Herbal distillates (floral water, hydrosol, hydrolate, herbal water and
essential water) are aqueous solutions of essential oils usually obtained by steam distillation from aromatic plants. These herbal distillates have uses
as flavorings, medicine and for the skin care. Usually a PH=5-6 and it makes them suitable for use as facial toners.
A hydrolat is produced by the distillation process, so
that in effect we have two distinct products from distillation of plants, i.e.
essential oil and distillate, (hydrolat). In this process steam is passed through plant. The
heat of the steam bursts open the membrane of the oil receptacles in the plant
and the volatile plant oil molecules are released into the steam. The steam
rises and takes with it hydrophobic, and hydrophilic molecules. When this
mixture of water and various other molecules of the plant components separate
back into liquid by means of being condensed, it produces two types of natural
chemical cocktails. These separate into hydrophilic molecules suspended in
water, (philia – a tendency towards or liking) making hydrolats, and
hydrophobic molecules (phobia – aversion to), making essential oils.
Nettle hydrolat is suitable for oily and
combination skin – moisturizing, regeneration and toning up, particularly for
taking care of head skin and hair. Nettle hydrolat balances fat level,
strengthens hair and facilitates blood circulation enhancing hair growth. Nettle
hydrolats can be added to homemade cosmetics (creams, masks, gels) as well as
applied pure on hair and face as everyday tonic, compresses and refreshment.
Contents (INCI): Nettle Hydrolat (Urtica dioica (Nettle) Distillate), Potassium
Sorbate. So how to make the nettle hydrolat?
Clean and cut
nettles and put it in a fit device for distillation.
Wait approximately 30-40 min and collect your homemade fresh Nettle
Hydrolat.
Because distillates
are produced at high temperatures and are somewhat acidic, they tend to
inhibit bacterial growth. They are not however sterile. They are a fresh
product, like milk, and should be kept refrigerated:
ops ...it seems in my refrigerator more cosmetic products than food :)
It is already second time that I decide to make the cream with Lamecreme. This vegetable emulgator makes the cream stable and creates a good texture. We repeat again what we know about Lamecreme. 
