Anatomy of a Hydrosol By Peggy Filock Introduction Aromatherapy has played an important role in my life for the past 30 years. My gardens have been focused around fragrant and medicinal use plants that I harvested to create herbal balms and oils as well as fragrant teas and culinary blends. I had always viewed hydrosols as the ‘moonshine’ of aromatherapy – the by-product of the complicated, involved process of distillation for obtaining essential oils. After all, the healing qualities of essential oils has been known about and utilized for more than four thousand years. (Bosson, 2004) It wasn’t until two years ago when I began reading more about hydrosols and the distilling process that my interest began to develop. The final hook was the video interview on Aromahead between Andrea Butje and Ann Harman. (Butje and Harman 2020) I must have listened to this interview ten times, each time gaining new information and taking copious notes. So began my interest in the “anatomy” of a hydrosol – what are the components that make up this beautiful, gentle, yet highly therapeutic water? For the purpose of this paper I have broken hydrosols down into four components: water, plant material, distillation process and intention. Before delving into each section let me begin with the definition of a hydrosol. What is a Hydrosol? By definition a hydrosol is a product of distillation, an aqueous distillate from the distillation of plants. (Harman, 2017) Hydrosols are amazing liquids with taste and smell and chemical makeup with therapeutic properties. The healing water of hydrosols contains the physical, vibrational image and dimension of a plant. Hydrosols contain the whole of the plant in its water soluble molecules. (Catty, 2001) It is, to me, a miracle of nature that from plants can come this special healing water. That water containing such a small essence can offer such gentle, yet powerful effects. As the saying goes, everything old is new again and this is certainly true for hydrosols. People have been distilling plant material for thousands of years and in all parts of the world from Egypt to Rome to France. Certainly an entire paper could be dedicated to the history of floral waters but suffice it to say that extensive use, research and improved distillation methods have led us to where we are today. Water Water is one part oxygen, two parts hydrogen and the rest is magic. – C.S. Lewis The quality of the water used in distillation is extremely important, only the cleanest, most vibrant water will do. (Harman, 2015) Why? Because water is able to retain its memory of where it came from and its memory of the initial substance. According to Holst, the atomic and subatomic memory of water absolutely exists. He goes on to say that the proof of this is found in the power of highly diluted homeopathic medicine. (Holst, 2004 ) Where the water came from and the life it lived is forever stored in its content and no matter how small an amount of it is used, that memory will be passed on to whatever it comes in contact with. In The Healing Power of Energized Water (Holst,2004 ) he talks about the different categories of water and their characteristics. Emoto (2001) and Holst (2004) both speak of the power of water to carry a memory of where it has come from and the ability to pass on the effect of those memories, good and bad. Hippocrates, Paracelsus and Hildegard of Bingen have recommended that water is the first and best medicine. (Strehlow and Hertzka, 1988) These few facts exhibit the importance of water as a life force. With that much importance it is imperative that fluids we put into our body be of the highest quality available. If less that 1% of the volatiles remain back, what about the other 99% of the hydrosol? In her interview with Andrea Butje, Ann Harmon hypothesizes that perhaps it is the cellular water of the plant, minute amounts of water soluble minerals. Add to that theory that humans are over 70% water and perhaps our bodies ‘recognize’ hydrosols as an ally in maintaining homeostasis. (Butje and Harmon, 2020) It is amazing that such a tiny amount of volatile can yield powerful healing water that is also gentle enough for infants and animals. The healing power of minute amounts of the original component is the basis of holistic medicine. Hydrosols could be considered the homeopathy of aromatherapy (Rose, 1999) Plant Material Since it is the cellular water in the plant that contributes greatly to the therapeutic effect of the hydrosol it is extremely important to use fresh plant material in your distillation. (Harmon, 2020) In addition to the freshness of the plant material, the purity of the botanicals is equally important. I spoke previously of the memory of water and the cellular water in plants. Because of this one should always use plant material that is either grown by the distiller or purchased from a known organic grower. The last things you want to bring into the hydrosol are chemicals, especially since so many hydrosols are to be taken internally to achieve the full therapeutic effects. Hildegard von Bingen spoke of ‘viriditas’ or the thread of life as being very fragile. (Strehlow and Hertka,1988) She believed that everything has a life force and you can keep that life force intact by harvesting with intent. In dry material the cellular water would have already evaporated leaving little of the therapeutic properties still intact. Knowing the botanical family, species and plant part used in distilling is important so that you do not create something that could be harmful or at the very least, produce disappointing results. For example you may purchase a Sage Hydrosol. If not labeled completely and correctly you wouldn’t know if it was culinary Sage (Salvia officinalis) or White Sage (Salvia apiana) or perhaps even Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). The three vary drastically in their chemical composition and certainly are not interchangeable medicinally. (Harman, 2015) Distillation Process Although commercial distillers are known to use large stainless steel stills I am only concerned with copper stills or alembic stills as they are also known. It seems that each component of producing a beautiful hydrosol has some sense of magic about it. Just looking at a copper alembic still inspires thoughts of mystic outcomes for me. The shape is beautiful and the color is one of my favorites. Harman (2015) states that “a hydrosol distilled in a copper still is immediately sweet