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What is Lavender Hydrosol?

Hydrosols are the co-product of essential oils in the steam distillation process. When a botanical, such as lavender, is steam distilled to produce essential oil, it also produces a water called “Hydrosol.” Hydrosols posess the same therapeutic properties as it’s counter part, essential oils, but are more gentle and less volitile than their co-product essential oil. You do not need to dilute hydrosol for topical application the same way you would with essential oils. They are also known as “floral waters” or “hydrolats.”

Lavender hydrosol cosmetic uses and applications: moisturizing, anti-acne, anti-aging.

Lavender hydrosol is a natural insect repellant for ants, chiggers, fleas, flies, mosquitos, spiders.

The anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties make lavender hydrosol a phenomenal natural cleaning product.

Our farm ONLY distills for hydrosol so our hydrosols are more potent than a distiller that would distill and skim off the essential oil.

Don’t fall for (what I call) “Pretend Hydrosol” which is water with drops of essential oil added. Only settle for true hydrosols which are the distillate that I descrbed above. Even if the distillate was used for an essential oil distillation, the hydrosol would still be superior to a pretend hydrosol.

Skin

Lavender Hydrosol pH mimics your skin’s pH. This makes lavender hydrosol a perfect addition to your skin care routine for all skin types.

Facial Toner

To use lavender hydrosol as a facial toner:

1. Simply spritz lavender hydrosol on skin and allow to air dry or
2. Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with lavender hydrosol and apply to skin

Clay or Activated Charcoal Facial Mask Recipe

Incorporate lavender hydrosol with clay or charcoal for a facial mask:

1. Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay or charcoal with 1 tablespoon of lavender hydrosol.
2. Spread evenly on face, avoiding eye and mouth area. Allow the mask to dry (about 15 minutes.)
3. Place a warm to hot, (as hot as you can tolerate,) washcloth over your face for 2 minutes.
4. Gently wipe off mask in upward motion.
5. Be advised that charcoal (or other clays) may stain fabrics so use a dark wash cloth.

My two favorites:

Moroccan Clay or Rhassoul Clay is my absolute favorite. It has anti-aging properties and I tend to see results immediately.

Activated Charcoal dries oily skin and detoxes. Perfect for acne breakouts.

Hair

Again, true lavender hydrosol has a pH that mimics your skin pH so it is a perfect “finish” to balance the pH on your scalp after adding shampoos, conditioners or other products that may not mimic the pH of your scalp.

Detangler

This is one of my favorite uses of lavender hydrosol! I have fine fine fine hair and lots of it. That means tangles. Lots of tangles. I just liberally spritz the lavender hydrosol in my hair after getting out of the shower, wrap in a towel for 5 minutes and then comb or brush out. Tangles are few and far between!

No Poo or Dry Shampoo Natural Alternative

Lavender hydrosol makes an amazing “no poo” or “dry shampoo” natural alternative. No harmful chemicals – just simply lavender distilled with water! This is great for all skin/scalp types so oily, dry or balanced hair will benefit. Simply generously spritz lavender hydrosol in your ‘next day’ hair and brush or comb. I do like to flip my head down and give extra spritz near the nape of my neck and brush for added volume.

Commercial Shampoo or Conditioner “Additive”

I always add hydrosol to my store bought shampoo or conditioner. I simply use the shampoo or conditioner full strength until 1/4 of the bottle is used. I then add the hydrosol and shake thoroughly.

Sleep

Lavandula angustifolia is a natural sedative. Lavandin is not. Learn the difference between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandin. Make sure your lavender is Lavandula angustifolia!

Lavender Hydrosol ideas for a natural sleep assist:

1. Spritz lavender hydrosol on pillow and bedding. True hydrosol will not stain. Essential oil mixed with water “pretend hydrosol” will stain fabrics like sheets, bedding and clothing. Our Lavender Hydrosol is a true hydrosol.
2. Spritz lavender hydrosol in your hair, skin or your clothing. True lavender hydrosol is safe to be applied directly to your skin, as long as you are not allergic to lavender!
3. Take a warm bath with 1/2 cup hydrosol and 1/2 cup epsom salts.
4. Diffuse lavender hydrosol in your diffuser at bedtime. Any essential oil diffuser will work with true hydrosol!

“Monster Spray”

One idea is to give a little one with a fear of “monsters” a small bottle of lavender hydrosol to keep on the nightstand. Show them how to spray where “monsters” may be hiding. Lavender is naturally calming so this may help children with “monster” anxiety. Make sure the lavender is Lavandula angustifolia and not a Lavandin. Lavandins, such as Grosso, have high amounts of camphor, which is a natural stimulant and may cause anxiety.

Laundry

Lavender Hydrosol is fabulous to use with your laundry routine!

Rinse Aid

Instead of fabric softener, I use vinegar. I do infuse my vinegar with lavender buds. You may use regular white vinegar as well.

Vinegar in your rinse cycle brightens, whitens, deodorizes and softens fabrics.

Simply Mix:

1. 1 part lavender hydrosol with
2. 3 parts of white vinegar (or vinegar infusion.)

Shake & Add 2-4 tablespoons (1-2 ounces) directly to laundry rinse water.

Wool Dryer Balls

Generously spritz lavender hydrosol wool dryer balls when you add the laundry to the dryer.

After Laundry Refresh

Refresh your laundry immediately with lavender hydrosol when it comes out of the dryer and/or spray your clothing in the closets or before wearing.

Ironing or Steaming

Spritz lavender hydrosol on clothing when you are ironing or steaming. A true hydrosol will NOT leave oil stains.

It is not a good idea to add Lavender Hydrosol to your water compartment in your iron or steamer. Even though it is distilled water, it will bubble and foam. I do try every possible way to use our products and this was not a good idea.

Natural Cleaners

Lavender Hydrosol has natural antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can harness these properties and enhance them with additional common household supplies for cleaning surfaces and windows.

Countertop and Appliance Cleaner

This cleaner leaves a very nice natural lavender scent. You will clean your counters and initially smell the alcohol. After the alcohol disipates, you will smell a very lovely light natural lavender smell.

1. 3 Parts Lavender Hydrosol
2. 1 Part Isopropyl Alcohol
3. 2 Drops Dishwashing liquid

Combine all ingredients to a container with a trigger sprayer. Shake well to mix ingredients. When using a true hydrosol making this recipe, you do not need to shake every time you use it. Only shake well when you make it!

Spray on surface or appliance and wipe away with a microfiber cloth!

Always test in a small area. This cleaner is not safe for acrylic resin surfaces.

Window and Glass Cleaner

This cleaner leaves mirrors, glass and windows squeaky clean.

1. 2 Parts lavender hydrosol
2. 1 Part white Vinegar or Lavender Infused Vinegar
3. 1 Part Isopropyl Alcohol

Yoga Mat Refresher

To refresh and purify your yoga mat, spray lavender hydrosol and leave on mat for 5 minutes. Wipe and allow to dry before rolling up.

Air Purifier

Spray lavender hydrosol in the air or diffuse as needed to purify.

Natural Mosquito Repellent

Lavender is a well known natural mosquito repellent. For natural protection, spray lavender hydrosol directly on skin after a shower. The hydrosol will react with your body chemistry to help repel mosquitos.

Soothe Sunburns

Chill your lavender hydrosol in your refrigerator and spritz to soothe sunburns.

Bug Bite and Rash Relief

Spritz lavender hydrosol on rashes and bug bites as needed for quick relief.

What are your favorite Lavender Hydrosol Uses?

Leave us a comment and tell us how you love to use lavender hydrosol!