Hydrosol: A sol is defined in chemistry as an aggregate of fine particles that disseminate into a medium. When we speak of a hydrosol, the solid particulates of microscopic size such as volatile oils are dispersed throughout the liquid medium of water. Alongside the aroma, wonder, and enchantment, the spirit of the plant offers to the world.
Distillation is an act of magic. While we can explain the process – heat, evaporation, transpiration, and condensation – in doing so we bring forth the essence of a plant.
Molecules, previously held in and between the cells of its parts, reveal themselves to us in an alchemical mixture we know today as hydrosols.
Hydro means water, and sol comes from the word solution. While the term hydrosol dates from the 20th century, its creation has a much longer history. We can find evidence of distillation dating back thousands of years. The products of this process have been coined various names, such as aromatic waters, herbal waters, and floral waters.
When you distill for hydrosol, you can witness the revelation of different aroma notes over time. The head waters, or first distillate, will often be more pungent and stronger in scent, containing greater amounts of essential oils. The middle, or heart waters, are often more mature and complex. The final distillate, or tail waters, are more subtle and ethereal.