The wellness trend that’s quietly destroying ecosystems

Over-harvested, over-concentrated, and over-hyped - essential oils can stress your body and wreck ecosystems. There’s a smarter, more balanced alternative: hydrosols.

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters or aromatic waters, are the water-based product of steam distillation of plants and wrongly considered as a somehow lesser, by-product of essential oil extraction process. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols are whole-plants product, suitable for internal and external use, especially when produced in small-batch, artisanal and from organic agriculture.

From a European cultural and herbal tradition perspective, particularly in French, German and Mediterranean herbalism, hydrosols have a long-standing therapeutic role, both in phytotherapy (plant-based medicine) and in culinary and cosmetic practices.

INTERNAL USE OF HYDROSOLS

• Detoxification: Mild liver, kidney and lymphatic cleanses

• Digestive aid: Alleviating bloating, indigestion or sluggish digestion

• Mood and nervous system support: Calming anxiety, uplifting mood, aiding sleep

• Hydration: Gentle flavouring and therapeutic support in drinking water or teas

French aromatherapy approach

In French medical aromatherapy (aromathérapie scientifique), hydrosols are considered suitable for ingestion and often recommended over essential oils for children, the elderly and those with sensitivities. This practice was formalised by herbalists like Dr. Jean Valnet and Dominique Baudoux.

Common internal hydrosols & their benefits:

Rose (Rosa damascena): Heart opening, calming, cooling for inflammation and heat conditions

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Aids digestion, reduces nausea, supports liver

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamaemelum nobile): Calming for anxiety, promotes sleep, soothes gut

Melissa/Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Antiviral, mood-lifting, calming, digestive support

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Immunostimulant, antimicrobial, helpful in colds and gut infections

EXTERNAL USE OF HYDROSOLS

• Skin care: Toners, anti-inflammatory treatments, acne, sunburns, rosacea

• Wound care: Minor cuts, eczema, fungal conditions

• Emotional wellness: Aromatic spritzers for grounding, mood shifts or sleep

• Gynaecological care: Sitz baths, vaginal steaming or compresses

• Eye care: Safe compresses for tired, irritated eyes

Cosmetic use in Europe:

In European natural skincare, especially in Germany, France, and Bulgaria (a major Rose producer), hydrosols are prized as toners, aftershaves and anti-aging sprays. They are a core ingredient in natural cosmetic lines, often replacing water as the base.

SAFETY & QUALITY NOTES

• If you can choose organic, small-batch hydrosols that are freshly distilled and without additives or preservatives.

• Internal use should be limited to fresh hydrosols, ideally less than 1 year old (especially with children, pregnancy or chronic illness).

• Do NOT confuse hydrosols with water-diluted essential oils, which are not safe for internal use.

CULTURAL CONTEXT

1. France:

• Pharmacopoeia-backed use of hydrosols in integrative medicine and herbal pharmacies.

• Hydrosols are included in daily wellness - rose water in cooking, peppermint for digestion, etc.

2. Germany:

• Known for regulatory herbal medicine (phytotherapie).

• Hydrosols used in dermatology, spa therapy (Kur), and apothecary skin treatments.

3. Mediterranean (Italy, Greece):

• Culinary uses of orange blossom and rose hydrosols.

• Traditional medicine for wound healing, headaches and postpartum care.

HOW TO USE INTERNALLY

(General guidelines - always use a sovereign approach)

• Dilution: 1 tsp to 1 tbsp in a glass of water, 1-3x daily

• Duration: 2–3 weeks, then pause to assess results.

• Culinary: Add to tea, honey, syrups or desserts (e.g., rose water in baklava)