The Magic of Hydrosols
According to the thermometer, summer is definitely here!
Last weekend, I accomplished one of my summertime goals: a few of us kayaked the Russian River from Digger’s Bend to Memorial Beach. Thanks to River’s Edge, and a group of hilarious friends, we had a fantastic journey. It was 104° and while we had lots of tasty beverages to keep us cool, I also brought a selection of hydrosols to spritz throughout the day.
I’m excited to introduce you to the wonders of hydrosols, and my friend Karen Dickson, the master distiller of Spring Street Botanicals’ offerings. Karen and I met at California School of Herbal Studies last year and created a partnership where I provide the fresh herbs, most often through Sonoma County Herb Exchange, which she then distills through her beautiful copper alembic still, making plant magic happen.
A quick explanation of how hydrosols, or distilled botanical waters, are created:
The botanical material is loaded into a still along with pure water.
Pressurized steam passes through the plant, releasing its essential oils.
As the steam passes through a cooling coil, it condenses back into a liquid–
a combination of water and essential oil.
The essential oil naturally separates, floating to the top.
After separation, the water is now hydrosol.
In Karen’s words:
“A hydrosol is the perfect imprint of the entire plant on water. Hydrosols hold minute amounts of essential oils in suspension, and so are nothing short of being the complete essence of the plant.
When I am in the flow of hydrosol making, I feel I am spinning straw into gold. The magic that happens right before my eyes, and nose, is a fresh wonder each time.
Often hydrosols are thought of as the by-product of essential oil production. To get any real quantity of essential oil, the still runs much hotter and faster than I would ever allow. I make my hydrosols specifically for the hydrosol. For me, they are the product and so I run the still cooler, and for a longer period of time, allowing the plants to release their cellular waters.
From the first drop, then drop by slow drop, it takes about six hours, or longer, to fill one gallon of hydrosol. I choose the dripping speed by smell. When it smells right there is a feeling that goes with it. I feel it in my energetic body when it’s right.”
And that is the quality we share with you.
Hydrosols are wonderful for cooling down on these hot, summer days. They’re also great as toners, spritzed on before applying oils, lotions or creams, or, with their antibacterial properties, as an underarm spray. They hold the healing aspects of the plant, and so can help soothe irritation, calm redness, and cleanse wounds. Hydrosols can be added to beverages and desserts for fun and flavor, but also to water or tea as herbal aids. A spoonful of peppermint hydrosol in a glass of water can soothe an upset tummy, while ginger can help increase digestive juices, and rosemary perks up a tired mind.
Hydrosols smell delightful, as plants do. And we know how strongly aroma is linked to our moods. Spritzing an uplifting or grounding scent can shift energy and mood the same way sniffing essential oils can. Because hydrosols are so much gentler than essential oils, they’re great for use with kids or people who tend to be prone to sensory over-stimulation. A gentle spritz of a hydrosol can send you in the right direction.
We’d love for you to explore and enjoy our hydrosols!
Hydrosol Blending Pop-up
Stay tuned for date & time!
Lucky Heron
333 Healdsburg Ave
Explore our collection of botanical waters and create your own blend, focusing on what calls to you. Maybe you’re drawn to the more floral notes, like tulsi or rose geranium. Perhaps you find the herbaceous yarrow and rosemary more to your liking. Join us to blend your 2-ounce spritzer for $15, and shop Lucky Heron’s collection of thoughtfully curated items.
Herbal Hydration & Earthy Elixirs
Thursday, July 13, 5:30-7:30pm
Dragonfly Farm
425 Westside Road , Healdsburg
We had to reschedule this class and there are a few open spots on the new date. Learn more here, and sign up if you’d like to join us!
So many happenings in August!
Sonoma county is blessed with lots of activities. Whether you’re into apples, accordions, county fairs, or cat videos, we’ve got plenty to choose from. I hope to see you out there.
