Many of the first alchemists believed that all of the information in a plant is stored in its water and through distillation, the cellular water from the plant could be extracted. This precious water, containing all of the genetic information and healing potential of the plant itself, IS the essence of the hydrosol.

It is through this water that healing can happen. Hydrosols are far more than herbal waters, they are vibrant and living, each unique and powerful incarnation of the plants themselves. The transformation so beautifully reflects our natural intuitions. The heat, the steam and then finally, reorganizing on another level. Similar, yet different from their previous plant-selves.

Hydrosols have changed my life and continue to enhance my appreciation and wonder of life on this beautiful blue planet.

 

What is a Hydrosol?

How is a Hydrosol Made?

How to Use Your Hydrosol

WHAT IS A HYDROSOL?

Hydrosols, also known as hydrolats, distillates or floral waters, are aqueous products of steam or hydrodistillation. They are colloidal suspensions of essential oils, plant acids, and water-soluble compounds.

Our hydrosols are produced using fresh plant materials and contain cellular water from the plant, along with the elemental essence and awareness imprint. Microparticles of essential oil and water-soluble compounds give the hydrosol its aroma and therapeutic effects.

HOW TO USE YOUR HYDROSOL

As they are naturally acidic, these healing waters protect and repair the skin while providing nourishment and balance. We distill fresh plant material, harvested in season, with a copper alembic still. Each hydrosol is unique and contains a multitude of applications and uses.

• Mist onto face, neck and chest after cleansing or anytime your skin needs an extra boost.
• Aura or aromatherapy mist
• Hair and scalp tonic
• As cooling mist and after-sun spray
• Added to baths and foot soaks
• Added to clay masks in place of water
• As a linen or room spray
• Believed to be safe for children as a calming agent and to ease tantrums, scabby knees and bug bites

HOW IS A HYDROSOL MADE?

COPPER ALEMBIC STILL

Coaxing the essence from the plant is an art that requires time, attention and focus. Alchemists have practiced this art form for nearly 4,000 years. Although the apparatus has evolved and taken on many forms, the method remains recognizable today. For hundreds, if not thousands, of years, the alembic still has been handmade from copper, which plays a role in the distillation as it conducts heat and neutralizes certain compounds that are found in plants. Each distillation is seasonal, distinctive and unique.

Distillation is a journey of the senses and incorporates earthen elements of earth, metal, fire, water and air. From the smell of the first drops of distillate to the silky-smooth touch and feel of the finished hydrosol, distillation is an act of consciousness and creativity.  All of the elements are represented in the process and metaphorically speaking, the process can be used as a guide for navigating our internal emotional environment. The art of distillation is a map of our internal and external entanglements, guiding and revealing truths unknown to the participant.

OUR DISTILLATION PROCESS

As we distill specifically for hydrosols rather than essential oils, the distillate differs significantly from commercially produced hydrosols. As byproducts of the essential oil rather than the main distillate itself, most hydrosols on the market are an impoverished version of a true hydrosol, which is often milky or cloudy in appearance. 

We use pure mountain water from the Ojai Valley. This water is naturally alkaline and structurally complete. 
 

MIRON VIOLET GLASS

Swiss scientist Yves Kraushaar developed violet glass after nearly 15 years of research. He discovered that this particular glass permanently activates and energizes the molecular structure of any substance inside. His research refers to this as “violet life radiation.”

Violet light has a high-frequency vibration (720-770 billion hertz) that corresponds to the vibrational frequency of our central nervous systems. Miron glass acts like a filter, improving bioavailability and aromas by allowing in three specific frequencies of light that have been found to nurture and protect almost all natural substances: visible violet light and non-visible UVA and far-infrared lights.

This also explains the violet glass’s high natural preservation capacity. Non-visible UVA light is a small spectrum within the larger band of ultraviolet light and is responsible for stopping the growth of bacteria, mold and pathogens. Traditional glass (clear, amber, blue and green) allow all, or most, of the visible and non-visible light spectrum to pass through.

In addition to packaging GARA products in this wonder glass, many of the ingredients also go through extensive “sunbathing violet-light radiation.” Herbs such as calendula, yarrow, arnica, St. John’s wort, and comfrey soak in cold-pressed, organic, oil filled miron glass for six to eight weeks before straining and use.