› Forums › Herb-Talk | Archive › Botanical Medicine › Herbal Medicine Making › Hydrosols

Viewing 9 reply threads
  • Author
    Posts
    • July 21, 2017 at 7:48 PM #36097
      Michelle Koch
      Student

        Does anyone here make hydrosols? How do you use them? I first learned about it from Food Network star Alton Brown, in his Good Eats episode on baklava. Since then I’ve only used pine needles to make a hydrosol to clean with (more Work Than It Was Worth). Then yesterday I got to thinking about it again, and wondering about medicinal uses in comparison to teas and tinctures.

      • July 22, 2017 at 1:24 PM #36102
        IdahoHerbalist

          One of the uses of hydrosols that I have thought of is to put them in a warm bath for soaking. We made some lavender essential oil and had about a half pint of lavender hydrosol as a byproduct. When I mentioned that idea to Renee her eyes lit up!!!

        • July 22, 2017 at 5:04 PM #36105
          Michelle Koch
          Student
          Topic Author

            How potent/ concentrated do you think a Hydrosols would be if I didn’t siphon off the essential oil from the water? Would it be comparable to a tincture?

          • July 22, 2017 at 8:58 PM #36107
            IdahoHerbalist

              The oils float on the top of the water like an oil and water salad dressing. I would keep them separated for most things. All depends on the desired end result.

              What were you thinking of doing with the super charged hydrosol?

            • July 23, 2017 at 1:45 AM #36108
              Michelle Koch
              Student
              Topic Author

                Nothing specific, just exploring new ideas.

              • July 23, 2017 at 1:11 PM #36109
                Michelle Koch
                Student
                Topic Author

                  I’m thinking a hydrosol blend with a high content of cineol, camphor, and pinene would be very helpful in a humidifier during cold season, or as a room freshener spray, insect repellent, etc.

                  I’m also exploring the possibility of using a hydrosol as an oral medicine, and whether it would be more concentrated, requiring a smaller dose, or if a tea or tincture is still the best way.

                • July 23, 2017 at 2:37 PM #36110
                  IdahoHerbalist

                    I may be speaking the obvious but:

                    The whole plant is always the best medicine.

                    Eat the plant raw.

                    If making a tea do not strain.

                    Concentrated EO will always be better than hydrosol.

                    There are always exceptions! 🙂

                  • July 23, 2017 at 5:33 PM #36111
                    Michelle Koch
                    Student
                    Topic Author

                      Yeah, that’s what I keep coming back to inside my head, too. I think I will consider a hydrosol next time I auto clean my oven or bathe my dog. :frog:

                    • July 23, 2017 at 10:18 PM #36112
                      IdahoHerbalist

                        Be careful with the dog. Doc has mentioned several times how sensitive they can be to EOs.

                      • July 24, 2017 at 12:47 AM #36114
                        Michelle Koch
                        Student
                        Topic Author

                          I just meant to spritzer as a room freshener.

                      • Author
                        Posts
                      Viewing 9 reply threads
                      • The forum ‘Herbal Medicine Making’ is closed to new topics and replies.
                      Scroll to Top