Hydrosol Safety Information
Although hydrosols are far less concentrated than essential oils, it is prudent to treat hydrosols with respect and follow sensible safety precautions. Read these guidelines for more information.
- Follow the suggested recommendations for proper storage and handling.
- It is strongly recommended that you do not take hydrosols internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner who has formal and in-depth training and experience in hydrosol usage.
- Hydrosols are water-based and are highly prone to microbial contamination. If you are considering consuming hydrosols, it is crucial that you are working with a fresh hydrosol that is free of microbial contamination and that has not had preservatives added to it. Not all suppliers understand the risk of contamination and do not regularly perform microbial testing on their hydrosols.
- If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, discuss your health situation with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
- Remember that hydrosols, essential oils, tinctures and any other herbs and natural aromatics could potentially interact with pharmaceuticals.
- Though hydrosols are generally considered safe for topical use, everyone is different. It is sensible to conduct a skin patch test when trying a hydrosol for the first time.
- As with essential oils, the rule of thumb is that less is more. Immediately prior to use, consider diluting your hydrosol further so that you a) use the least amount of hydrosol needed to achieve your desired result and b) keep from using up your hydrosols as quickly.
