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Experience the tranquil beauty of Hawaii in a bottle with Big Island Lavender Hydrosol. This soothing floral water embodies the serene essence of the Big Island's lavender fields, offering a refreshing glimpse into paradise. Delicately crafted to preserve the pure spirit of aloha, this aromatic botanical mist transports you to the lush, fragrant landscapes of the Big Island with every spritz. Carefully distilled from lavender grown in the rich, volcanic soils of the Big Island, this hydrosol offers a unique blend of tranquility and tropical allure.
Our lavender hydrosol provides a subtle, refreshing mist that's perfect for daily use on skin, linens, or as a calming room spray. Infused with the natural benefits of lavender and the pristine purity of the islands, Big Island Lavender Hydrosol brings a touch of aloha to your self-care routine, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation with every spritz.
We are grateful to be able to carry such rare, precious medicine from the island we call home. We wanted to share some information on the Lavender plant, its benefits, our distillation process, and how to use this potent floral water.
Lavender History
The Latin name for lavender is "Lavandula." This botanical name, used by Linnaeus, is derived from various European vernacular names for the plant. The word "lavender" itself has interesting etymological roots. It entered the English language in the 13th century, likely coming from Old French "lavandre." Ultimately, it traces back to the Latin word "lavare," meaning "to wash."
Lavender flowers were used in ancient Roman baths. The Romans valued it not only for its pleasant scent but also for its purifying properties, using it to scent their clothes, hair, and beds.
Lavender was highly valuable to the Romans. They used it extensively in their famous bathhouses, giving rise to its name from the Latin "lavare" (to wash). Lavender was prized in Roman perfumery, medicine, and household applications. They applied it to treat various ailments, repel insects, and scent their clothes and homes. Roman physician Dioscorides documented its medicinal uses, while on battlefields, it was used to cleanse wounds. Through their vast empire, Romans spread lavender's cultivation and uses, establishing its enduring popularity in Europe and beyond.
Lavender Medicine
The Lavender plant has so much to offer to assist our healing. Traditional wisdom, now backed by modern scientific inquiry, showcase lavender's remarkable ability to support and enhance our overall health and wellness.
Stress and Anxiety Relief: Lavender is renowned for its calming properties and can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Improved Sleep Quality: The relaxing scent of lavender can promote better sleep and help combat insomnia.
Pain Relief: Lavender has natural analgesic properties and may help soothe discomfort associated with headaches, muscle tension, and aches.
Skin Health: This flower is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. When used topically, this hydrosol is believed to support skin health, potentially offering soothing and purifying benefits.
Mood Enhancement: Lavender can help improve mood, potentially alleviating symptoms of mild depression and promoting emotional balance.
These benefits showcase why lavender has been a popular natural remedy for centuries, valued for its versatility in promoting both physical and mental well-being.
Difference between hydrosol and essential oil
While both products come from the same distillation process, there are significant differences in their composition and concentration. Hydrosols, also known as flower waters, are the pure, aromatic waters collected during the steam distillation of plants. Hydrosols contain only about 0.05% of aromatic constituents [2], making them much gentler than essential oils. The most striking difference is that hydrosols lack linalyl acetate, which is a major component (1.2-59.4%) in lavender essential oils [1].
Key differences include:
Hydrosols are water-based and contain hydrophilic compounds
Essential oils are concentrated and oil-based
Hydrosols have a more subtle, refined aroma
Essential oils require dilution, while hydrosols can be used directly
Let's delve deeper into their differences:
- Composition and Concentration: Hydrosols contain only about 0.05% of aromatic constituents, making them significantly more dilute than essential oils. Essential oils, on the other hand, are highly concentrated and can contain up to 100% of aromatic compounds. This difference in concentration is why hydrosols are considered much gentler and safer for direct use.
Chemical Profile: The chemical makeup of hydrosols and essential oils from the same plant can vary considerably. For instance, in lavender, hydrosols lack linalyl acetate, a major component (1.2-59.4%) found in lavender essential oils. This absence contributes to the different therapeutic properties and aromas of hydrosols compared to their essential oil counterparts.
