flowers of the lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris):

• Body :
  • Regulating the hormonal balance
  • Can help with menstrual problems and during menopause
• Spirit :
  • Promotes inner peace and serenity
  • Helps with stress and tension
• Soul :
  • Strengthens female self-confidence
  • Supports emotional fluctuations
• Skin :
  • Firming and tightening
  • Can help with mature and sagging skin

Application tip : Used as a facial spray, lady's mantle hydrosol can tighten your skin and give it a youthful glow.

Walnut hydrolate

Walnut hydrolate is obtained from the green shells of the walnut (Juglans regia):

• Body :
  • Detoxifying and cleansing
  • Can help with skin problems such as acne or eczema
• Spirit :
  • Promotes concentration and mental clarity
  • Helps focus on goals
• Soul :
  • Strengthening and protective
  • Supports change processes
• Skin :
  • Cleansing and clarifying for impure skin
  • Can help with pigmentation disorders and age spots

Application tip : Used as a facial toner, walnut hydrosol can clarify your skin and improve its appearance.

Norway spruce hydrolate

Norway spruce hydrolate is obtained from the needles and twigs of the Norway spruce (Picea abies):

• Body :
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Can help with respiratory problems and colds
• Spirit :
  • Invigorating and concentration-enhancing
  • Helps with mental exhaustion
• Soul :
  • Grounding and stabilizing
  • Can help with uncertainty and fears
• Skin :
  • Regenerating and firming
  • Can help with impure and oily skin

Application tip : Used as a room spray, Norway spruce hydrosol can purify the air and create a fresh, woody atmosphere.

Stone pine hydrolate

Stone pine hydrolate is obtained from the needles and branches of the stone pine (Pinus cembra):

• Body :
  • Relaxing and calming
  • Can improve sleep quality
• Spirit :
  • Promotes inner peace and mental clarity
  • Helps with stress and overexertion
• Soul :
  • Harmonizing and balancing
  • Supports emotional imbalance
• Skin :
  • Soothing and anti-inflammatory
  • Can help with irritated and sensitive skin

Application tip : Used as a pillow spray or room fragrance, Swiss stone pine hydrolate can create a calming atmosphere and improve your sleep.

Cistus hydrolate

Cistus hydrolate is obtained from the leaves and flowers of the rockrose (Cistus ladaniferus):

• Body :
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Can help with skin problems and wound healing
• Spirit :
  • Promotes inner peace and serenity
  • Helps with stress and tension
• Soul :
  • Protective and strengthening
  • Supports emotional vulnerability
• Skin :
  • Firming and regenerating
  • Can help with mature and damaged skin

Application tip : Used as a facial spray, Cistus Hydrolat can firm your skin and improve its appearance.

Blue Tansy Hydrolate

Blue Tansy Hydrolat is obtained from the flowers of the blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum):

• Body :
  • Anti-inflammatory and cooling
  • Can help with skin irritations and allergies
• Spirit :
  • Calming and relaxing
  • Helps with stress and inner restlessness
• Soul :
  • Balancing and harmonizing
  • Supports emotional fluctuations
• Skin :
  • Soothing for irritated and sensitive skin
  • Can help with redness and inflammation

Application tip : Used as a compress, Blue Tansy Hydrolat can relieve skin irritations and soothe your skin.

Hydrosols offer a wealth of possibilities to naturally support your well-being. From caring for your skin to supporting your mental and emotional health, these versatile plant waters can have positive effects in many areas of your life.

Experiment with different hydrosols and find out which ones work best for you and your needs. Remember that while hydrosols are generally very gentle, they should still be used with respect and care. If you have any existing health concerns or concerns, please always consult a doctor or qualified therapist.

With proper use, hydrosols can become valuable companions in your everyday life and help you lead a balanced and natural life. Enjoy the diverse scents and effects of these wonderful gifts of nature!