Water under the bridge, not quite..

I was a little stunned and shocked with myself when I realized that I had never formerly wrote about Hydrosols on my own web page. After all, I distill them, sell them, teach them and yes I even drink them. I brainstormed and scratched many ideas which included explaining "What a hydrosol is.." and "How to use these fabulous waters!", alas I concluded, if you are here, you may already know. You needn't click far if you wanted to know or read various renditions of how they are distilled plant waters containing trace lipophilic essential oil compounds suspended in a aquaeous solution of plant acids and cellular water. You may even be aware that they are around 30 times more concentrate than a tea, yet a fraction of fraction less potent of an essential oil. Naturally, everyone understands that they are a safer alternative for young children, infants pregnant women, elderly and those with sensitivities. So then, in my quest to be relavant and provide stand out content, what could I offer a reader who in their thirst for understanding, would give their time to my hydrosol blog? Before I answer this, I need you as the reader to understand a few things about me. 1. I distilled hydrosols for many years before I sold my own distillations. I sourced hydrosols in bulk from seasoned proffesional artisan distillers until I was beyond confident I could produce a safe hydrosol on that level of quality. 2. I trained under some of the biggest names in the industry and I am trying to carry forward their teachings. 3. I am so passionate about the future of these healing therapeutic waters that have devoted much of my daily life to them. 4. Very little is known about hydrosols and the variables that influence the level of trace compounds produced and thus their full application or benefits. 5. My goal is to unite with other artisan distillers who share the same passions and participate in a standard of practice surrounding hydrosols so that we can share data, protect their value, produce sustainably and better understand them, translating all their benefits and best applications.

With all that said, I waould like to impart to you that hydrosols stand at the precipice of what could be a very exciting time in the holistic world. Professional Herbalist & Aromatherapist have found a rare common ground and its Hydrosols. Everyday new concepts are being pioneered into how to apply them, while scientific studies are supporting their properties and benefits. Many new distillers are joining in on the craze while holistic practioners are starting to implement them into practice. Yet, whenever we see traction or demand potential we also see adulteration and lower quality products saturate the market.Because there is no real authority or supervising body, there is little we can do to stave off poor practices and deceptive marketing. So we as artisan distillers and hydrosols retailers have a resposibility to elevate our practices, production and labeling to educate a responsible consumer group. Nothing speaks louder than the dollar and so we have a ethical resposibilty to influence where that dollar goes. We do this by collectively working to raise the quality and trasparency. As a consumer, be it for personal use or professional use in a holistic practice there are some key insights you will want to know about your hydrosol before you buy:

• -Hydrosols should be distilled as the primary product of the distillation. Many hydrosols retailers capture the hydrosol produced when they distill for essential oil. There is a significant difference in quality.

• -Hydrosols have a shelf life. They should be used within 1 year of their distillation date. Although we have seen hydrosols vibracy last well beyond that, the idea or rule is freshness season to season.

• -Hydrosols should have the distillation date referenced.

• -Hydrosols should be labeled indicating what material still was used in its production, i.e. copper, stainless steel ect.

• -Hydrosol producers should be well trained and experienced in safe capture methods that include proper sanitation practices. (Hydrosols are prone to fungal and bacterial contamination and host a pluethra of microbes than make you very sick or injure you.)

• -Hydrosols should be labeled with the correct latin binomial and not just the common name including wwhether it is a chemotype i.e. Verbenone, Linalool, Cineole ect.

• -Hydrosols should be distilled in a manner that is ideal to hydrosol distillation, methods of which are much different to distilling essential oil. Often involving longer time, lower heat

• -Plant material used in hydrosol distillation should be harvested in peak phase for hydrosol distillation. Often the peak phase is different than an essential oil distillation.

• -Hydrosol retailers should have an effective batch and log system to be able to trace back a contamination.

• -Hydrosol retailers should routinely test their hydrosols for microbial presence. As we know that contamination takes time to build the detectable microbial load.

• -Hydrosols should be bottled and stored in a manner that support the vibracy and lengevity of the hydrosol. Clear bottles, little to no headspace and cool (not cold) and consistent temperature.

These are just a few of the basics surrounding responsible hydrosol sourcing. All Hydrosols in my line meet and exceed these standards. If you would like to know more or discuss any of the topics presented here I encourage you to email me directly at Honesttogodorganics@gmail.com or consider taking my introduction course to hydrosols https://jennscentsaromaversity.com/courses/introduction-to-hydrosols/

Darla Dunn Certified Holistic Aromatherapist, N.A.H.A. & I.C.A.N member, Hydrosol Instructor at JennScentsAromaversity.com , Hydrosol Distiller for 123Farms Lavender at Highland Springs Ranch and Founder/CEO at Honest To God Organics Apothecary LLC.