2023-10-21 15:06:00
Thanks to Manon Batista, herbalist practitioner, certified by the Lyon School of Medicinal Plants, author of My notebook of hydrosols & floral waters: secrets, recipes and tips from a modern-day herbalist (ed. Mosaïque-Santé, 64 p ., €9) and the Melle Apothecaire blog: melleapothicaire.fr
If we know orange blossom water in cooking or cornflower water to take care of our eyes, we are less familiar with lemon balm hydrosol, which helps to digest better, or with that of noble chamomile, which prevents insomnia. However, these fluids have their place in our natural first aid kit : they are made from the remains of the plant, following it has been distilled with steam to extract the essential oil (EO). The result is certainly less concentrated in active ingredients than essential oilbut it still contains a host of water-soluble molecules (alcohols, phenols, oxides, etc.) which give it therapeutic virtues interesting. Above all, hydrosols (we speak of floral water when it is only a flower that is distilled, and not a plant) have very few contraindications and can be used by everyone, including children, during pregnancy. or when essential oils are not recommended. Manual.
Lavender floral water soothes irritated skin
An insect bite? A little burn? A sunburn ? As soon as the skin is irritated, calm things down with lavender hydrosol, anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing. It is a good alternative to lavender essential oil, especially when you have to apply it to a large area of skin.
- How to use lavender hydrosol?
Start by pouring the floral water onto a sterile compress, then tap on the skin in the event of a sting or small cut. If you are burned or sunburned, leave the compress on for 15 to 20 minutes, or even more. Another option: spray the hydrosol directly on heated skin. Soothing effect guaranteed!
The right combo: To refresh small burns and sunburns, we make a rehydrating and healing ointment, composed of equal parts of lavender hydrosol and aloe vera gel, to mix in the palm of the hand.
Cornflower hydrosol calms conjunctivitis
Renowned for its decongestant and soothing properties, this hydrosol relieves red eyes that are itchy, itchy or just tired.
- How to use cornflower floral water?
The ideal is to cool it a little in a saucepan before soaking two compresses (always sterile) to place for ten minutes on the closed eyelids, because the heat further soothes the pain of congested eyes. Please note, cornflower hydrosol can only be kept for one to two months following opening. (see box, next page).
The right combo: it is combined with plantain hydrosol – a little more difficult to find – to effectively calm allergic conjunctivitis, during the pollen season for example.
Peppermint floral water relaxes the stomach
Its hydrosol releases gas, reduces bloating and makes work easier if it gets stuck following a big meal. And, bonus, it calms retching when you’re wet.
- How to use peppermint hydrosol?
1 tablespoon diluted in a glass of water or herbal tea, to swallow 3 times a day following a meal or before a boat trip, by car… Please note, it is contraindicated in pregnant women or people epileptics because it may contain ketones (potentially abortive and convulsive).
The right combo: we add a spoonful of peppermint hydrosol to a digestive infusion made from fennel, lemon balm, etc.
Noble chamomile hydrosol helps you sleep
Thanks to its aromatic molecules and its soothing odor, this fluid calms the nervous system. It is ideal for combating stress or looping thoughts.
- How to use chamomile floral water?
Orally, 1 tablespoon in a glass of water following dinner, then another before bed. Or in a relaxing bath: 4 to 5 tablespoons directly in the bath water. You can also spray it near the pillow.
The right combo: not a fan of its slightly bitter taste? It is diluted with a spoonful of honey in an evening herbal tea, such as verbena, lime blossom, etc.
Helichrysum floral water prevents bruises
It is the “special shots” plant, which helps limit edema and hematoma, provided it is applied quickly. Its hydrosol is particularly interesting in the event of a black eye or if a bruise is located near the mucous membranes, because we cannot use helichrysum essential oil on these delicate areas due to the risk of irritation.
- How to use helichrysum hydrosol?
Soak a compress and leave it for ten minutes on the area that received the blow, several times a day. Possible for children aged 3 and over.
The right combo: 2 tablespoons of helichrysum hydrosol mixed with green clay, to apply as a poultice in a thick layer, to drain and limit the hematoma if you have just twisted your ankle.
Witch hazel hydrosol lightens the legs
Rich in powerful antioxidants (flavonoids, tannins, etc.), this plant has circulatory properties and helps relieve congestion when the legs become swollen due to the heat or because you have spent the day on your feet.
- How to use witch hazel floral water?
By soaking compresses in hydrosol (to be placed in the fridge beforehand for a cool effect) and applying them to the most swollen areas, for example the ankles, for a good ten minutes. Also use as a friction on the legs to energize them. Store for one to two months maximum following opening.
The right combo: mix 90 ml of witch hazel hydrosol + 10 ml of calophyll vegetable oil + 20 drops of cypress essential oil, for a venotonic spray to spray on the legs (shake well before). Then massage from bottom to top.
Floral watereucalyptus ball clears the airways
This hydrosol contains a molecule, 1,8-cineole, which thins the mucus and decongests the nose or bronchi. If you start with the first symptoms, its slightly antiseptic properties even help to slow down colds.
- How to use hydrosoleucalyptus ball ?
In inhalation: bring to a simmer 20 cl of hydrosoleucalyptus ball, pour them into a bowl and place your head above, under a towel, to breathe the vapors for ten to fifteen minutes, 3 times a day. It can also be poured directly into a small nasal spray (at a pharmacy) to unclog the nose, for example in the office.
The right combo: add 2 drops of EO of common thyme or Scots pine for an even more anti-infectious inhalation, in case of bronchitis, for example (be sure to close your eyes during inhalation!).
Read also
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Which floral water is right for me?
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The benefits of nettle oil for hair
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