Melissa and Peppermint Hydrolats – our favourite distilled plant waters for February

This month we present you our favourite hydrolats: Melissa and Peppermint.

Hydrosols  – in the world of aromatherapy – are also known as hydrolates or hydrolats. It is the distilled water recuperated during the steam or hydro-distillation of plant materials for aromatherapy purposes. Compared with their respective essential oils they are gentler in terms of their smell, their chemistry and potency, but they remain highly effective.

In fact, most hydrosols work exceptionally well in synergy with any aromatherapy protocol, and are particularly good for use in skin care regimes. Most hydrosols are non-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.

Here are the profiles of these two wonderful distilled plant waters:

Family: Labiatae

Extraction Method: Distillation

Country: France, Germany, Italy and Spain

Aroma and Taste: For aroma, it’s a more floral version of the essential oil but much lighter. For taste, it is mildly bitter if undiluted and quite lemony but not citrusy. Once diluted, it is quite sweet and gives you a very soft feeling

Actions: Calming but not sedative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant

Uses: By itself – use as a toner for skin care, for stress, treat herpes

Mixed with water / hydrosol –  to reduce anxiety and childhood hysterics, treat morning sickness, digestive setups during pregnancy, treat diaper rash (combined with Roman Chamomile hydrosol) in night time bath

Mixed with cream or lotion – for anti-aging and after-sun body care

Promotion Price (while stock is available):  $250   $170 (100 ml)     

Family: Labiatae

Extraction Method: Distillation

Country: Southern Europe and USA

Aroma and Taste: For aroma, it smells like freshly crushed peppermint leaves that gives a refreshing and cool feeling. For taste, it is quite good as a herbal tea; when undiluted, it has quite a strong taste but once diluted, it is a lot softer

Actions: For digestive system, anti-inflammatory, mind-stimulating, mildly antibacterial

Uses: By itself  – to treat red and irritated acne, to combat itching and burning, provides fast relief for allergic reactions, bites and stings; to spritz on face to revive oneself

Mixed with water / hydrosol – useful for treating colic, bloat and indigestion of all kinds; combined with Roman Chamomile hydrofoil it is a good parasite cleanser; to make hot compresses for treating stiff muscles, aches and pains, shin splints, sprains and strains

Promotion Price (while stock is available):  $150   $102 (100 ml)