Table of Contents
Small-Batch Copper Alembic Distillation from the Big Island
In our opinion, the healing properties of turmeric hydrosol are vastly underrated! This substance is the aromatic water produced during steam distillation of fresh turmeric rhizomes. Our small-batch hydrosol is distilled right here on the Big Island of Hawai'i using a copper alembic still, blending vibrant red Hawaiian turmeric (ʻōlena) with golden Indian yellow turmeric. This combination honors both the mineral-rich volcanic soil of these islands and the traditional Ayurvedic use of turmeric as a healing plant.
Our artisan distillation process captures significantly more essential oil dispersed throughout the hydrosol than mainstream commercial products, giving you a more potent, aromatic, and therapeutically effective result.
Riand prepares to seal the still with rye flour paste, a traditional method that has been used for hundreds of yearsUnderstanding the Healing Properties of Turmeric Hydrosol
Hydrosols are the water-based byproduct of essential oil distillation. When we distill using fresh plant material, we capture not only the volatile compounds but the cellular water from the living plant, which contains nourishing minerals and fatty acids. This makes hydrosols gentler than essential oils while still offering therapeutic benefits.
The primary chemical constituents in turmeric hydrosol include 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), curcumenic ketones, and palmitic acid. While curcumin (the compound that gives turmeric its yellow color and many of its anti-inflammatory properties) remains in the plant material during distillation, the hydrosol carries its own unique profile of water-soluble healing compounds.
Unlike turmeric powder or capsules that must be digested, turmeric hydrosol can be applied topically or used as a gentle internal remedy. The water-soluble components are readily absorbed by the skin and body, making it an accessible way to experience turmeric's benefits without the staining or digestive concerns that sometimes come with other forms.
Turmeric Hydrosol Benefits for Skin & Body
The turmeric hydrosol benefits extend across multiple areas of wellness. Turmeric hydrosol is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Here's what it can do for your skin and body:
Skin Care
- Reduces redness, rashes, and minor irritation
- Works as a balancing toner for all skin types
- May help with acne, scarring, and skin discoloration
- Brightens complexion and promotes even skin tone
- Soothes sun-exposed or inflamed skin
- Reduces puffiness (i.e. "Cortisol Face")
- Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors
Body Support
- Has mild pain-relieving properties, especially effective when combined with other pain-relieving hydrosols or oils (like our Advanced Pain & Nerve Formula)
- Can be used as a compress for bruising and swelling
- Traditionally used internally (diluted) to support digestion and reduce bloating
- Supports overall skin health from the inside out when consumed
One of the most appreciated turmeric hydrosol benefits is its versatility—it's gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective enough to see real results. Because it contains no alcohol or harsh preservatives, it won't dry out your skin like many conventional toners.
Practical Ways to Use Turmeric Hydrosol
Facial Toner
Spray directly onto clean skin before applying moisturizer or facial oils. The hydrosol helps balance pH and prepares skin to absorb other products. For best results, use morning and night as part of your skincare routine.
Digestive Tea
Add 5 mL (about a teaspoon) to a glass of water and drink after meals for digestive support. The taste is earthy and mildly spicy. Some people enjoy mixing it with honey or lemon for a soothing digestive tonic.
Cooling Body Spray
Keep refrigerated and mist on after workouts or hot days for a refreshing, anti-inflammatory effect. This is especially wonderful after sun exposure or intense physical activity.
Compress for Minor Injuries
Soak a clean cloth in turmeric hydrosol and apply to bruises, swelling, or sore muscles for natural relief. You can also add it to a bath for full-body soothing.
Face Mask Base
Replace water with turmeric hydrosol when mixing clay masks or other powdered treatments for added skin benefits. This amplifies the purifying and brightening effects of your mask.
Room or Meditation Spray
Mist your space to freshen the air with turmeric's warm, grounding aroma. The scent is subtle yet centering, perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Hair & Scalp Treatment
Spray onto your scalp before washing to help soothe irritation and support scalp health. The anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for those dealing with dryness or sensitivity.
