AromatherapyLesson 2

Hydrosols & How to use Essential Oils

How are Essential Oils Made?

Through the process of Steam Distillation – most herbs

Through a process of Cold Expression – most citrus fruit

Through the process of Carbon Dioxide Extraction Through a process of Hydro Diffusion – steam runs from top down

Through the process of Enfleurage – fats and rose petals

Steam Distillation

Steam distillation – hot water is pushed up through the plant materials and the e/oils rise

Creates a by-product

called a hydrosol – we’ll come back to

this a little later

Cold Expression

Citrus oils are created using cold expression of rind

Carbon Dioxide Extraction

Carbon Dioxide is subjected to high pressure to become liquid.

Essential oil particles are extracted when they separate from the carbon dioxide

Hydro Diffusion

A type of steam distillation where steam is fed

in via the top of the material instead of the bottom.

Less steam is used, time to process is shorter and there is a higher yield of essential oils

Enfleurage

Rose petals are embedded into purified fat and left to deposit their essential oils.

Now Back to Hydrosols -

Hydrosols are produced during steam distillation – Remember? They’re mild Safe for children and elderly Great for skin conditions Great as body, pillow, & room spray

Types of Hydrosols

RoseLavenderPeppermintRoman ChamomileNeroliGeranium are just some of many

Qualities of Hydrosols • Hydrosols / floral waters are the distillate

water from a flower or plant that is extracted during the process of creating essential oils

• They are hydrating, soothing, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. Low in pH.

• Soothe the skin and have a powerful subtle effect on the emotions (positive in general)

Benefits of Hydrosols continued

Mild Ok for children, the elderly & those with

delicate health due to mildness Rose and Lavender hydrosols are very helpful

in cases of burns as is Peppermint A nice complement to Aromatherapy or

Phytotherapy

Routes of Absorption

Oral – through digestive tractRectal – as enemaSkin – absorbed through surface of bodyLungs – via breathed air and aromaVaginal douches – through vaginal tract

Specific Properties of Hydrosols

Rose – Rosa damescena – mouth ulcers,

tones all skin types, good for wrinkles, calming & sedative

Lavender – Lavandula augustifolia – intestinal antibiotic, rheumatism, soothing pimples, burns & insect bites

Peppermint – Mentha x piperita – antiseptic, itching, inflammation, cooling, refreshing

Specific Properties of Hydrosols continued

Roman chamomile - Chamaemelum nobile –cardiac calmative, anti-inflammatory, infections, calming

Neroli – Citrus aurantium - cardiac calmative,

uplifting, nervous depression Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens –

antibacterial, acne, pimples, shingles, hormone balancer for women

Hydrosols• Are relatively SAFE and EFFECTIVE • Are MILD – in smell and effect• Don’t require DILUTION

Presentation Compliments of: Shekinah’s Holistic Healing Promoting: Peace & Harmony