Melissa Hydrosol | Melissa Flower Water

Melissa Hydrosol | Melissa Flower Water

Melissa is also known as Lemon Balm so this Flower Water is also called Lemon Balm Flower Water | Lemon Balm Hydrosol

Hydrosols have quite a few different names – they are also known as hydroflorates, hydrolats, floral waters and flower waters. While the term “flower waters” has sometimes been applied to these products, it has also been used by some suppliers to refer to an inferior type of product made by simply adding small amounts of essential oil to water. “Flower waters” made by this method do not have the same desirable properties as true hydrosols.  Our true Melissa Hydrosol is produced from the flowering tops of the plant, harvested in Bulgaria.

HOW A TRUE HYDROSOL IS PRODUCED: True hydrosols are produced during the steam distillation of essential oils. Plant material is placed in the still along with water and  heat is then applied to produce steam. This steam extracts the oils from the plant material and is then condensed (re-liquefied). After the extracted essential oils have been separated from the water, traces of essential oil remain in that water, together with some non-volatile plant components that were extracted. This water that is “left over” after the distillation of an essential oil is the hydrosol. While aromatherapists consider hydrosols to have some of the same properties as essential oils, they are generally considered to be gentler in their actions. For more information on hydrosols, here’s a link to Wiki: Wiki Hydrosols

Melissa Hydrosol has a little different aroma than Melissa Essential Oil. The hydrosol shares the same fresh, slightly citrusy notes but has a more complex aroma with subtle minty, floral and vegetable undertones. In any case, if you like Melissa Essential Oil, aka Lemon Balm Essential Oil, you are likely to also enjoy the Artisan Aromatics Melissa Flower Water.

Melissa Hydrosol has been described as soothing and calming  while, at the same time, also gently energizing and restorative. Melissa Hydrosol is said to have mild astringent effects on the skin and is popular as a spray-on skin toner that is said to be especially helpful for irritated skin.