Aromatic Waters

Aromatic waters, more commonly known as hydrosols or hydrolats in aromatherapy practice, have a number of health benefits; most people associate the therapeutic practice of aromatherapy with essential oils, but interest is growing in the use of aromatic waters. Once considered the by-product of distillation of an essential oil, aromatic waters are actually valuable commodities in their own right.

French Use of Aromatic Waters

Although many people are just realizing the healing potential of aromatic waters, the French have been using them for years. As a nation, France recognizes the powerful therapeutic effects of essential oils and French literature records the use of aromatic waters too (source: Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, Shirley Price, Len Price). Aromatic waters, such as rose and lavender, have been used in skin care and perfumery for centuries. Today, there are a wide range of aromatic waters available for use.

Common Names for Aromatic Waters

Aromatic waters are known by several other, more familiar, names; these include:

essential waters â€“ one of the oldest names in use
floral waters â€“ a commonly used name that does not take into account that not all aromatic waters are distilled from flowers; for example, sandalwood and cypress are aromatic waters obtained from trees
hydrosols/hydrolats â€“ both common terms used by aromatherapists to describe aromatic waters.

(source: Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, Shirley Price, Len Price)

Plants and Aromatic Waters

Aromatic waters are naturally obtained from plants; although it is often said that aromatic waters are the by-product of the distillation process used to obtain essential oils, it can also be said that essential oils are the by-product of the distillation process used to obtain aromatic waters (source: Aromatherapy: An A-Z, Patricia Davis). Davis cites the example of rose essential oil; there is a larger quantity of rosewater obtained through the distillation process than there is of rose essential oil. Aromatic waters are also obtained from plants that do not produce an essential oil.

Uses of Aromatic Waters

Aromatic waters have many therapeutic properties but are predominately used for skin care and cosmetic purposes. Aromatic waters can also be used internally to treat a wide number of disorders but you should be trained in the practice of aromatic medicine (as oppose to general aromatherapy practice) in order to do so; it is also essential that you know the quality and source of the aromatic waters, in addition to an assurance that the aromatic waters are not synthetically produced.

Some of the uses of aromatic waters for your health include:

skin care
eyewashes
pain control
burns
gargles
hair rinses
digestive complaints.

(source: Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, Shirley Price, Len Price)

Cautions for Using Aromatic Waters

Many aromatic waters may not be suitable for therapeutic purposes because they may have been synthetically produced or adulterated (either with another essential oil or another substance) (source: Aromatherapy Workbook, Shirley Price); these types of aromatic waters are commonly known as â€œpreparedâ€ aromatic waters. In addition, some may have alcohol added to them; although these aromatic waters are suitable for perfumery use and some â€œskin careâ€ applications, it is essential that you know the quality of the aromatic water before attempting to use it internally, a practice that is not commonly advocated in the United States.

Aromatic waters are less volatile than essential oils but are effective in their own right; in addition, this makes aromatic waters suitable for use with children and the elderly. Aromatic waters can also be used in conjunction with essential oils. Consult an aromatherapist trained in the use of aromatic waters and/or a qualified medical practitioner before using aromatic waters either externally or internally.