Hydrosols

Question 1

Neroli Hydrosol:

• Latin name:
• Shelf Life:
• Aroma:
• Uses:
• Contraindications:

Answer 1

1) Latin name: Citrus aurantium
2) Shelf Life: 2+ yrs under optimal conditions
3) Aroma: floral, fruity, and refreshing
4) Uses:
- mildly astringent, may be hydrosol of choice for oily skin (great combined with rose or chamomile hydrosol)
- effective toner for oily or acne-prone skin
- can also be used for mature skin
- can tighten pores and gently clear any debris
- Antifungal, anti-spasmodic, and antibacterial
- can support the physical and emotional body during a detoxification process (e.g. quitting smoking)
- it is a great digestive aid, stimulating the release of bile, and relieving heartburn and acid reflux
- it can also calm spasms in the digestive tract and can relieve stress-related bloating, gas, cramps, and constipation
- it is a mild sedative to the CNS without causing sleepiness
- helpful for shock
- Shirley price recommends to use for overexcited babies, hysterics in children, and for ADHD

5) Contraindications: avoid use on extremely dry skin

Question 2

Peppermint Hydrosol:

1) Latin name:
2) Shelf Life:
3) Aroma:
4) Uses:
5) Contraindications:

Answer 2

1) Latin name: Mentha piperita
2) Shelf Life: 12 if kept in optimal conditions (in contrast to the EO, oxidizes quite rapidly)
3) Aroma: freshly crushed meant, less intense than the EO, pungent, cool and refreshing
4) Uses:
- useful for colic, bloating, heartburn, reflux, and indigestion
- useful for Crohn’s disease, colitis, and IBS
- combined with basil hydrosol, it has a strong anti-spasmodic action on the digestive tract
- helpful for both constipation and diarrhea
- can be applied to acne that is red and irritated to calm and reduce inflammation
- relieves itching, burning, allergic reactions, bites, and stings
- can be used as an effective douche or wash for genital irritation or itching in both sexes
- helpful for stiff muscles and aches and pains
- added to hot water, it has a cooling effect, added to cool water, it has a warming affect (alternating the two types of compresses is the most effective treatment for muscle maladies and aches and pains)
- in France, recommended as a toner for the décolletage
- mentally stimulating
- can be spritzed on the face during hot weather or when tired
- helpful for hot flashes
- calms and cools nerves
- stimulates the brain

5) Contraindications: Avoid use with children less than 3 yrs of age

Question 3

Rose Hydrosol

1) Latin name:
2) Shelf Life:
3) Aroma:
4) Uses:
5) Contraindications:

Answer 3

1) Latin name: Rosa damascena
2) Shelf Life: quite stable, 2 yrs+
3) Aroma: Almost exactly like a fresh rose
4) Uses:
- excellent hormone balancer
- helps combat PMS and moodiness by balancing the endocrine system
- balances the autonomic system
- helps to retain moisture in the skin, suitable for normal to dry skin, mature, sensitive, and devitalized skin
- cooling and mildly astringent, making it useful for masks, steams, and compresses
- can be added to a bath for relaxation and rejuvenation
- in a Sitz bath for postpartum healing
- hypoallergenic and suitable for sufferers of environmental and chemical allergies
- emotionally balancing, aids in emotional processing, and opening the heart

5) Contraindications: none known

Question 4

Chamomile Hydrosol:

1) Latin name:
2) Shelf Life:
3) Aroma:
4) Uses:
5) Contraindications:
6) pH

Answer 4

1) Latin name: Chamamaelum nobile
2) Shelf Life: it is very stable and has a shelf life of 2–4 years if kept under optimal conditions
3) Aroma: extremely sweet, honey-like aroma and taste
4) Uses:
- One of the best all-purpose hydrosols
- excellent for babies, and can be used in the bath or as a skin mist from birth
- good for bleeding nipples in nursing mothers, prevents store, cracked nipples
- Great for skin care, make compress and ‘bathe’ over eyes to soothe from effects of pollution, eye strain, and conjunctivitis
- because of low pH, suitable for vaginal itching, and noninfectious inflammation
- effective for stress reduction, depression, relaxation, insomnia, and aggravation
5) Contraindications: none known
6) pH: 3.0-3.3

Question 5

Lavender Hydrosol:

1) Latin name:
2) Shelf Life:
3) Aroma:
4) Uses:
5) Contraindications:
6) pH

Answer 5

1) Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia
2) Shelf Life: about two years, but aroma may start to degrade after 18 months
3) Aroma: doesn’t necessarily smell like lavender, can add geranium or peppermint to improve smell
4) Uses:
- cooling in the summer heat
- soothes sunburns
- heals irritation
- gently tones skin
- cleanses gently and safely
- eases stress and mental fatigue
- an “adapter” which adapts to the body’s needs
- remedy for jet leg
- can be added to any skin care regimen or product instead of water
- linen spray: 500 mL lavender hydrosol +5 mL lavender EO
- recommended for cranky or tantrumming children
- babies bottom for diaper rash
- can be used in a compress for PMS or menstrual cramps, combine with geranium, clary sage, and rose hydrosol
- may be used on neck, shoulders, or forehead for headaches, tension, and stress
5) Contraindications: none known
6) pH: 5.6-5.9 (the most balanced pH of all hydrosols and can be used on any skin type)