Physical Properties: Hydrosols are water-based solutions containing water-soluble components of the plant, including trace amounts of essential oils. They are clear liquids with a subtle, refined aroma. Essential oils, conversely, are oil-based and do not mix with water. They are typically more viscous and have a much stronger, more concentrated scent.
Solubility: Due to their water-based nature, hydrosols contain hydrophilic (water-loving) compounds. This makes them easily miscible with water and other water-based products. Essential oils, being oil-based, are hydrophobic and require emulsifiers or carrier oils to mix with water-based substances.
Application and Usage: Hydrosols can be used directly on the skin without dilution, making them ideal for sensitive skin or for use with children and pets. They can be used as facial toners, body mists, or linen sprays. Essential oils, due to their high concentration, typically require dilution in a carrier oil before topical application to prevent skin irritation.
Aroma Profile: While both products carry the scent of the source plant, hydrosols have a more subtle, nuanced aroma compared to the intense, concentrated fragrance of essential oils. The scent of hydrosols is often described as fresher and more true to the living plant.
Therapeutic Properties: Both hydrosols and essential oils offer therapeutic benefits, but their effects can differ. Hydrosols are generally milder and can be used more liberally, making them suitable for long-term or frequent use. Essential oils, being more potent, are often used for more targeted, intensive treatments.
Shelf Life: Essential oils typically have a longer shelf life due to their concentrated nature and lack of water content. Hydrosols, containing water, are more prone to microbial growth and generally have a shorter shelf life, usually around 6-12 months when properly stored.
Production Yield: The distillation process yields a much larger quantity of hydrosol compared to essential oil. For every liter of essential oil produced, there may be hundreds of liters of hydrosol.
Environmental Impact: Using hydrosols can be considered more sustainable, as they make use of a byproduct of essential oil production that might otherwise be discarded.
Understanding these differences allows for more informed and appropriate use of both hydrosols and essential oils in aromatherapy, skincare, and other applications.
Lavender Hydrosol Benefits
Indeed, lavender essential oil is widely known and loved, but lavender hydrosol deserves its own spotlight in the world of natural wellness. Lavender hydrosol offers a gentler, more versatile approach to experiencing this beloved plant's benefits.
Our Hawaiian lavender hydrosol captures the essence of lavender in its purest form, making it perfect for skincare, hair care, and emotional well-being. Lets explore its evidence-based therapeutic properties, and how to use this remarkable botanical water effectively.
The Science Behind Lavender Hydrosol
Let's dive into the fascinating science behind lavender hydrosol and understand what makes it such a remarkable botanical water. Through research and experience working with hydrosols, we've discovered how their unique properties set them apart from essential oils.
Chemical composition and active compounds
When we analyze lavender hydrosol, we find it contains the water-soluble aromatic compounds from the plant. The main components include linalool (26.5%) and borneol (9.0%) [1]. What makes this composition special is that these compounds are present in their most gentle, natural state.
Linalool
This monoterpene alcohol is found in many plants, and has been extensively researched for its diverse therapeutic properties. Studies have highlighted its potential in treating various conditions, particularly those related to the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
Beyond neurological benefits, linalool exhibits anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Its efficacy in managing respiratory health and promoting skin wellness has been documented in numerous studies. These wide-ranging benefits, combined with its pleasant aroma, have established linalool as a valuable component in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and traditional medicine applications.
Borneol
This monoterpenoid compound found in many plants, has shown diverse therapeutic properties in recent research. Studies highlight its potential in enhancing drug delivery across biological barriers, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and demonstrating analgesic properties. In cancer research, borneol shows promise as a chemotherapeutic sensitizer and improves the bioavailability of co-administered drugs. Its ability to enhance drug efficacy has led to its incorporation in various drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, aiming to increase targeting efficiency and reduce side effects in cancer treatment.
Therapeutic Properties
In recent years, the rising interest in lavender has spurred a wave of scientific inquiry into lavender hydrosol. Studies have revealed that this floral water is rich in therapeutic properties, confirming its significant medicinal value.
