From The Forest

Kept under the proper conditions, this Hydrosol can last up to one year. This cleansing and astringent hydrosol is wonderful added to a sitz bath or full strength as a compress for varicose veins or cellulite. Its cleansing and detoxifying actions make it one of the toners of choice for skin with acne. Also useful as an anti-inflammatory for inflamed or irritated joints. When used internally or in a compress it improves digestion, quickly relieving indigestion and heartburn. Yarrow Hydrosol, when taken internally, will help remove accumulation of fluid, from edema or injuries. Internal use also works well as a liver cleanse. Yarrow Hydrosol is excellent applied for any sort of itching skin condition. For internal use, add 30 ml. of the Hydrosol to a liter of water and sip throughout the day. Used full-strength, Yarrow Hydrosol almost instantly soothes the itch of insect bites, eczema, poison ivy, and sunburn.

Hydrosols, used for medicinal, pharmacological, and cosmetic purposes, have been dated to use in Egypt over 6,000 years ago. Roots, bark, branches, wood, needles and leaves, even fruit and seeds can produce hydrosols. Hydrosols are the condensate water co-produced during the steam- or hydro-distillation of plant material for aroma therapeutic purposes. Usually the distillation is undertaken is to obtain the essential oils contained in the plant material, but occasionally the distillation is undertaken specifically to produce the plant water that results. Hydrosols contain all of the plant in every drop, just like a hologram. Here we have the water-soluble components, the essential-oil molecules, and the very fluid that was flowing through the plant cells when the plant was collected.

Storing Hydrosols ~ Most Hydrosols will keep for approximately one year if stored in a cool, dark place with very little temperature fluctuation. The refrigerator works fine, if you don't have a cool storage area otherwise.