Hydrolats (sometimes known as hydrosols) are the waters collected when plant material is distilled to produce essential oil. These natural waters contain tiny amounts of essential oil but are also laden with other water-soluble elements from the plant that give them their own unique therapeutic properties. 

Hydrolats are most commonly used for skincare, as they are mild and gentle enough to be applied direct to the skin without dilution. You can read our previous article which discusses some of the most common applications. They also make great bases for making your own natural, health enhancing air fresheners and mood sprays, which this article will focus on in more detail!

Room sprays to freshen the air and improve your mood

The first thing to point out is that hydrolats do not necessarily smell like their corresponding essential oil. Some have virtually no aroma at all, and some can be a bit pungent and earthy, although not unpleasant. The best known and most beautifully scented hydrolats are Rose and Orange Flower (Neroli) which are sometimes referred to as rose water or orange flower water. These have been used in perfumery for thousands of years. 

Whilst you could simply use your Rose or Orange Flower Hydrolat as it comes, we prefer to be a little more creative when making an aromatherapy spray, adding essential oils that will not only give wonderful aromas and freshen the air, but will also boost your health and wellbeing (unlike shop-bought synthetic sprays which are full of harmful chemicals). 

Creating the right mood

Essential oils and hydrolats can have an amazing effect on your mood, helping to uplift and energise when feeling sluggish, tired or low, or restoring balance and calm on those hectic, non-stop days when you’re feeling anxious or stressed. Fortunately, it’s easy to mix up a spray to match your mood. 

First of all, select the most appropriate hydrolat as your base:

• Lavender and Chamomile are calming and help promote relaxation and sleep.
• Orange Flower calms and lifts the emotions and is excellent for anxiety and stress.
• Rose Otto soothes the nerves and is a mild sedative and anti-depressant.

Next, decide which essential oils will best enhance your mood. The trick here is to choose the oils that you like the smell of at that moment in time, as these will be the ones you need most – this selection may change however from day to day and even from morning to night.

To help inspire you, we’ve put together a selection of recommended blends that you can use to support your mood. Shake well before use and spray them into the air around you, or mist them on to your hair, body or pillow at night.

Mood Brightening Bug Buster

Mix 100ml Orange Flower Hydrolat with 20 drops Orange essential oil, 10 drops Lemon, 5 drops Petitgrain and 1 drop Neroli. This will not only lift and brighten your mood but will also help to neutralise airborne bugs.

Brain Booster

Mix 100ml Orange Flower Hydrolat with 26 drops of Lemon essential oil, 8 drops Basil and 3 drops Rosemary to stimulate energy levels and sharpen focus. 

Keep Calm & Carry On 

Rushing around like a headless chicken? Try this calming blend to help you proceed with calm clarity. Mix 150ml Orange Flower Water with 20 drops Bergamot 10 drops Lavender, 5 drops Neroli, 5 drops Rosemary & 5 drops Patchouli.

Anxiety Soother

Mix 100ml Orange Flower Hydrolat with 20 drops Lavender essential oil, 8 drops Frankincense and 4 drops Neroli. 

Tension Buster

Mix 100ml Chamomile Hydrolat with 20 drops Sweet Orange, 10 drops Chamomile and 10 drops Frankincense to soothe tension and help you relax.

Meditation Mist

Enjoy a bit of meditation? Mix 100ml Rose Otto Hydrolat with 15 drops Rhododendron essential oil, 10 drops Bergamot and 5 drops Patchouli.  Spray this into the room to cleanse and harmonise your space and quieten the mind. 

Tranquil Nights

For a peaceful, tranquil evening mix 150ml Orange Flower Water, 30 drops Lavender, 20 drops Sandalwood, 10 drops Neroli and 5 drops Rose.

Sweet Dreams

Mix 100ml Chamomile or Lavender Hydrolat with 15 drops Lavender, 12 drops Marjoram, 4 drops Neroli and 4 drops Chamomile.

Tips for buying & storing hydrolats

Try to avoid buying so called ‘flower waters’ that seem to represent a bargain. They won't be! Some flower waters are synthetically perfumed water that will have none of the depth of fragrance or therapeutic effects of a real hydrolat.

Base Formula’s hydrolats are 100% pure and natural with no additives, colours or preservatives, which makes them highly fragile and subject to rapid deterioration if stored incorrectly. 

To keep them fresh, store them in a cool, dark place and away from direct sunlight – ideally in the fridge. Our hydrolats are supplied in special aluminium bottles which protect against damaging light. We sell these bottles separately (or dark glass bottles) which are ideal for making your spritzes in. Atomiser sprays are also available.

Don’t be tempted to make up large amounts of spray. It’s always best to make small batches and use up quickly, especially with 100% natural products where no preservatives have been added. 

Note:

As oil and water do not mix please shake your spray bottle well before each use to ensure the essential oils and hydrolats are re-combined.  A solubiliser such as our Polysorbate 20 can be added if required. This is a vegetable-derived emulsifier that helps to combine essential oils into water-based products and is ideal for adding to room sprays.

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