Floral waters are obtained by steam distillation of different parts of plants.
If these plants are aromatic, i.e. they contain aromas rich in essential oils , we will obtain floral waters and essential oil.
These distillates therefore collect all the water-soluble active compounds of the plant, plus some amount of essential oil.
Floral waters
It is the synonym most used to indicate floral waters deriving from the distillation of flowers only. However, for greater simplicity we can also call a floral water from other parts of an aromatic plant "hydrolat".
STEP BY STEP: FROM PLANT TO FLORAL WATER
During the distillation of plants, not only one product is obtained, but two: the essential oil and the floral water.
Two phases are obtained from a steam distillation of an aromatic plant:
- On the surface there is the essential oil (lighter, hydrophobic that is, it does not mix with water).
- The underlying phase can be defined as an aromatic water which has stored minimal quantities of the essential oil itself (about 0.2%), but above all its water-soluble molecules (vitamins, mucilages, minerals or trace elements).
Property
They are sometimes considered a by-product of essential oils but floral waters are 20-30 times more concentrated and strong than a cup of infusion.
They have a psycho-emotional and energetic action : floral water would be able to contain all the information of the plant, all its vitality which is also expressed through its smell.
It has been scientifically proven that olfactory stimuli activate certain glands of the endocrine system and stimulate them to produce neuro-chemicals (adrenaline, endorphins, etc.) which largely regulate our state of psycho-physical equilibrium.
Floral waters having a pH below 5.5 act as a mild but effective antiseptic .
Floral waters: their uses
The trump card of hydrosols is that being mainly composed of water, they can be used by everyone , even pregnant women and children: in short, they represent a sweet version of aromatherapy.
From the medicine cabinet to the beauty case, from the bedroom to the kitchen, floral waters will be welcome guests in our daily lives.
Use them like this:
- Spray directly on the face or body or hair for an aromatic dew bath.
- In a compress or always vaporized on the skin reddened by the sun.
- As refreshing and anti-fatigue compresses for the eyes
- Added to water to remove masks, make-up removers, peels, (reducing the negative effect of chlorine and disinfectants)
- Instead of tonic or to eliminate residues of micellar waters or biphasic make-up removers or oils.
- Also ideal as a simple facial cleansing gesture if you are not wearing make-up or in the morning if you have already removed your make-up and deeply cleansed your skin the previous evening.
- In shampoo rinse water.
- As a specific lotion in the treatment of skin problems.
- Perfect for the most delicate skins (those of children, for example) when the use of essential oils could have contraindications.
- Mixed with masks (clays, muds, silts).
- Mixed together to obtain special floral waters.
- Mixed with essential oils for a hydro-aromatherapy treatment.
And you? Have you ever used a floral water? DISCOVER THEM HERE!
