Basics of Essential Oils and Hydrosols

With many virtues, especially therapeutic and cosmetic, essential oils are obtained from the steam distillation of aromatic plants and represent a real liquid concentrate of the plant. Different parts of plants, such as leaves (noble laurel, basil...), flowers (Damascus rose, ylang-ylang...) or bark (cinnamon, birch...), can contribute to the making of essential oils and determine the different properties of their specific molecules. Renowned for their efficacy and natural benefits, essential oils are used in many fields including aromatherapy, aromatology for beauty and well-being, and even cooking.

The distillation process of a plant also leads to the creation of another product, namely hydrosols. From the Latin "Hydro" (water) and the French "Lat" (milk), the latter correspond to the aqueous part obtained after the distillation of an essential oil. Hydrosols are impregnated with the same aromatic molecules as essential oils, except that those molecules are water-soluble. We refer to "floral water" when distilling flowers only (orange blossom, rose...). Just like essential oils, hydrosols are highly appreciated for their natural benefits. They are mainly suitable for cosmetic, skin and hair care, as well as cooking purposes, where each user selects the best therapeutic function according to their own needs. Furthermore, hydrosols can be used without any contraindications.