Hydrosols and Aromatic Mists
Our hydrosols are crafted from fresh herbs cultivated with organic methods in our gardens. These plants were alchemically transformed in a copper alembic still specifically for hydrosol, keeping the essential oils intact in the waters. Hydrosol is a therapeutic, aromatic water, the product of distillation that contains the plant’s vital waters, hydrophilic compounds and colloidal suspensions of essential oils. These waters are a gentle way to enjoy the healing and aromatic benefits of the herbs and a low dilution of their essential oils. Hydrosols are an excellent way to nourish, balance and heal the skin. They make lovely aromatic facial toners, as their pH matches the desired acidity of the skin's acid mantle. They support this delicate matrix and the skin's microbiome. Hydrosols also have humectant properties, helping the skin retain moisture. They are also gentle, soothing sprays for minor first aid applications and can cool, soothe and heal burns, rashes and other skin irritations.
Aromatic Mists are blends of either hydrosol and organic essential oils or water and organic essential oils. They have numerous applications depending on the specific blend. They can be used as room and linen sprays or as face and body sprays.
Doug Fir Yarrow Hydrosol
Doug Fir Yarrow Hydrosol
This very unique hydrosol is crafted from the fresh, vibrant, new spring growth of wild Douglas fir tree tips and the vibrant, verdant, vital spring leaves of cultivated yarrow from our gardens. This hydrosol concentrates the essence and energy of the lush spring forests of Northern California and the vibrant new growth of spring herbs typified in yarrow.
A very aromatic hydrosol, it contains all the vital waters and volatile oils of these plants, as the essential oils remain intact in the hydrosol. It has terpene rich, citrus notes classic to Douglas Fir tips and a distinct spring, green note of yarrow. The synergy of distillation created subtle undertones of violet and the quintessential spring scent of sunshine warming the aromatic, vital waters of conifers in the forest. For the distiller the creation of this hydrosol was a synesthetic experience, smelling the hydrosol evoked hues of blue and green color, as describing this scent with just words is challenging.
Douglas Fir Yarrow Hydrosol has many energetic and medicinal applications. It is cooling, calming and rejuvenating to the skin, with anti-inflammatory properties that are antiseptic and soothe redness. It lifts the spirits and offers protection. It also opens the respiratory system. There are many applications for this hydrosol, it can be used as a room or linen spray to bring the essence of the forest inside, used during meditation or to calm a reactive nervous system during times of stress. On the skin it has many first aid applications and can be sprayed on inflamed skin, bug bites, rashes and burns.
About the process: In mid May of 2024, the new growth of young Douglas fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was collected and soaked overnight in the pot of a copper alembic still to break down the waxy cuticle and prime the needles for extraction. The following day, fresh yarrow leaves (Achillea millefolium), from the garden, were harvested and added to the column of the still. This created a unique hydrosol offering of the synergistic energies of Douglas Fir and yarrow, two medicinal plants that have archetypal energies of protection, healing and tranquility.