What are floral waters?

WHAT ARE FLORAL WATERS?

Floral water is an aromatic water obtained after distillation of natural raw material (for flowers, it is called "floral water"). The residual water is obtained after separating it from the distillation product (the essential oil). It is much less concentrated in active ingredients (between 0.02% and 0.20%) than essential oils.

HOW IS FLORAL WATER OBTAINED?

It is one of the two products obtained during steam distillation. During this process, the volatile compounds of the plant are carried by steam to the condenser. The essential oil, which is in most cases lighter than water, floats on the surface in the "essencier".

The water it covers is called "floral water" in the case of flower distillation, "hydrolats", or aromatic distilled water for other parts of the plant. There are rare cases where the essential oil is heavier than water (e.g. clove). Floral water must be obtained during the first half-hour of distillation to be of good enough quality. Floral water is shallow in aromatic components, between 0.5% and 0.1%, and therefore much less active than the essential oil.

THE MOST WELL-KNOWN FLORAL WATERS

Cornflower: (used only for its hydrolate as it does not produce an essential oil) for conjunctivitis and eye strain.
Neroli and Helichrysum: for making a clay face mask.
Damask rose: also called "rose water" for a beautifull skin.
True Lavender: for mixed to oily skin. It leaves the skin feeling healthy and clear.
Geranium: used as a tonic after make-up removal. It purifies and restores the skin's radiance. The scent of rose geranium is discreet, soft and sweet, reminiscent of the rose.
Witch hazel: for sensitive skin and redness. It rebalances and soothes the skin.

A FEW RECIPES

ACNE

For acne-prone skin, use this blend of floral waters gentler than essential oils. Used morning and evening, after washing with a neutral or slightly acidic soap, this lotion allows you to clean your skin gently.

150 ml in equal parts of the hydrolats of sage, lavender, roman chamomile, rosemary verbenone.

IRRITATED EYE

It is absolutely essential not to inject an essential oil intramuscularly or intravenously (risk of embolism) or to instill it into the eyes.

However, you can use distilled cornflower water (hydrolat) on a compress to calm a red, irritated or crying eye and dab it until it is relieved.

CONJUNCTIVITIS

Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye can be caused by a virus, bacteria or an allergen. It gives the unpleasant impression of having sand in the eyes.

Pour a few drops of roman chamomile, rose geranium and myrtle hydrosols on a compress and apply to the eyelids.

CANDIDA VAGINITIS

Vaginitis is often caused by excessive intimate care. Most often of mycotic origin, it can also be of bacterial or parasitic origin (Trichomonas).

Use a geranium floral water with a rotating bulb to clean your intimate area.