Hydrolats:

Hydrolats can be beneficial in aiding hormone balance. Hydrolats are the aromatic waters that are steam distilled usually during the production of essential oils. Gentle and effective, they contain only the most water-soluble chemicals from the part of the plant used plus microscopic drops of the essential oils. Hydrolats are usually calming and soothing with very few contra-indications and are generally safe when used in conjunction with essential oils and herbal remedies. Hydrolats can last up to two years if kept in a cool and dark place.

How to use hydrolats:

Hydrolats can be used undiluted, however, they are just as effective when diluted, therefore, will last much longer. The recipes used call for a dilution of 200mls of hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drunk throughout the day.

Hydrolats and their uses:

Roman chamomile:

Effective for easing pain and inflammation, promotes sleep, calms sensitive skin, may be used as an eyewash, gently up-lifting.

German chamomile:

Helps to calm inflammation and itching, supports the kidneys and heart when used internally as a tonic.

Clary sage:

A hormone balancer, helpful with menopause, hot flushes, PMS, abdominal cramps, gentle anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant.

Cypress:

A diuretic, therefor, good for water retention, stimulates circulation, eases achy legs when mixed with peppermint as a spritz.

Eucalyptus:

A strong antioxidant, free-radical scavenger, powerful immune system booster, stimulates the mind and body.

Frankincense:

A gentle anti-inflammatory, good for emotional tension and grief, skin PH balancer.

Geranium:

Mildly anti-inflammatory, balances female and male energies, balancing for all skin types.

Hyssop:

De-toxifying, and cleansing for the liver. Invigorates the body systems.

Lavender:

Balancing for the mind and body. Use as a compress for headaches and a spritz on the pillows for a good nights sleep.

Lemon:

Refreshing and uplifting. Detoxifying.

Melissa:

Calming but not sedative, promotes relaxation. Good for the digestive system. Anti-nausea.

Myrrh :

Rejuvenating, anti-ageing.

Neroli:

Anti-stress, emotional and physical support, stops caffeine jitters.

Oregano:

Immune system booster, helps urinary and renal infection, supports digestive system.

Peppermint:

Anti-inflammatory, supports digestive health, cooling, yet stimulating – good for hot flushes, moderate anti-oxidant, good for itchy skin.

Pine:

Good for joint, muscle and tissue pain, mentally calming, boosts immune system.

Rose:

Good for menopause, hot flushes, PMS, mood swings, abdominal cramps, brain fog, helps to balance female energy.

Rosemary:

Stimulates the mind and body, anti-oxidant, good for nerve pain.

Sandalwood:

Sedative will calm and de-stress the mind.

Tea tree:

Antiseptic properties.

Thyme:

Stimulating for the immune system, antiseptic, good for general health.