A little definition to start...
A hydrosol (or distillation water or aromatic water ) is an aqueouscondensation product obtained afterdistillation of a natural raw material, generally vegetable , which remains after distillation with water vapor and separation of the essential oil when possible (according to iso.org and wikipedia )
What are the steps to obtain floral water/Hydrosol?
Plant Selection: Choose high-quality fresh or dried plants for a premium hydrosol. Plants can be flowers, leaves, roots, or herbs, depending on the type of hydrosol you want to produce.
Loading the plant into a still: The plants are placed in a still, which is a piece of equipment specially designed for distillation. The still generally includes a water reservoir, a compartment for plants and an outlet tube for the hydrosol.
Adding water: Water is added to the still tank. The water is heated, creating steam that passes through the plants.
Steam Distillation: The heat generated causes the water in the tank to turn into steam. This vapor passes through the plants, carrying with it the volatile compounds, including essential oils, aromas and active ingredients of the plants.
Steam condensation: The steam loaded with aromas and active ingredients from the plants then passes through a condenser, where it is cooled. As it cools, the steam condenses into water, forming the hydrosol.
Collecting the hydrosol: The hydrosol, which is lighter than essential oil, floats on the surface of the condensation water and is collected in a separate container. This is floral water or hydrosol, which contains a small amount of essential oils as well as other water-soluble compounds extracted from plants.
By following these steps, we obtain a quality hydrosol, which can be used in various cosmetic, therapeutic or culinary applications.
What are the contraindications?
Using hydrosols is generally considered safe for most people, but there are some contraindications and precautions to consider:
1. Always test on a small area of skin before using on a larger amount. Allergies are rare but can exist.
2. In case of chronic illness, pregnancy and young children, ask a doctor before use.
If in doubt, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional or aromatherapist.
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