C The magic of hydrolats c
Hydrolats contain those plant compounds which are water soluble, and many
people believe that hydrolats can have even more beneficial effects than
essential oils. After all the human body is 60-70 per cent water.
The therapeutic value of hydrolats is undisputed, and there are a number of
source materials which summarize their uses, none better than Suzanne
Catty’s book: Hydrosols, the next aromatherapy (Healing Arts Press).
Hydrolats are gentler than essential oils, and safer. Many people take them
internally. They are particularly useful for children, the elderly and animals.
Furthermore, the human skin is naturally slightly acidic, having a pH value (a
measure of aciditiy) of about 5.5. The skin can be disturbed if it is exposed to
products which are alkaline, which unfortunately some man-made skin
formulations are. Most hydrolats have a pH value of between 4 and 6, making
them particularly suitable for skin care.

C Everyday use of hydrolats c
Use hydrolats as a facial tonic in place of your normal toner or cleanser — or
add them to an existing product.
You can also use some hydrolats to flavour water (try adding a tablespoonful
of Rose Hydrolat to a jug of spring water, and sip from it all day making it a
great way to boost fluid intake. Use hydrolats to flavour yoghurt (Rose water is
of course an important ingredient in Indian and Turkish cooking), or to freshen
up linen for a romantic evening.

C Hydrolats & skin care c
GERANIUM — A marvellous skin tonic for everyone because of its balancing
and adaptogenic quality, and it can be used on all skin types. It attracts moisture
and holds it into the skin. Use it as a makeup remover, spray directly onto
the face to refresh and rehydrate, and enjoy its cooling calming influence.

ROSE —The most sublime of fragrances, Rose hydrolat is cooling and suitable
for normal to dry, mature, or sensitive skin. It can be added to other beauty
products to enhance the aroma and add benefit.

LAVENDER — Suitable for all skin types and having a pH value close to the
natural value for skin, it is cooling and healing. It can be used before and/or
after shaving — a true His & Hers product.

ORANGE BLOSSOMS — For delicate and sensitive skin, Neroli is powerfully
astringent, so avoid on very dry skin. Use in conjunction with Cistus for its
clearing properties — an excellent blend for troubled skin.

MYRTLE — Best used for dry and devitalised skin, this is a great facial toner. It
can be added to creams, toners, makeup removers, or used on its own before
applying a moisturiser. Myrtle makes a great treatment for for tired swollen red
eyes. Make a compress with cotton pads soaked with hydrolat. Place directly
over eye and feel the cooling effect.

WITCH HAZEL — One of the most important anti-ageing substances and antioxidants,
very suitable for mature or damaged skin. Also very good for teenage
skin.

CISTUS (ROCK ROSE) — A powerful anti-wrinkle treatment (but you may like
to use it blended with Rose hydrolat, as the aroma is an acquired taste!)
HELICHRYSUM — Helichrysum (Everlasting) is a wonderful product for skin
that is congested, mature or sensitive. It may help with puffiness and
ingrowing hairs.

SANDALWOOD — Use on delicate and mature skin, and in the eye area for
crepey lids.

C A word about terminology... c
You may also have heard of the term hydrosol and wondered what is the
difference between a hydrolat and a hydrosol. There is none! These terms are
completely interchangeable, and, just to confuse matters, they are sometimes
inaccurately known as flower waters or floral waters. However these are not
good terms to use because many hydrolats are created from parts of the plant
other than the flowers...