Many people are becoming more aware of our environment and how we are all connected to our planet, how every daily action affects it. Especially with the products we buy, whether it’s food or cosmetics – there is usually a huge production chain behind them, which needs many resources and leaves its footprint in our environment, which also affects the quality and transparency of the product. Of course, to stop buying certain products cannot be fully avoided and is not really sustainable sometimes. Instead, it is so much more helpful if we all start taking small steps, things we can easily manage, into practice.

Jennifer Palmer, a wildlife biologist talked about how the need to protect natural resources and wildlife is now stronger than ever. We can learn so much by taking cues from nature and wildlife that have long lasting benefits to our emotional, mental as well as physical wellbeing.

In case you missed Jennifer’s podcast, you can listen to it here.

Going natural doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or time-consuming. Maybe, take a bicycle to work instead of driving or even buying a few items secondhand or you can replace a few skin care or household products with a homemade version.

Using a few cheap home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, numerous beneficial skin care and cleaning products can be easily made. Coconut oil is another extremely versatile household item that can be used for various products like homemade sugar and coconut scrub. Not only is packaging waste is saved, but also synthetic ingredients are avoided and thus maintaining the natural balance and health of the body.

Similarly different herbs and plants can be used for your homemade wellness products as well. There are many gems around you, no matter where you live.

And most of the time, the plants and herbs you need, grow in the region where you live so you don’t have to get anything exotic from far away. Or you can even grow herbs in your backyard or patio garden to have a steady supply year around. Another plus for reducing your carbon footprint. There are many herbs that are very similar in their effects, function and application.

Besides simple herbal infusions, hydrosols are a perfect way to use the individual powerful benefit of each herb. They can be used in any herbal concoctions, from cosmetic to medicinal. The high-quality distilled waters differentitate from commercial “floral waters” which are often nothing more than essential oils combined with tap water.

The process of destilling oils from herbs and flowers in order to make essential oils creates hydrosols. They are much more sustainable because you get a significantly larger amount of hydrosol per distillation than essential oil. This can be done in traditional copper stills or even with common kitchen supplies, that most of us have at home.

Uses Of Hydrosols

Hydrosols have a variety of uses that range from external, cosmetic, internal, cooking and many more.

External uses: Since hydrosols are 100% water-based, they can easily be stirred into bath water or sitz baths for a therapeutic soak. Many aromatherapists recommend spraying astringent, antiseptic hydrosols, such as yarrow or thyme on wounds to help clean and sanitize them.Alsomixing the hydrosol with clay or powdered herbs for a homemade poulticeis a great option!

Cosmetics :A facial toner is the most straightforward cosmetic use. Try spritzing a hydrosol directly on your face after washing it and before applying a cream moisturizer. Lemon thyme, rose geranium, and lavender hydrosols are all excellent options for this application depending on your skin type. You can also make your homemade lotions and creams even more decadent by replacing the water in the recipe with the hydrosol of your choice.  They even make excellent makeup removers and are great to add to a facial steam or mix it with clay or oatmeal for a homemade face mask. The options for using hydrosols in safe, all-natural cosmetic recipes are nearly endless.

Internal uses: A herbs hydrophilic (water-loving) plant compounds are extracted into hydrosols much as they are into herbal tea, so they can be used internally as well. Always research a hydrosol thoroughly before consuming it internally, since every herb has a different effect on each body.

Cooking:  The easiest way to cook with hydrosols is to add it to a sparkling water. The natural flavor helps drinking more water throughout the day, plus it’s an all-natural flavor. Of course they work also really well in homemade sorbets, salad dressings and other recipes.

Cleaning: Many people use essential oils in their homemade cleaning products, but hydrosols are more sustainable, water-soluble, and can lend antimicrobial properties.

Thyme Cleanser Hydrosol Recipe

Here is a really good recipe for an all-purpose cleaning solution.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup thyme hydrosol
• ½ cup baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar as filler

Directions

• Combine hydrosol and baking soda in an empty spray bottle.
• Fill to the top with distilled white vinegar and shake to combine.
• This versatile spray can be used to clean countertops, sinks, dusty surfaces, and any other areas of your home that need an uplifting polish.

Thyme hydrosol is antimicrobial, which is why it’s great in homemade cleaning products for an added punch. If you don’t like the smell of thyme, then try using lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) hydrosol instead.

Benefits Of Thyme

The word ‘thyme’ has been derived from the Greek word ‘thymos’, which means strong, courage. Since ancient times, this warming and drying herb has been relied upon for antispasmodic, nervine, astringent, antiseptic, decongestant, and carminative properties. It’s a very powerful herb for different lung and throat conditions, as well for promoting healthy digestion and of course wonderful for external uses, such as for joint and muscle pain, cuts, wounds and inflammatory skin conditions.

There are lots of simple ways to reduce our impact on the environment depending on what feels right for you. Taking steps to reduce your own carbon footprint is not only easy but also beneficial in the long run – for us and the future generations to come.

{Words and photos by Paula Saalfeld, Instagram: @plantifultaste}

Related Reading