Aroma Pets

Hydrosols

Hydrososl (also called hydrolat) is the water part of the essential oil distillation process. After the bulk of the essential oil is removed, the water that is left behind contains the gentler, water soluble plant molecules and small traces of essential oil. This is hydrosol.

Hydrosols expand the range of things you can do with aromatics , because they are gentler than essential oils. You can replace any essential oil  with its hydrosol equivalent  for sensitive or vulnerable dogs. You can also use hydrosols in delicate areas where essential oils are too harsh, for example, around the eyes.

Hydrosols are easily digested , so are a much better option than essential oils for digestive problems and internal use. I also use them for deep rooted emotional problems.

Unlike essential oils, hydrosols dissolve in water. You can put a few drops in a bowl of water  and let your dog sniff or drink it whenever he likes. You can leave a calming hydrosol for him if he gets anxious when you go out. Or a little ginger hydrosol to help ease the discomfort of arthritis. You can also use this method to help dogs who don't want to interact with humans, as you can add the hydrosol to a bowl of water, then leave the area. 

You can use the hydrosol instead of the more costly essential oils, such as rose (Rosa damascena); or those that are skin irritants, like clove( Syzgium aromaticum).There are also some plants that do not produce enough essential oil to collect, but are distilled only for the hydrosol. For example, with hazel (hamamelis virginiana) a hydrosol I use for first aid.

Hydrosols require the same careful distillation process mas essential oils. It is generally accepted that the best hydrosols are the first 30% of the distillation. collecting more than that dilutes the active constituents. The purity of the water used also affects the end product.

Some people distill plants solely for the water (hydrosol) the essential oil is removed. Strictly speaking, this is called aromatic water, not hydrosol. Aromatic water contains higher levels of essential oil so is slightly less gentle than a hydrosol.

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag