Essential Oils Extraction

• The ancient Egyptians used distillation as their method of extracting essential oils. Using large clay pots, the flower material was heated and the resulting steam was collected. The same method is applied today with the use of state-of-the-art stills and cooling systems.
  
  

Hydrosols

• As a result of steam being produced during the distillation process, a secondary byproduct, hydrosol, is created. If flowers are the product being distilled, then the hydrosols are sometimes referred to as flower waters.
  
  

Flower Waters

• Flower waters have only the water-soluble components of the plant. They can be used directly on the skin without being diluted and are safer for children and the elderly.
  
  

Mood Changers

• Lavender and chamomile flower waters promote relaxation. They can be added to bathwater, added to compresses or sprinkled on bed lines. Lavenders as well as roses and the rose geranium are great to use in humidifiers or for steam facials.
  
  

Food Scents

• Certain types of flower waters, such as orange blossom or rose water are used in cooking. They add fragrance and spice to both savory dishes and desserts. These flower waters are mild enough that they can be mixed with water and enjoyed as a drink.
  
  

Dried Flowers

• Aromatherapy with flowers is not restricted to oils and flower essences. Flowers such as lavender are often dried and then tied up in netted material to make scented sachets to be placed in clothing drawers or just set out in the open. Mixtures of dried flowers and herbs, known as potpourri can also be set out in containers to scent an area.