Flowers contain essential oils and other ingredients that have medicinal and esthetic value. When an essential oil is extracted, there is a naturally occurring by-product known as a hydrosol, or flower water. Flower waters contain the healing properties of the essential oil, but in a gentler, less-concentrated form.
Flower waters can be used in many ways. They can be used to cleanse and treat skin with acne or eczema. On a cloth, they can be used as a compress for bruises and bumps. They can be sprayed onto the hair for a delicate scent, or they can be used as a rinse for hair. In a spray bottle they can be used as air freshener or a scent for clean linens. Flower water can be used in a humidifier (only use a special medicine or scent cup), or in a footbath. Some flower waters are even used in cooking.
Flower waters can be produced in the home. They are similar to teas, except in some cases the oil is removed through distillation. They should be stored in colored bottles in the refrigerator. For a longer shelf life, they will need the addition of a preservative, such as alcohol or potassium sorbate. Potassium sorbate is a natural substance derived from the berries of the mountain laurel ash, and can be purchased from a perfume supply company.
Flowers that make good flower waters include lavender, rose, lilac, violet, freesia, or any garden flower that is heavily scented. Always be sure to pick flowers from areas that have not been sprayed with pesticides or laden with auto exhaust, such as along a highway. Flower waters can also be made from essential oils.
To distill essential oils in the home and acquire flower water as a by-product, you will need an enameled teapot, a length of rubber tubing, a bowl of ice water, and an empty bowl. Fill the teapot with clean, fragrant petals, and then cover them with distilled water. Attach the tubing to the spout of the teapot. Drape it through the bowl of ice water and arrange it so that the tubing opens into the empty bowl. Heat the teapot to a simmer. The steam will go through the tubing, condense in the ice bath, and drip into the empty bowl. Let this product stand until the oil rises to the top. To collect the oil, use a clean cotton ball to absorb the oil, then squeeze it into a tiny bottle. (It takes many flowers to get a little bit of oil.) The water left in the bowl is your flower water.
You can get the same effect in a simpler way by using essential oils to make flower water. Put ¼ tsp. of the desired essential oil or blend into ½ cup of distilled water. Set it in a dark place for a few days. Filter the blend through a coffee filter before using.
For longer freshness, add ÂĽ tsp. potassium sorbate granules to the water before allowing the blend to steep. When made with potassium sorbate, the mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Shake it gently every other day. After a month, strain the mixture through a coffee filter into a colored glass bottle. It should keep for a year.
Flower water can also be made in much the same manner as sun tea. Place 2 cups of distilled water in a sterilized quart-sized canning jar. Add ¾ to 1-1/2 cups of desired flower petals, such as rose petals or lavender buds. Finally, add ¼ cup vodka or other colorless grain alcohol. Screw on the lid and place the mixture in the sun for a few days, strain, and store in the refrigerator. If desired, purchase “formulator’s alcohol” from a perfumer, and use it in place of vodka in the above recipe.
To make rosewater to be used immediately, collect and measure clean rose petals. Boil twice as much distilled water as you have petals, and pour the boiling water over the rose petals in a clean glass jar. Let cool and strain. If desired, add ½ tsp. potassium sorbate for a preservative.
The healing properties of herbs are retained in flower waters and can be accessed through the skin when applied topically. In addition, the therapeutic nature of the aroma is also retained in flower water. (Pets are very sensitive to scents. Use caution when treating animals.) Below are several flowers and how they can be used medicinally.
Lavender, a very popular scent, is soothing and relaxing. It’s useful for children and is thought to reduce hyperactivity. Dab a little on the forehead to calm jangled nerves. In a spray, it will relieve sunburn. It tends to be tolerated well by people who do not like heavy scents.
Also popular, rose water is good for the skin. It can be used in cooking, as well. Both lavender and rose are nice for perfuming linens.
Myrtle flower water is useful for breathing problems, such as the common cold or a stuffy nose. It’s mild enough for children. Myrtle is also a mild sedative and is thought to be helpful for people who are trying to break an addictive habit, such as smoking.
Neroli, or orange blossom, is useful for those who are troubled with panic attacks, as it is very relaxing and soothing. It is also gentle and healing for skin problems.
Peppermint is refreshing and stimulating. It can aid alertness on a long drive or cool off a hot flash. Used in a spray, it can refresh tired feet or sooth an injury. It makes a good air freshener for use on airplanes.
Flower water made from tea tree oil is useful for disinfecting and cleaning. While it does not have a pleasant fragrance, it is an excellent germ killer. As a foot spray, it deodorizes and treats athlete’s foot. A little on a cotton ball can be dabbed on acne or small cuts and abrasions.
Homemade flower waters make thoughtful gifts. Package them in pretty blue or amber glass bottles, make a calligraphy label, and tie up with a bit of raffia. With a little experimenting, you can come up with just the right fragrance blend for that special someone.
