What could be more enchanting than plunging your nose into a rose to inhale its delicate fragrance while letting your nostrils caress by its soft petals? Who doesn’t like rubbing a pretty mint leaf between their fingers and inhaling the aromatic molecules deposited on their skin? And scratch the rind of a lemon to smell its sparkling scent? These fragrances are real olfactory delicacies… no wonder that the use of essential oils has been so successful for many years! They are concentrates of aromatic molecules and their uses are very varied: diffusion, perfumery, cosmetics of course, but also cooking and of course therapeutic use thanks to their very powerful active ingredients. Precisely, their use requires some knowledge of the subject and certain precautions. Essential oils are therefore not suitable for everyone. So why not turn to hydrosols? During the distillation of the plant to obtain the essential oil, the water charged with aromatic molecules will also be collected and we will then obtain this famous hydrosol, also called “floral water” when it comes to distillation. flower (such as lavender for example). The great advantage of these aqueous preparations is that they contain enough active substances to be fragrant and effective, but not too much so as not to be toxic. Subtle, these floral waters allow prolonged external use and easy internal use. Red or tired eyes? Think of blueberry hydrosol (compresses). The pink one calms sensitive skin but will also be wonderful for flavoring fruit-based desserts or cottage cheeses. Without counting on its proven protective action in case of diabetes (I found the study in question! But yes!). With geranium, it promotes healing, calms stomach aches and incorporates it into delicious desserts. The rosemary hydrosol purifies the skin and the scalp, detoxifies the liver, calms the bilious, and goes perfectly with meat!
As for the orange blossom… a marvel for fragrant pancakes and pretty, very serene sleeps. Take advantage of the antiseptic properties of thyme hydrosol on a stubborn pimple or to calm an irritated throat… In short, the properties of each plant in a gentler way. Most of them can even be given to children. As for the culinary use, don’t hesitate to try experiments: yoghurt with rose geranium, refreshing drink with lemon balm, fruit sorbet flavored with ylang-ylang… Combine the pleasant with the useful…
health chronicle. Delphine Mazzoli, naturopath in Villefranche, gives us her well-being and health advice every two weeks to keep in shape. Today, zoom on hydrolats.
Nature Notice
by Delphine
Delphine Mazzoli, naturopath, 2 rue Claude Granier, 12200 Villefranche. Such. at 06 01 29 70 27