lavender hydrosol

A hydrosol, also referred to as hydrolat, distillate, or floral water, is a botanical product resulting from the process of steam or hydrodistillation. These exceptional substances are essentially aqueous solutions infused with the essence of plants, capturing their aromatic and therapeutic qualities in a liquid form. The production of hydrosols begins with fresh plant materials, such as aromatic herbs, flowers, or other botanicals, which are suitable to the distillation process.

During distillation, steam is passed through the plant material, causing the release of various volatile compounds, including essential oils, plant acids, and water-soluble constituents. The resulting vapor, a mixture of water and these aromatic and bioactive components, is then condensed and collected as the hydrosol. What makes hydrosols truly special is that they contain not only the aromatic microparticles of essential oils but also the cellular water from the plant itself, which retains the elemental essence and an imprint of the plant's awareness. A true hydrosol distilled of fresh plant material can contain up to 40% of the cellular water from the plant.

This unique combination of microparticles of essential oil and water-soluble compounds is responsible for the hydrosol's distinctive aroma and therapeutic effects. These gentle yet potent liquids offer a milder alternative to pure essential oils and can be used for various purposes, such as skincare, aromatherapy, or even as a fragrant mist to uplift the spirit. Hydrosols are a testament to the power of nature's wisdom, capturing the holistic essence of plants in a form that is both versatile and nurturing.

Ode to their natural acidity, hydrosols help to protect and rejuvenate the skin while maintaining the delicate pH balance. Produced through slow distillation of fresh harvested plant materials using a copper alembic still, each GARA hydrosol possesses a unique set of attributes and uses.

Here are some creative ways to incorporate the benefits of hydrosols into your daily routine:

Facial Toner: Gently mist hydrosol onto your face, neck, and chest after cleansing. This will not only refresh your skin but also provide a nourishing aromatherapeutic boost, helping to maintain a healthy complexion and a clear mind.

Aromatherapy and Aura Mist: Use your hydrosol as an aura or aromatherapy mist. A few spritzes can help create a calming or invigorating atmosphere, depending on the botanical essence of your chosen hydrosol.

Hair and Scalp Tonic: Apply your hydrosol to your hair and scalp. It feels divine and may act as a natural conditioner, promoting healthy hair and a revitalized scalp.

Cooling Mist and After-Sun Spray: Refrigerate your hydrosol for a refreshing cooling mist. It's also a soothing option as an after-sun spray to calm and hydrate sun-exposed skin.

Baths and Foot Soaks: Add your hydrosol to your bathwater or foot soak for a therapeutic experience. The botanical infusion can enhance relaxation and provide aromatherapy benefits.

Clay Masks: Mix your hydrosol with any powdered clay mask in place of plain water. This not only adds a delightful scent but also imparts the beneficial properties of the hydrosol to your skincare routine.

Linen and Room Spray: Use your hydrosol as a linen spray to infuse your sheets and towels with a fresh, natural aroma. It can also be employed as a room spray to create a soothing ambiance throughout your living spaces.

Child-Friendly Uses: Hydrosols are often considered safe for children. They can be used as a calming agent to ease tantrums, sprayed on scabby knees to aid in healing, or applied to bug bites to soothe discomfort.

Natural Insect Repellent: Many hydrosols have natural insect repellent properties. Mist arms, legs and face before adventuring in the great outdoors.

In the Kitchen: Add 1tsp to any beverage for an exciting flavor twist or use them in mocktails, salad dressings, deserts and more. Many of our hydrosols have incredible medicinal properties and they taste wonderful too! 

We offer a truly unique and artisanal approach to distillation, focused exclusively on crafting pure hydrosols rather than essential oils. Our commitment to this craft sets us apart from commercially produced hydrosols, which often pale in comparison to the depth and richness of our distillates. Our slow and deliberate distillation process is dedicated to capturing the true essence of living, vibrant plants. We recognize that the life force of the plant lies not so much in the essential oil but in the hydrosol itself.

Our distillation process is a mindful, deliberate dance with nature. We believe in the alchemical magic that happens when we distill slowly and at lower temperatures. This patient, slow approach allows us to coax the essence from each plant in a way that honors the integrity of the botanicals and preserves their intricate flavors and aromas. Our meticulous process ensures that every hydrosol we create is a symphony of scent and vibration, capturing the very essence of the plants in a way that is both profound and unparalleled.

 Our secret ingredient, the lifeblood of our distillation process, is pure mountain water sourced from a pristine well in the Ojai Valley. This water, naturally alkaline and structurally complete, serves as the nurturing medium that breathes life into our hydrosols.

Many commercially available hydrosols are clear and lack the energetic character that makes a genuine hydrosol stand out. Our commitment is to produce hydrosols that are rich, nuanced, and often exhibit a milky or cloudy appearance. This unique quality is a testament to the authentic botanical richness we strive to preserve.

We approach each distillation as a journey through the senses, a harmonious exploration of each alchemical element – earth, metal, fire, water, and air. It commences with the evocative scent of the first drops of distillate, a promise of what's to come. As the process unfolds, the alchemist encounters the tactile sensations of steam and liquid, scent and heat, inviting one to use all of their senses to distill. Alchemists, the intrepid seekers of knowledge and transformation, can hone this craft with dedication, patience, and a keen focus. Distillation transcends the physical realm; it is an act of consciousness and creativity, a dance with nature's elements.

Intriguingly, the very elements that converge to create a hydrosol serve as a metaphorical guide for navigating the labyrinthine corridors of our internal emotional landscapes.

• Earth, the plant material and soil where it is grown represents stability, offering us a deep reflection of the self through Mother Earth. 
• Metal symbolizes transformation, the container that holds all of the potential for change in its chaos and in its beauty.  
• Fire embodies the driving force of change, the energy that burns away anything that is no longer giving life. Turned to ash, the most basic of elements, a new beginning is possible. 
• Water signifies the flowing currents of emotion, the life-giving yet paradoxically most powerful solvent that dissolves and carries the essence of life within it. 
• Air, the invisible force that gives life and whispers the ethereal truths. Air and water become one as steam, the moment before it is captured and condensed.  

The process of distillation not only produces physical distillates but also serves as a metaphorical guide for unraveling both our internal and external entanglements, unveiling truths previously hidden.

In essence, the history of distillation and the creation of hydrosols is a tapestry woven with threads of tradition, science, and artistry. It beckons us to explore the depths of the Earth's wisdom, offering a profound connection to the natural world and a mirror to our own inner realms, where transformation and revelation take place.

As we continue to grow in the heart of the Ojai Valley, we invite you to be part of this journey, a celebration of nature's purest offerings and a deep dive into the alchemy of hydrosol distillation. Uncover the magic hidden within the embrace of these ancient botanical essences.

Hydrosols are naturally acidic and are fairly well-preserved. You can enjoy their benefits for an extended period of time if you store your hydrosol properly. These exquisite creations remain potent and viable for 12-18 months after their distillation date.

Store your GARA products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or prolonged exposure to heat to maintain potency.