Introducing Our New Hydrosol Line
Label Illustrations drawn by Emmaline Molloy
Our home-distilled Hydrosol Line is here! I am so excited to share these with you all. So much time, energy and intention went into distilling each of these amazing plants and I feel really grateful for being able to be share these with the VB community :) Rather than packaging our hydrosols in glass bottles, we decided to go with aluminum because they hold a bit more (2.5oz rather than 2oz) and they are easy to pack for travel and camping/backpacking (no need to worry about it breaking in transit).
Hydrosols, also known as “flower waters,” are made by distilling fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plant materials. These aromatic waters are similar to essential oils in that they carry beneficial skin properties but are much less concentrated, and smell amazing. Hydrosols can be used in place of a toner after cleansing in your skincare routine. They are able to soothe, calm and heal the skin, while also being able to bring the skin's pH level back into balance.
The plants distilled for our line were all grown, harvested and distilled in small batches on the mountain in Big Sur, CA. Native Bay Laurel leaves and Black Sage, were ethically harvested from the property. In the morning, the plant is harvested and then added to our copper alembic still while the plant is still fresh. Spring water is then collected from a waterfall on our property and added to the body of the still that holds the plant matter. After making a rice flour paste and sealing up the cracks along the outside of the copper still, the burner is turned on low and the steam distillation process begins shortly after. At the end of distillation, the essential oil from the plant is visible in the jar of collected hydrosol and sits on top of the flower water. We leave this essential oil in the jar of hydrosol, so that a small amount of oil is present in each bottled hydrososl.
There are so many ways in which hydrosols can be used throughout the day. In the morning or evening, spray the face to reap the toning benefits, and then apply one of our three facial serums followed by a moisturizer. Mist your face or body throughout the day to refresh, or use them energetically in a space. Yarrow ( Achillea Millefolium) can energetically protect you. Like the oil, this hydrosol is highly energetic and good for spiritual or distance work and can be used to cleanse the aura or work space. For the skin, Yarrow hydrosol can be helpful for balancing out oily or acne-prone skin, or cooling you off on a hot, humid day. Its properties are also helpful for dermal infections and cleaning wounds. It has also been known to stop bleeding. Native Americans used Yarrow for a variety of ailments, including applying the crushed leaves to wounds and burns, steeping the dried leaves to soothe colds and for lowering a high fever.
Collecting spring water on the property for the distillation
Lavender harvest for distillation
Copper alembic still set-up
Orange Blossom Hydrosol
Freshly harvested Orange Blossoms for distillation