During steam distillation of flowers, leaves, roots, seeds or resins, something special occurs: While essential oil separates as a shiny layer at the top, a milky water forms at the bottom: the hydrolate. Less intense than essential oil, but precisely because of this surprisingly versatile and gentle in use.
The watery end product (hydrolate) of distillation contains all water-soluble distillable substances and also the water-soluble fragrant components of the plant. The scent is less intense to subtle because usually only a limited amount of fragrant substances are water-soluble. Hydrolates carry the life force of the herb within them and work invitingly on body and mind. Thanks to their mild nature, they are suitable for everyone: young and old, also during pregnancy, illness or in periods of sensitivity. No risk of habituation, rarely side effects, only pure plant power in liquid form.
Internal use
Hydrolates can simply be diluted in water and drunk. You can use hydrolates for acute conditions or as a three-week course (aligned with your body's natural 21-day rhythm). You drink the hydrolate drink spread throughout the day, preferably at room temperature and between meals.
Standard dosage:
- Adults: 1 to 2 tablespoons of hydrolate per day in 0.5 to 1 litre of still water
- Children: build up per year of age (e.g. 2 years = 1 teaspoon per day)
- Babies: a few drops in the bottle
What can you use hydrolates for internally?
The applications of hydrolates are very diverse, but here is a small selection:
- For tension, stress or fatigue
- As support for respiratory conditions
- For digestion and liver cleansing
- For good sleep or detox treatment
- You can also simply enjoy hydrolates as delicious flavourings in drinks and dishes.
Some commonly used hydrolates:
- Orange blossom: calms stress, burnout and inner restlessness
- Rosemary verbenone: supports detox, digestion and clear focus
- Thyme Linalol: works powerfully for respiratory infections and strengthens resistance
- True chamomile : calming, soothing, suitable for young and old
External use
Hydrolates can also be used externally. You use them pure or diluted, depending on the application. Here is an overview of common applications:
- Skin & face: As a face mist, lotion or gentle toner. Hydrolates care for and calm the skin, even with redness, eczema or sensitivity. Recommendations: lavender, chamomile, damask rose
- In the room: Spray hydrolates with a spray bottle or in a diffuser for a pure and calm atmosphere, at home, in the practice or during illness.
- In bath: Add a splash to a foot, hip or full bath.
- Dosage:
- Baby bath: 1 teaspoon
- Adults: 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Jacuzzi: up to 100 ml
- Dosage:
- Compresses: Warm for abdominal complaints or tension, cold for swelling or bruises. Recommendations: chamomile, strawflower
- Mouth rinse: For canker sores, sore throat or sensitive gums: rinse mouth with lavender, chamomile or tea tree (do not swallow)
- Eye care: For tired or irritated eyes: a compress with damask rose or cornflower.
- Hair care: Calms the scalp, reduces flakes and strengthens hair. Use: as a spray or mixed in shampoo/conditioner. Hydrolates: rosemary verbenone, chamomile ,….
- For babies & toddlers: Gentle and safe with diluted use. For calming sprays, baths or skin care. Suitable types: lavender, chamomile, damask rose
Want to know more?
If you want to delve deeper into the world of hydrolates, their applications, effects and energetic qualities, we warmly recommend the book Hydrolates by Veerle Waterschoot. Veerle is considered the reference in Belgium in this field. Her knowledge is virtually inexhaustible and based on years of practical experience, observation and study of the power of hydrolates.
Would you like to get to know hydrolates by experimenting with them? Start simply: one hydrolate, one application and feel what it does for you.
Do you have questions about which hydrolates are right for you? We're happy to help.