Floral waters, also known as hydrolates or herbal waters, are the products obtained during the steam distillation of plants to produce essential oils. Steam distillation uses water that is passed through the plant and heated to extract the essential oil. As a result of this process, water vapor is formed, which condenses and collects together with the essential oil.
Floral waters have delicate aromas similar to those of the plant from which they are produced, but in a weaker concentration than essential oils. They contain hydrosols and small amounts of essential oils, which gives them a light aromatic and healing power. Although they contain lower concentrations of the active ingredients compared to essential oils, floral waters still have beneficial properties and are used in a variety of fields, including cosmetics, perfumery, aromatherapy and skin care.
Floral waters have a soothing, cooling and hydrating effect on the skin. They can be used as a facial toner, to moisturize the skin, to aid circulation, and as a face and body freshener. Some of the most popular types of floral waters are rose water, lavender water, witch hazel water, and chamomile water, but there are others derived from different plants.
Application of Floral waters:
Floral waters, also known as hydrolates, are aqueous solutions obtained by distilling flowers and plants. They contain delicate aromas and beneficial properties of plants that can be used in various areas. Here are some of the uses of floral waters:
Cosmetics: Floral waters are often used in cosmetic products due to their beneficial properties for the skin. They can be added to creams, lotions, tonics and face masks, providing hydration, soothing and moisturizing to the skin.
Aromatherapy: Floral waters are popular in aromatherapy for their pleasant aromas and calming effects on the nervous system. They can be used in diffusers, diffusers or simply as a refreshing spray in rooms, creating a pleasant atmosphere and raising the mood.
Natural perfumes: Floral waters are ideal for making natural perfumes. They offer gentle and natural aromas that can be combined with other essential oils or carriers to create unique perfumes.
Soothing skin irritations: Some floral waters, such as rose water and chamomile water, have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. They can be applied directly to the skin to relieve irritation, redness and damage.
Hair and scalp treatment: Floral waters can also be used for hair and scalp care. They can be added to shampoos, conditioners or rinses to nourish the hair and scalp.
Geranium has a calming effect on disorders of the nervous system and various neuroses, has a tonic effect on blood vessels. Inhalation within 10-15 minutes is effective for insomnia and fatigue.
Lavender water inhalations are used for colds, nervous tension, headaches and insomnia. Inhalations with lavender water are used for 5-10 minutes for colds, nervous exhaustion, headaches, migraines and insomnia. Lavender refreshes and strengthens mental processes and increases attention. However, this procedure is not recommended for asthmatics!
Inhalations with chamomile water are used for any cold, inflammation of the respiratory tract and in the oral cavity, as well as for toothache. Chamomile oil removes spasms, increases sweating, helps with flu, headaches and migraines.
Inhalations with linden water have a good expectorant and softening effect, help with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, as well as with pharyngitis and bronchial catarrh. Linden inhalations dilate blood vessels and blood-supplying sweat glands, which accompanies the healing process.
Inhalations with lemon balm water are used for shortness of breath, bronchitis, dizziness, headache, nervous depression, melancholy, migraine, insomnia, etc.
Inhalations with yarrow are recommended for inflammations of the respiratory tract and oral cavity, stomach pains, increased acidity of gastric juice, headaches, migraines, etc.
Inhalations with rose water have an incredible tonic effect on the body, calm the nervous system, have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-allergic effects. It is recommended for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.
Inhalations with sage water are recommended for acute catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, cough, angina, loss of appetite, as well as to stimulate digestion.