How to Use Hydrosols

When I first began my herbalism studies, I found it hard to know how to use herbs when I needed them. I had stores of dried plants but was at a loss for how best to extract their benefits. When I first discovered hydrosols I fell in love. They so wonderfully captured the essence and properties of the herb, and were in an easy to use form that were easy to keep on hand. They're gentle and safe to use directly, without diluting. 

Here are some ways I love incorporating hydrosols into my family's skin and home care: 

Using Hydrosols for Skincare

• Spritz on your skin as a daily toner (Rose, Calendula, Cornflower, Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage)
• Use it as a makeup remover and cleanser, applied with a cotton ball (Calendula, Cornflower, Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile, Rose, Rosemary, Sage)
• Add a tablespoon to your bath (All)
• Mix into masks or scrubs (Calendula, Cornflower, Lavender, Chamomile, Rose, Rosemary, Sage)
• Mist skin before and after shaving to help manage irritation (Calendula, Lavender, Chamomile, Rose, Rosemary)
• Apply to skin before and after sun and wind exposure (Calendula, Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile, Rose, Rosemary, Sage)
• Carry as a refreshing body spray when traveling (Lavender, Cornflower, Chamomile, Rose)
• Cleanse cuts and scrapes (Calendula, Cornflower, Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile, Rose, Rosemary)
• Ease sunburn, heat rash, itches, bites, rashes (Calendula, Chamomile, Yarrow, Peppermint, Cornflower, Echinacea, Lavender, Rose, Rosemary, Sage)
• Create a compress for puffy eyes (Cornflower, Chamomile)
• Cleanse bottoms during diaper changes and add to wipe solutions (Calendula, Chamomile, Lavender)
• Create a soak or compress for sore muscles (Peppermint, Yarrow, Rosemary, Sage)
• Add to peri bottle to cleanse after childbirth (Calendula, Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, Yarrow)
• Spray under arms to help deodorize (Sage, Lavender)

Using Hydrosols for Self & Home Care

• Spray linens and clothes to enhance mood and calm children for bedtime (Lavender, Chamomile, Rose)
• Use as a perfume (Rose, Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, Peppermint, Echinacea)
• Spray in the car to bring calm (Lavender, Chamomile, Rose)
• Add to household cleaners to mist on floors, counters, etc. (Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage)
• Spray or wash hair, add to shampoo and conditioner (Cornflower, Rosemary, Sage)