and useable”. What better reason do you need, then, to use a copper still! Copper provides excellent heat transfer and is a natural and effective anti-microbial. There are three methods of distillation: hydro distillation, steam distillation and combo distillation. Hydro-distilling helps access the resin ducts of the botanical. Citrus hydrosols are done this way because the oil is in the rind. Citrus fruits are sliced and the rinds are then chopped and soaked in the water. This causes the structure to break down and make the essential oil glands accessible. Pine hydrosols are done using this method as are the resins. In steam distillation the plant material is placed in the column between the pot of the still and the ‘hat’. This keeps the plant material from coming into direct contact with the water. As the water heats up the steam rises and travels through all of the plant material extracting the volatile components. This is the most common type of distillation and used for the herbaceous plants like Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L) or Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa L.). (Harman, 2015) With hydro/steam combo distillation you can distill 50% more plant material at a time thus increasing the yield in a distillation. The still used in this process is called a column still and enables you to put plant material in the water as in hydro-distillation as well as in the column where steam is forced through as in steam distillation. The benefit of this type of distillation is that your hydrosol will contain the components that each process produces. Sage (Salvia officinalis L.), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia Mill) are just a few of the botanicals distilled using the combo distillation method. Intention Last but not least is the intention or state of consciousness of the person involved in the distilling process. I believe that one must first love what they are doing and be one with nature. Without this involvement what would be the purpose? As the distiller you must keep your intentions focused throughout every step of the process. Ann Harman writes of five aspects she feels are necessary to create a beautiful hydrosol. First is patience in following your botanical from planting to growing to harvesting. Next is mindfulness or the ability to be present in every stage of the distillation process. Respect for learning from others and trust in yourself to take what you have learned and proceed with that knowledge. Finally, she speaks of acceptance in her purpose and the ability to give back in her product all that she has learned. (Harman, 2015) Applications/Protocol Having discussed the ‘anatomy’ of a hydrosol, let’s explore some of the applications of this healing water. The beauty of hydrosols is the gentleness with which they can bestow their powers thus making them safe for adults, children and animals. Although hydrosols are a gentler tool for aromatherapy there are still some with contraindications for children, pregnancy and certain medical conditions. ALWAYS read thoroughly before use! It is imperative to know where your hydrosols come from and make sure the distiller is reputable before using any hydrosol internally. With so many hydrosols available it will be important to read the protocols for the specific hydrosol you are intending to use. Many have both internal and topical applications. Some are topical only so be careful. Standard dilution for internal use is 30ml (2TB) of hydrosol diluted in one liter (32 oz) of water. (Catty, 2001) You can also use the internal use hydrosols simply as a way to flavor your water and in this case you would use the smallest amount needed to reach the desired taste. Even the tiniest amount will provide an effect so keep this is mind if you are someone who frequently flavors their water. Homeopathically, the smaller the amount the more powerful the result. In addition to being consumed, hydrosols are wonderful for bathing, as a compress, in diffusers, added to shampoos and conditioners, in cooking, as a light refreshing cologne or room spray – feel free to experiment! Summary For me, learning is a journey. Before writing this paper I’ll admit, I thought of hydrosols as floral or herbal waters. As my journey unfolded, what I learned brought to light the incredible power that a true hydrosol has to offer. “True hydrosol” is the working phrase here. What makes the finished product a true hydrosol? First, is the plant material; it must be fresh, be it leaves or flowers or stems or roots. To try and create a true hydrosol with dried materials is trying to create life from death. Fresh material is what contains the cellular water of the plant. Second is the water that is used. As a hydrosol is 99% water it is imperative that the water used is pure and free from contaminants. Always remember that water has a memory and will bring to your hydrosol mementos from its past. Third is the intention behind the creation of the specific hydrosol. Be in the moment if you are the distiller and know your distiller if you are not. Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing. - Jon Kabat-Zinn References Bosson, L (2004), Hydrosol Therapy. Philadelphia: Singing Dragon. Buckle, J, PhD (2015) Clinical Aromatherapy, Essential Oils in Healthcare. London: Elsevier Butje, A, Hydrosols: An Exclusive Interview with Ann Harman. http://www.info.aromahead.com/ann-harman (2020 Aromahead LLC) Catty.S (2001), Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy. Vermont: Healing Arts Press. Clark, M (2014), Essential Waters – Hydrosols, Hydrolats and Floral Waters. Emoto, M (2001), The Hidden Messages in Water. Oregon: Beyond Words Publishing Holst, U ( 2004 ), The Healing Power of Energized Water. Vermont: Inner TraditionsPPP Pearce, J (2002), The Biology of Transcendence. Vermont: Park Street Press. Pressimone, J (2015), Holistic Aromatherapy Comprehensive Guide. Florida: JennScents, Inc Schorr, S., Bioponic Phytoceuticals, (2004), Bioresonance and Phytotherapeutic Hydrosols in Healing. http://www.bioponic.com Spintge and Droh, MD (1992), Music Medicine. Missouri: MMB Music, Inc. Sternberg, E. MD (2001), The Balance Within. New York:W.H. Freeman and Company. Strehlow and Hertzka, M.D. (1988), Hildegard of Bingen’s Medicine. Vermont: Bear and Company. Tisserand and Young (2014), Essential Oil Safety. Toronto: Elsevier. Tisserand, R (1977), The Art of Aromatherapy. Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
