Hydrosols


Hydrosols

Hydrosols are very safe plant waters distilled directly from plants or trees. Through a distillation process using only distilled water and plant material, we are able to extract the healing properties of each plant. The use of hydrosols is a relatively new practice in aromatherapy. In the past, the hydrosols or plant waters were often discarded during the distillation process, considered inferior in comparison to the more concentrated essential oils. Recently, however, hydrosols have enjoyed more popularity and generated more interest, for varying reasons. With the wider usage of hydrosols, there has been an increased understanding of their value based on the adage: “less is more”. Essential oils are sometimes contraindicated for pregnant women, infants, older populations, people with environmental sensitivities, and pets. Hydrosols on the other hand, are often safer because they are weaker in strength, without sacrificing their overall efficacy.

Here at YogAloft Yoga and Wellness Retreat we grow various herbs such as Lavender, Lemon Balm, Sage, and Oregano in our Medicine Wheel Garden. What we cannot grow ourselves we outsource locally to neighbouring growers.

The tree species used for our Nature Mist hydrosols grow here on this property. This assures quality, freshness, and integrity in growing conditions and production. Needless to say, no artificial fertilizers have been used or pesticides sprayed on these plants. We have opted not to use preservatives in our Nature Mist products. Therefore, we recommend them for external use only. Enjoy our natural essences in a bottle… 100% pure and unadulterated, from nature to you!

General Recommendations for the use of Hydrosols:


  • Spritzing the body after a bath or shower
  • After sun
  • Hydrating the skin
  • Gentle skin cleaner
  • Skin toner
  • Make-up Remover
  • Deodorizing
  • Air Freshener
  • Bathroom Spray
  • Kitchen Spray
  • Laundry Cycle
  • Dog Bed
  • Insect Repellent
  • Mood Enhancer
  • Breath of Fresh Air
    (travel, stuffy air, poor air quality)
  • Clearing the Mind


Specific Uses for Hydrosols

Balsam Fir or Canada Fir (Abies balsamea or Pinus balsamea)
Balsam hydrosol can be used to freshen rooms, closets, and drawers with its refreshing, uplifting scent. It is antiseptic and can be added to neutral cleaning agents such as hydrogen peroxide to add an invigorating odour and to increase its cleaning power. Balsam hydrosol can also be used in the laundry cycle when washing the dog’s bed, for instance, or when washing blankets. Balsam used after the shower as a body spritzer or added to the bath can help support the immune system and reduce joint and muscle pain.

White Cedar or Eastern Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
One of the most distinctive and stimulating of the hydrosols, Cedar brings us into the present moment, bringing us back into the body by reminding us of the power of nature. Cedar’s clean, fresh, powerful scent freshens any room, bath, or moment. A natural skin toner and astringent, Cedar hydrosol can also be used to cleanse the skin to help control acne and restore vigour. Cedar is an effective deodorizer to be used in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and on the body. It is also an invigorating scent for men or women.

Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Not to be confused with the Mediterranean Hemlock used to poison Socrates, Tsuga Canadensis or Canada Hemlock is a common tree species in the eastern Canadian forest. Much like its conifer counterparts, Hemlock hydrosol has a distinctive scent which freshens and cleans the air. Hemlock can be used to relieve sore joints and muscles by rubbing it into the affected area. It is also used to help clean and heal wounds, bruising and contusions. Sprayed onto the body or in the air, it can help stimulate the immune system and clear the nasal passages.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
Lavender water can be useful as a skin and wound cleanser. Lavender has long been used as a relaxant and as a calming herb to induce sleep. Lavender hydrosol can be useful in relieving mental fatigue and jet lag. It is gentle enough to be used directly in the baby’s bath (one tablespoon) before bedtime. As with the essential oil, lavender hydrosol is effective against sunburn, and is often used as a natural aftershave.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Once an ingredient in Carmelite water, Melissa has been associated with longevity and is used internally as a general health tonic. Considered an effective women's herb, Lemon Balm (or Melissa) can be helpful for symptoms of PMS. It has natural soothing and cleansing benefits for any skin type. As well, it is effective as an astringent or toner for oily skin. Its natural lemony scent has been used for insect bites and as an insect repellent.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano hydrosol is believed to be antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, to some degree. Unlike the powerful essential oil, Oregano hydrosol can useful in supporting the immune system against colds and flues, sinus infection, and used as a mouthwash or gargle for sore throats. As a skin treatment it is astringent and beneficial as a skin cleanser and in controlling acne.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

One of the traditional sacred herbs amongst the North American native culture, Sage is a women’s herb used in balancing emotions and hormones. Using the mist on the abdominal area can help regulate symptoms of PMS including cramping, bloating, and water retention. It has been used widely to help control menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Sage hydrosol can be useful in nourishing the skin after sun and skin damage and can be used as a skin toner for all skin types. Sage hydrosol has been used as an insect repellent with some success. Avoid during pregnancy or if you have high blood pressure.

Sweetgrass (Savastana odorata or Hiërochloe odorata)
Another traditional sacred herb in the native American culture, Sweetgrass hydrosol is also known as the “holy grass” or “herbe sainte” (in French). Like the dried and braided herb used in sacred ceremony, Sweetgrass hydrosol can be sprayed with the intention of cleansing and purifying a person, room, or space. It has a very fresh, clean, distinctive scent which can be very uplifting. It can be used topically after sunburn and as a gargle for sore throats and to ward off colds.



COST: $15.00 per 150ml bottle of Nature Mist (plus shipping and handling). We use Canada Post for shipping and PayPal for payment. Ask about our Special Prices on select hydrosols while quantities last!!!!!

TO ORDER: Call 705-389-1669705-389-1669 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We are excited to announce that a selection of YogAloft Naturals products are now available at the Middle River Farm store in McKellar (next to the General Store).Â