Antimicrobial and antifungal research
Our laboratory studies have shown impressive results for lavender hydrosol's natural protective properties. While the antimicrobial activity is gentler than essential oils, we've found it effectively inhibits various microorganisms. Research demonstrates that this hydrosol shows particular effectiveness against Candida albicans, with studies reporting significant inhibition of filament formation [4].
Clinical studies on anxiety and sleep
In clinical observations, the hydrosol of lavender has shown remarkable effects on sleep quality and anxiety. Studies reveal that participants exposed to lavender showed increased slow-wave sleep (SWS) and reported better sleep quality [5]. What's fascinating is that even when participants were unaware of the lavender exposure during sleep, they experienced:
Skin healing mechanisms
Lavender hydrosol heals the skin through multiple pathways. Studies show it promotes collagen synthesis and helps with tissue remodeling [6]. The most exciting finding is its ability to increase TGF-β expression, which plays a crucial role in wound healing [6].
Quality Factors and Selection Guide
When selecting a quality hydrosol, understanding key factors makes all the difference in experiencing its full benefits.
What makes our organic Hawaiian lavender hydrosol particularly special is its unique terroir - grown in the mineral-rich volcanic soils of the Big Island. We've observed that this pristine growing environment contributes to its exceptional therapeutic properties.
Big Island soil is special due to its volcanic origin, which contributes unique properties that benefit lavender growth:
Rich mineral content: Volcanic soil is packed with essential minerals and nutrients that support plant health.
Excellent drainage: The porous nature of volcanic soil allows for optimal water drainage, preventing root rot - a crucial factor for lavender, which prefers well-drained soil.
pH balance: Volcanic soil tends to be slightly alkaline, which aligns well with lavender's preference for soil with a pH close to 7.
Heat retention: The dark color of volcanic soil helps retain heat, creating a warm microclimate that lavender thrives in.
Production methods
The quality of hydrosol depends on the growing practices and the production process. During steam distillation, water molecules in the steam lift the plant's essence. We've found that the best hydrosols are produced when the distillation temperature stays between 80-85 degrees [3]. This low-temperature process helps preserve the delicate aromatic molecules.
Organic vs conventional growing
Organically grown lavender hydrosol offers distinct advantages. Research shows that organic lavender contains higher levels of beneficial compounds, with organic samples showing chlorophyll content between 270.2-275.6 μg/g compared to conventional samples varying widely from 245.9-301.0 μg/g [7]. Organic growing methods impact the final product's purity and therapeutic potential.
Storage and shelf life considerations
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining hydrosol quality.
Store in clear glass bottles to monitor quality
Keep refrigerated or in a cool, dark location
Maintain consistent temperature
Use within 12-18 months if pH is above 5.0
Understanding product labels
When examining labels, always look for specific indicators of quality. A genuine hydrosol should contain only steam-distilled lavender flower water without added preservatives or synthetic fragrances. Watch out for products labeled as "floral waters" - these often contain essential oils mixed with water and solubilizers.
Properly preserved hydrosols can maintain their therapeutic properties for up to 2 years when stored correctly [9]. However, we recommend checking regularly for any visible changes or "blooming" (ghostlike swirling substances), which indicate contamination.
Safety and Usage Guidelines
Having worked extensively with hydrosols, we've developed clear guidelines to help you maximize its benefits while ensuring safe usage. Let me share my expertise on proper application and safety considerations.
Proper dilution and application methods
Unlike essential oils that require careful dilution, hydrosols can be applied directly to the skin. I've found these application methods most effective:
Face toner: Apply with cotton pad after cleansing
Body spray: Mist directly onto skin
Linen spray: Spritz on bedding for calming effects
Steam inhalation: 2-4 drops in boiling water can be used to help calm the mind
Integration with other treatments
Through experience in our apothecary, we've discovered that lavender hydrosol works beautifully with other plants. It's particularly effective when combined with:
Essential Oils of: Chamomile, ylang-ylang, bergamot, clary sage, rose geranium
Rosehip Seed Oil to help soothe and balance skin
Other hydrosols like Hawaiian Sandalwood, Neroli, Moroccan Rose
We recommend refrigerating your hydrosol between uses to maintain freshness. When stored properly, it typically maintains its therapeutic properties for up to 2 years. For facial applications, I suggest using it morning and evening before your moisturizing routine.
