As the summer months are fleeting, naturally we find ourselves getting creative with ways to preserve our fresh plants for the colder months to come. Through the act of capturing the fresh plant essence, we can be met with them again in different forms throughout the year. One of my personal favorites is through “holy plant water,” which is my little name for a hydrosol.
Hydrosols are plant water collected through the same process used for distilling essential oils. If you’ve once seen how distillation works, you will have learned to understand that essential oils are a fraction of the process.The bulk of what is created during distillation is hydrosols, which for me and many others is not a by-product but the main goal.
While there are a wide range of uses for hydrosols, they are most popularly used for facial toners. Facial toners are lightweight, water-based liquids used to gently moisturize and soothe the face after cleansing.
Hydrosols, just like any other plant preparations, make for a prime ground for blending—in other words, customizing for your needs at the time. Plant waters hold wellness properties as well as they would as herbal infusions or other forms of remedies, though they are not usually taken internally. The needs of our skin sometimes fluctuate throughout the seasons and even throughout the day. In the summer, we need a bit of cooling support after long days in the sun; then in winter, we naturally want to invite self-loving, warming, and sometimes invigorating herbs. In the morning we may reach for something energizing, and at night, we may rather call on some relaxing, sleep support.
After reading this article, you’ll be equipped with six different hydrosol-based facial toner recipes suitable for different skin types and purposes beyond the physicality of the plant actions and benefits, including energetic actions. While these are formulated as facial toners, you’re still welcome to play with the use of the hydrosol blends in the form of cleaning products, bath additions, space/room spirits, makeup removal blends, and more.
Directions: For each blend, add all ingredients to a 1-ounce glass bottle and label with the name of your blend, the ingredients, and the date made.
To Use: After cleansing, liberally spritz your face with a facial toner of choice.
Lock in the moisture and plant energetics by following with a botanical-infused, high-quality serum or moisturizer.
This combination makes a great cooling facial toner that calms the skin, especially after being out in the sun for hours. Spearmint adds a cooling effect, while lemon verbena brings antioxidants to the blend.
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When your skin feels irritated or looks red, you may want to try this blend. Chamomile and calendula are lovely for soothing the skin, while lavender or spearmint can be added if you’d like a cooling effect.
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This hydrosol blend can be used to support a meditative state and energetic cleansing—either in the morning when you want to welcome groundedness into your psyche and space, or in the evening when you want to set intentions for your dreams.
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What better way to awaken your inner fire than to work with plants that are naturally robust and stimulating in spirit? Ginger and rosemary are excellent for adding warmth to any formula.
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The energetics of this toner blend invite an expansion of self-love and softness within you, beginning with opening the heart chakra and evoking the essence of true beauty.
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Plant waters in this cleansing blend contain natural aromatic compounds like linalool, pinene, and eucalyptol, giving the blend a fresh, refreshing quality. This one is also great as a makeup remover.
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