Emotional & Energetic Properties
Beyond its physical benefits, turmeric has been used in traditional wellness practices for its effects on mood and mental clarity. Energetically, turmeric is considered grounding and stabilizing, with an affinity for the Root and Sacral Chakras. It may help to stabilize emotions and center the mind.
Emotional Support
- Promotes feelings of groundedness during stress
- Supports mental clarity and focus
- Traditionally believed to help clear mental fog and stagnant energy
- Provides a sense of warmth and comfort
- Helps create feelings of safety and stability during transitions
You can use turmeric hydrosol as part of a mindfulness practice by misting it around you during meditation or breathwork, or simply spray it when you need a moment to reset and refocus during your day. I like to add a splash to my tea during times of intensity or change.
Why Big Island Turmeric
Hawaiian-grown turmeric thrives in our volcanic soil, abundant rainfall, and intense tropical sunlight. The turmeric rhizomes used in our hydrosol are harvested when perfectly mature—moist, plump, and full of water-soluble compounds, which allows us to capture the freshest, most potent essence.
By blending red Hawaiian and yellow Indian varieties, we're combining the best of both: the unique mineral profile from Hawai'i's volcanic terrain and the traditional potency of Indian turmeric varieties used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. The red Hawaiian variety adds its own mineral complexity from our iron-rich lava soil, while the yellow Indian turmeric brings time-tested therapeutic properties.
This dual-origin approach creates a more complex aromatic profile and a broader spectrum of beneficial compounds than single-variety hydrosols. It's a marriage of place and tradition, resulting in a uniquely powerful product.
The Copper Alembic Difference
Our choice to use a traditional copper alembic still isn't just aesthetic—copper has been the preferred material for distillation for centuries because of its superior heat conductivity and its ability to remove sulfur compounds, resulting in a cleaner, more pleasant aroma. The copper also imparts trace minerals into the hydrosol, adding another layer of therapeutic benefit.
Small-batch distillation allows us to monitor every stage of the process, ensuring optimal temperature and timing to capture the fullest expression of the plant. This hands-on approach results in hydrosol with notably higher essential oil content and aromatic intensity compared to mass-produced alternatives.
Storage & Care
Store your turmeric hydrosol in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration extends shelf life and provides a pleasant cooling sensation when applied. Use within 12-18 months for best results.
Because our hydrosols are preservative-free and contain higher concentrations of essential oils than commercial versions, proper storage helps maintain their therapeutic quality. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use, and avoid introducing contaminants by spraying directly rather than dipping anything into the bottle.
The healing properties of turmeric hydrosol make it a versatile addition to your wellness routine—whether you're seeking radiant skin, digestive support, or emotional grounding. From ancient Ayurvedic tradition to modern aromatherapy, turmeric continues to prove itself as one of nature's most valuable healing plants. Now you can experience these turmeric hydrosol benefits in their most accessible, gentle form.
Mahalo for supporting artisan, small-batch plant medicine made here on the Big Island of Hawai'i. 🌺
FAQs
Why did copper alembic stills come from?
The alembic still has ancient origins dating back to around 1st-4th century CE, with early versions appearing in Mesopotamia and Egypt. However, the design was significantly refined by Arabic alchemists during the Islamic Golden Age (8th-10th centuries CE), and the word "alembic" itself comes from the Arabic "al-anbiq."
As for copper specifically, it became the preferred material for alembic stills during the medieval period and Renaissance, though the exact transition isn't precisely dated. Copper was favored because of its:
- Excellent heat conductivity for even distillation
- Ability to remove sulfur compounds, improving the quality and aroma of distillates
- Malleability for crafting the distinctive curved shapes
- Durability and longevity
Early alembics were made from various materials including clay, glass, and various metals. The copper alembic as we know it today—particularly for essential oil and spirit production—really became standardized between the 13th-16th centuries as metalworking techniques improved and the advantages of copper became well-established.
The traditional copper alembic design follows this centuries-old tradition that Arabic and later European distillers perfected!
