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A Hydrosol is an aqueous solution or colloidal suspension of an essential oil obtained by steam
distillation from aromatic plants. For a rose Hydrosol, for instance, I first gather the rose petals, then
put them in my still with water. About 1 hour later, I have the floral water known as the Hydrosol. Hydrosols
are aromatic waters, safer to the skin than essential oils, that provide both beautiful smells and medicine. During
the year I demonstrate and teach how to make Hydrosols, Tinctures, Elixirs and Salves. Students take them home
for themselves & as gifts, particularly around the holidays.
A Tincture is made with plant matter, alcohol and water. The ratio of water to alcohol is calibrated
to extract the maximum medicinal qualities from each different plant. The plant matter in my tinctures macerate (sit)
for 2 months before being decanted.
An Elixir is a tincture that has food grade glycerin added. This makes it a sweet treat with medicinal
qualities.
Salves or balms are made with medicinal plant matter, organic olive oil, and local beeswax. First
the plant matter and olive oil are held at 110 degrees for a week, then the beeswax is added. I make two basic salves, a muscular/skeletal
healing salve and a calendula salve used for healing cuts and scratches.
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| The copper still from Portugal |
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| Philo School salves |
Available hydrosols are lavender, damask rose, yarrow, goldenrod, oregano, thyme, chinese chrysanthemum, and others day
by day.
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