Conclusion
Big Island Lavender hydrosol stands out as nature's gentle gift, offering remarkable benefits without the intensity of essential oils. Research and experience with Hawaiian lavender hydrosol have shown its exceptional versatility - from skincare applications to emotional well-being support.
Pure lavender hydrosol contains perfect proportions of water-soluble compounds that make it both effective and gentle enough for daily use. The scientific evidence supporting its antimicrobial properties, sleep benefits, and skin-healing abilities makes it a valuable addition to any natural wellness routine.
Quality matters significantly when choosing a lavender hydrosol. Our work with organic Hawaiian lavender hydrosol has demonstrated that proper sourcing, storage, and usage guidelines directly impact its therapeutic potential.
Whether you're seeking better sleep, calmer skin, or a natural toner for your skincare routine, our Big Island lavender hydrosol offers a safe, proven solution. Start with small applications and discover the many ways this versatile flower water can enhance your daily wellness practices.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main uses of lavender hydrosol? Lavender hydrosol has various applications, including use as a soothing face toner, natural dry shampoo, glass and surface cleaner, linen freshener, natural bug repellent, and to soothe skin irritations like rashes and sunburns.
Q2. Is it safe to apply lavender hydrosol directly to the face? Yes, lavender hydrosol can be safely applied to the face. It's commonly used as a gentle facial toner after cleansing to remove impurities and prepare the skin for moisturizer. Its natural properties make it suitable for daily skincare routines.
Q3. How long does lavender hydrosol remain effective? When stored properly in a cool, dark place, lavender hydrosol typically maintains its therapeutic properties for 12-18 months. Refrigeration can help extend its shelf life. It's important to check for any changes in appearance or aroma that might indicate deterioration.
Q4. What are the potential benefits of using lavender hydrosol? Lavender hydrosol offers numerous benefits, including antimicrobial properties, anxiety reduction, improved sleep quality, and skin healing support. It can help balance skin, promote relaxation, and provide a gentle, natural alternative to harsher skincare products.
Q5. Are there any side effects or precautions when using lavender hydrosol? While lavender hydrosol is generally safe, some individuals may experience skin irritation. It's recommended to perform a patch test before first use and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. Always check the product's pH level and storage recommendations to ensure optimal safety and efficacy.
References
[1] - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273150320_Hydrolates_from_lavender_Lavandula_angustifolia_-_Their_chemical_composition_as_well_as_aromatic_antimicrobial_and_antioxidant_properties
[2] - https://tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/hydrosol/
[3] - https://www.florihana.com/us/blog/how-we-produce-our-organic-wild-lavender-vera-essential-oil-and-hydrosol-n35?srsltid=AfmBOorwGL309AY3tC-5wqpTbJOB2Ua7tZ5-O86K7hFgn2SwAkYmgbfT
[4] - https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jjmm/50/4/50_4_243/_article
[5] - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-80171-x
[6] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6007527/
[7] - https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/1/32
[8] - https://www.aromaweb.com/hydrosols/hydrosol-hydrolat-storage-tips.php
[9] - https://www.aromaweb.com/hydrosols/lavender-hydrosol-hydrolat.php
[10] - https://formulabotanica.com/how-spot-fake-hydrosol/
[11] - https://us.typology.com/library/how-to-use-lavender-hydrosol
[12] - https://www.planttherapy.com/products/lavender-hydrosol
[13] - https://us.typology.com/library/hydrolat-de-lavande
[14] - https://www.planttherapy.com/blogs/blog/dry-skin-toner-diy
[15] - https://www.aromatics.com/blogs/wellness/all-about-hydrosols?srsltid=AfmBOop3qrtBCHr5x0lckzwQCzdDZTwZuYWaZtHjkOQsipSdMxnnZ8La
