This homemade chamomile hydrosol is great for those with rosacea, acne prone, sensitive or easily-irritated skin. It has many uses including as an all-in-one makeup remover, skin cleanser, and toner. It is mild and safe for use on baby skin, can be used in homemade baby wipes, and is ideal for use as a facial or hair toner.
I have a firm belief that it is possible to care for the skin without complicated ingredients, synthetics, fillers, preservatives, and palm oil.
I’ve lived this way for eight years now, and it’s been one of the best changes I’ve made in my life.
Floral hydrosols can often be diluted with additives such as alcohol, aloe vera or glycerine, and can sometimes contain preservatives or synthetic fragrances.
This homemade chamomile hydrosol contains just one ‘naked’ ingredient: Chamomile flowers. I store this flower water in a reusable glass bottle, so there are no chemicals leaching into my product from the plastic packaging.
What is a Hydrosol?
A hydrosol is made of plant components, traces of essential oil, and water.
They are beautifully aromatic, meaning they have a strong scent, and are a more gentle version of the therapeutic properties found in essential oils. Since they are water-based, there’s no need to dilute them.
Hydrosols are often marketed as floral water or essential oil water. The best-known hydrosols include rose water, lavender water, and orange blossom water.
Hydrosols are made through a process known as steam distillation, where plant matter is steam distilled to extract the beneficial properties of the plant.
Chamomile hydrosol is created when fresh chamomile flowers are steam distilled as part of the process of extracting chamomile essential oil.
When it comes to distilling essential oils, hydrosols are essentially a by-product of this process. This occurs as the essential oil is separated from the plant and floats to the top of the water, while the essential oil water sits underneath.
You can make a hydrosol at home with dried or fresh herbs, and can even combine different herbs and flowers together to create unique blends. An example of this is this recipe for making a skin brightening floral water.
When making hydrosols at home, a good rule of thumb is to double the amount of herbs needed when using dried herbs. For example, use three cups of fresh herbs or six cups of dried herbs to make the hydrosol.
While primarily any plant can be used to make a hydrosol, it’s important to note that not all are suited for making this product.
The best herbs and flowers to use to make homemade hydrosols include:
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Jasmine
- Rosehips
- Lemon Balm
- Peppermint
- Hibiscus
- Spearmint
- Hyssop
- Yarrow
- Rosemary
Recipe Tutorial Video
Uses for Chamomile Hydrosol
Chamomile hydrosol has a myriad of uses, some of which include the following.
- Relieving Hot or Irritated Skin: Spray the chamomile hydrosol directly on irritated skin areas, or make a compress to hold the hydrosol on the affected area for longer.
- Cleaning and Soothing Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Burns, and Wounds: Spray the hydrosol directly onto the wound and let it air dry or gently pat dry the surrounding area with a clean cloth or paper towel. Chamomile has been found to contain antibacterial properties which may help to clean and disinfect wounds while soothing pain and promoting faster healing.
- Soothing Itchy or Burning Eyes: Make a compress with a couple of cotton balls and place them directly on the eyes. Keep the eyes closed. Please note that if the symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical attention.
- Healing Scars and Stretch Marks: Chamomile is cicatrisant, meaning it has the ability to promote faster healing with its skin cell regenerating properties. Spray the chamomile hydrosol directly on the affected area or make a compress to hold the hydrosol on the area for longer.
- Anti-Fungal Foot Spray: Spray the chamomile hydrosol directly onto the affected area. Chamomile has been found to contain anti-fungal properties, and may be useful in relieving hot, burning, itchy symptoms caused by conditions such as athlete’s foot.
- Alleviating Muscle Spasms: Chamomile is considered to be helpful in reducing muscle spasms associated with various gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders. Restless leg syndrome has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and may be a symptom of this disorder. Spray some of the chamomile hydrosol onto the spasming, tight, tense areas or make a compress to keep the hydrosol on the skin for longer.
- Room Spray: Spray the hydrosol around the room to help create a calming, soothing environment.
- Anti-Allergenic Spray: Chamomile has been found to have anti-allergenic properties, and may be useful in relieving minor allergic reactions. Spray the hydrosol directly onto the affected area, spritz on the face, or use as a compress on the eyes to relieve allergy symptoms. Chamomile hydrosol can also be added to a diffuser to help ease seasonal allergies.
- Relieving Nappy Rash: Chamomile hydrosol is very gentle on the skin, and so is generally safe to use on babies skin. Just ensure you always check with your doctor first, as some babies may be allergic to it. To use this hydrosol, spray the hydrosol directly onto any affected areas to help soothe and relieve symptoms of nappy rash.
Chamomile is tolerated by most people, however, those who are allergic to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies should be wary of this plant, and possibly do a spot test to ensure they have no adverse reactions to chamomile before using it.
To make a homemade natural chamomile skin toner for sensitive skin, see here.
Before we get started in learning how to make this homemade chamomile hydrosol, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!
Homemade Organic Chamomile Hydrosol
This DIY chamomile hydrosol works as an all-in-one makeup remover, skin cleanser and toner. This floral water is very gentle, so safe for use on babies skin, and can also be used as a hair toner or room mist spray (see above for more uses for chamomile hydrosol).
Makes approximately 100 mL
Ingredients:
- 6 cups dried organic chamomile flowers
- Water (can used distilled if you prefer // see guide here for making distilled water at home)
- Ice cubes
- 100ml glass dropper bottle or clear glass bottle, for storage
To Make:
- Place a heat-resistant bowl or glass jar in the centre of a large saucepan or stockpot. The jar acts as a container to catch the condensing steam that will become the chamomile water.
- Arrange the chamomile flowers around the jar, then add just enough water to cover the flowers in the saucepan, avoiding the glass jar. The jar needs to stay above the water and flowers so it can ‘catch’ the floral water as it condenses. Place the lid on top, but sit it upside down. Place the pan on medium-low heat and bring the water to a simmer.
- Add two to four cups of ice on top of the inverted lid. Let the water simmer for 20-25 minutes, adding more ice to the top of the lid as it melts.
- After simmering, carefully remove the lid, pouring the ice water into the sink. Alternatively, you can keep the water in a separate bowl to use on the garden once it has cooled. Then, using oven mitts, lift the glass jar of floral water out of the saucepan or stockpot and pour the water into a clean glass bottle or amber dropper bottle using a funnel.
Homemade hydrosols are an infusion of plant properties and distilled water. They will keep for years if stored in clean bottles and protected from light and heat. For more tips on how to store hydrosols, see here.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Have you made chamomile hydrosol before? What have you used it for? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
Vanessa
