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![Lavender Hydrolat]() | Lavender Hydrolat | This hardy herb has a delicate purple-blue flower in spring and summer. It is not to be confused with larger cross-breeds of the lavender family, such as spike or lavandin, as it does not have the same chemical properties, or appearance, being much smaller and less spectacular. Common to Europe, the flower from this plant yields one of aromatherapy's favourite essential oils.
Traditionally, lavender hydrolat was used as a warm drink to comfort the stomach and the soul. It was also used extensively in the washing of personal clothes to make them smell fresh. Still today, lavender water and oil are added to most brands of washing powder to enhance the freshly-washed aroma.
The main components of the analysed hydrolat suggest that there are between 56-69% alcohol, meaning that the water is anti-infectious, antiviral, bactericidal, decongestant and stimulating. There are also present 18% ketones, which are analgesic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, claming and sedative.
Price and Price (2004) have found that lavender hydrolat is revitalising and relaxing, and that it reduces headache and migraine symptoms. It is useful in lotions for rheumatism and cleansing wounds. However the smell of lavender hydrolat is not at all pleasant, being quite strong and vegetable-like and so it is good to dilute it with purified water and to add another aromatic hydrolat to complement it, such as Melissa.
Skin conditions
Lavender hydrolat is chiefly used to cleanse and soften facial skin and hair. It is cooling in the summer heat, soothing sunburn, razor rash and minor irritations. Use 5mls on gauze as a facial mask after cleansing, or add 5mls to 50mls of moisture cream base as a daily application. Greasy skin will benefit especially from the water's astringent effect.
Health drink
Lavender hydrolat is very strong in flavour, being slightly bitter and it is not recommended that it be taken undiluted (unlike many of the lesser flavoured waters). A good recipe for lavender lemonade is to use 2 cups of lemonade to sweeten the lavender, 1-2 tablespoons of lavender hydrolat and two ice cubes. For a special touch, make ice cubes with fresh lavender flowers frozen into them! Drink the lemonade to cool the body on a warm day or to refresh the mind after a hard days work. The anti-septic and healing effects of the lavender will have a prophylactic effect on the body, strengthening it against microbial invasion. | | |
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