Certainly, you know rose, lavender, chamomile, or mint water — popular flower waters that are an integral part of the world of natural cosmetics and aromatherapy. But have you ever wondered what exactly the difference is between them and an infusion or decoction made from the same herb? How long does flower water last? And what is the typical consumption of an infusion? How does, for example, fresh chamomile infusion differ from chamomile floral water? And why do aromatic flower waters offer so many benefits for beauty, health, and mental well-being? In this article, we will answer all these questions and also explain what flower water is, how it is created, and what makes its effects so unique. Join us as we explore the world of aromatic plants and their unique products.
But what exactly is flower water?
First, let’s explain what flower water actually is and how it is made. Flower water, hydrosol, or hydrolate is a 100% pure natural product produced through distillation, in which parts of plants containing aromatic compounds (volatile organic compounds) are transformed into aromatic flower water. These treasures do not contain any preservatives or additives. After distillation, they are cooled, filtered, and then undergo a microbiological analysis process that checks for purity, residual percentage of essential oil, and pH. Flower waters are used in cosmetics, the food industry, pharmacology, and culinary arts, and their world is very diverse.
Herbal infusion
Herbal infusion is a method of preparation in which dried or fresh herbs are poured with hot water and left to steep for a specified period, usually a few minutes. This process is similar to making tea and is suitable for herbs where we want to preserve delicate aromatic and active compounds, such as leaves and flowers.
Herbal decoction
Herbal decoction is prepared by boiling tougher parts of plants, such as roots, bark, or seeds, for a longer period. Herbs are typically boiled for at least 15-30 minutes to release their active compounds. This process is effective for extracting substances that are more difficult to dissolve from herbs compared to infusions.
And what, then, is the difference between them?
Flower waters, also known as hydrosols, are 20 to 30 times more concentrated than regular herbal decoctions and infusions. So watch out for them! A tea made from rose petals, like lemonade or iced tea made from rose water, is great not only for uplifting your mood. When preparing lemonade, we use “only” 1-4 tablespoons per 1 liter of water. Why?! Because if we drank a full glass of rose water, it would definitely upset our stomach, and the flavor would be very, very intense. Flower waters are simply concentrated aromatic and flavor treasures. And that is their magic! For many centuries, they have been used in many cultures for flavoring dishes.
A shelf life that will delight!
Compared to decoctions, flower waters contain only light and simultaneously much more naturally aromatic components (with a maximum molecular weight of 250), thus preserving their unique fragrance and effectiveness. Flower waters, or hydrosols, unlike infusions, do not contain bitter substances or tannins. Their complexity is full of effective yet delicate components that will benefit even the most sensitive and demanding skin. Flower waters are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and are safe for everyone. And here’s the cherry on top! Did you know that while infusions should be used within about 24 hours, our flower waters, thanks to innovative production and packaging methods, last for 24 months! A shelf life that will truly delight!
Are you curious why sometimes the term “flower water” is used, and other times “hydrosol”? We’ll explain it to you in this article, read here.
Almost 50 types of 100% flower waters in innovative packaging are available here, and in a smaller luxury black spray bottle here.
