Floral waters: what are they, and what are their benefits?
What is that?
Most plant essential oils are obtained by steam distillation. During this distillation, the aromatic molecules not soluble in water, which gives the essential oil, are separated from the molecules soluble in water: it is this recondensed vapor that provides the hydrosol with (the exact term even if we often speaks of floral water when it is a flower that is distilled: cornflower, lavender, chamomile, etc.).
What is the difference between essential oils?
Hydrolats are much less concentrated in active ingredients and cannot claim to compete for treatment. They are not anti-infectious, for example. But they still have fundamental virtues and are particularly useful for soothing all irritations or minor sores of the skin and mucous membranes. Thanks to their aromatic molecules and smell, they also act on the nervous system, with a calming or invigorating effect. Essential oils and floral waters can be complementary, both for their properties and in their use.
