The floral waters also known as hidrossóis or water floral is a product that contains many therapeutic properties and aromatic substances used by the industries of cosmetics, perfumery and aromatherapy.
It displays pH slightly acidic, in the range of 5-6, making the medium ill-suited to the development of bacteria. So that its properties are preserved, should be kept in a cool and glass well closed.
Extraction
The hidrolato is the by-product obtained from the process of distillation in the extraction of essential oils. This process consists of submitting the plant material (leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, etc.) to the action of water vapor at the time that the essential oil is extracted.
In distillation, the water vapor passes through the tissues of the biomass, leading, by way of drag, the oil present in the interior of the glands up to the condenser, as the schema below. But not only is the essential oil which is dragged by the water vapor, other elements, volatile aromatic and bioactive compounds of the plant
The steam and essential oil are cooled in the condenser to become liquid, as well as the elements bioactive. However, they are joined to the condensed water and not the essential oil, and it is this mixture of water and active elements that form the floral waters.
The next step the condenser is the separation of the hidrolato and of the oil, which is made in a decanter. The substances are separated by means of the density difference and the polarity between them.
The floral waters, after separation, are extracted in their pure state and maintain the same volatile components of the plant that originated them. The fragrance is very similar to the essential oil, but a little weaker. It is worth mentioning that the floral waters do not always present the same characteristics of essential oils.
Benefits
Because they contain the nutrients extracted directly from the plant, the floral waters contain moisturizing properties, toning and refreshing. Can be used for the care with the body or the face, in masks of beauty and aesthetics, baths, aromatic, foot spa, and also serve as aromatizadores environment.
By being soft, can be used on children, the elderly, youth and people with poor health. The direct application can give to the hygiene of skin, use as tonic facial, moisturizing hair, and hands, to freshen the environment and for aromatherapy (in cases of asthma and bronchitis). Sensitive skin, burns, wounds, eczema, nappy rash or sore may also receive the positive effects of water florals.
There are several types of water florals, each with its characteristic specifies. Some of its benefits are:
- Sensitive skin and parched: lavender, geranium;
- Refresh your body: lavender;
- Relax the body and mind: lavender, geranium;
- Invigorate the body and mind: rosemary, lavender.
- Aromatizer for baby room: lavender;
- Aromatizer for the kitchen: rosemary and mint;
- Aromatizer car: rosemary and geranium;
- Scratches and insect bites: lavender, geranium and lemongrass;
- Perfuming the clothes: all;.
- Floral scent: lavender, rosemary and geranium;
- Pure environment: rosemary, lavender and geranium;
- Energizing: rosemary.