How to Make a Hydrosol at Home | No Special Equipment Needed

Learn how you can easily make hydrosols in your own kitchen with no special equipment!
Hydrosols are the by-product of an essential oil, but they have amazing benefits as well. Make your own at home from plant material you gather from your garden or from nature.
For more information on hydrosols check out this article: bit.ly/2MH1U5M

[@isabelladavis1363]

I pretty much do the same thing but found it much easier to put the ice into plastic bags to avoid always removing the lid loosing those wonderful ingredients by opening so much...I do keep my burner low and add water only once...thanks for sharing

[@miamagik]

Ooooh great tip!!!!

[@penelopepitstop7748]

💯

[@Graciemac]

Love this idea. Got fed up with ice cubes as messy and running out all the time so I am using icepacks instead. :-D Thanks for posting this.

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Great idea!

[@reginaayat5390]

Seems like you could just sterilize by using the Mason jar to collect the drippings & keep the lid in the boiling pot. Save a step and it will seal itself.

[@bluebinstein]

I'm trying this out today with butterfly pea. I did get a glass lid that has a removeable handle off amazon so I don't have to keep removing the lid to check the water level and stuff. Also going to be filling a few gal ziplocks with water and freeze since I don't have enough space to make lots of ice. I'm also going to boil and rubbing alcohol to sterilize hydrosol containers like how you would with canning or mushroom growing. After learning mycology stuff, soap and water is not enough to completely prevent a contamination. Sterilization is really important and cdc has great guidelines for it. Dont't forget not to boil the plant material and keep that on lowest or you'll risk destroying the terpenes, flavonoids, ect. some of them have really low boiling points and can even do damage just making your cup of tea too hot. Also wondering if adding water is going to dilute the hydrosol, since thinking about how much plant material would go in a still that big and how much water when creating the same product. This hydrosol method is using a fraction of the water and plant material that would require on this scale. Next mission convert the pressure cooker into an essential oil distiller and make essential oil and hydrosol at the same time with a separation funnel.

[@christinehaslam9480]

Spray rubbing alcohol 95% to sterilize everything (spray in your bottles, glass bowls, pan lid etc. And let dry completely. When I dabbled in lotion making (water based) I did a mold test --- after 3 days of keeping the non preserved product in the fridge & although I could not see the mold --- the test results showed the presence of mold... To be safe --- I would say 3 days in the fridge, tops (non perserved)! If you make a product that contains no preservative and the product turns moldy, you can get a really bad skin infection! This is a great video --- but would really reconsider the store/use time... Especially if it's a product you will be using on your skin!!! Thanks for sharing☺

[@dianeburke1713]

Question: to make calendula hydrosol, can I use fresh calendula that I pick from my garden? Or does it have to be dry calendula?

[@flyboy1c]

Can you tell me the difference between the hydrosol solution verses just simmering and straining???

[@sr969]

The hydrosol has much longer shelf life

[@agnelomascarenhas8990]

One aspect is some molecules will breakdown before 100°C. That's when low pressure, low temperature distillation would be necessary. Or simmer and strain. Hydrosol is good because it eliminates biological contamination.

[@FreebirdMeditations]

Question! Does the lid have a vent hole? Trying to make something similar but with a glass pot. Thank you!

[@thebadpoet]

This is such a straightforward useful tutorial! Thanks!

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

I'm so glad you found it useful!! Thanks for watching!

[@naeedaafzal3055]

I really got closer to smell it lol 😆

[@karlieshaw9764]

So quick question can you mix different herbs and flowers together to get create different scent profiles and as a potentially easier way to do some of the work??

[@NikkiShivaTheGrimReaper]

Thank you! I have been looking for an old fashiln home diy fir sometime, although I just ordered a kettle distiller, I look forward to making some your way!!!! Thank you again 💓

[@habibijan]

Great tutorial. Yours is the only one I've seen that stressed the importance of thoroughly washing the lid beforehand.

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CS-xe5on]

Thanks to your wonderful video, I have made 6 hydrosols already and have shared your link with a bunch of people. It is the most heavenly project ever and SO easy! Thank you!

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Oh my goodness you’re so sweet! I’m so happy it was helpful to you. Thanks for the shares! I’d love to know what Hydrosols you made!

[@CS-xe5on]

@@mossymeadowfarm9538 hi! I steamed red cedar, juniper, lavendar, sage, lilac, mugwort...!!! I found it worked great for all but the lilac as lilac is fragile and likely requires another method. I want to do pine, basil and mint this summer! So exciting! Do you know what can be done with the "broth"? Maybe use as bug repellant for certain plants, is one idea I had. Would need to look into that. Thnx again :)))

[@sweetpeastationnz6598]

Just found your channel tonight. I do hope you will make other videos. This video was one of the best, clear explanations of making hydrosol. Look forward to more content from you in the future😀 Waving hi from New Zealand🌸

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Aw thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Working on posting more videos, but if you have any suggestions on anything in particular I'd love to hear! Also--my sister and niece both recently visited New Zealand and LOVED it! Beautiful country from all the pictures they shared. :)

[@cassandrahuskey4703]

What is this used for ? What’s the purpose of hydrosol? The reasoning ?

[@jessicag7568]

This is awesome. I’m all for doing things at home. I heard about hydrosols recently, I have tons of mint in my yard, so will try with this. Pls upload more videos like this.

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Mint hydrosol is awesome! Hope it turned out for you! Any specific videos you’d like to see?

[@fzc1508]

@@mossymeadowfarm9538 Rose hydrosol and orange blossom hydrosol video and mentioning their properties too please ♥

[@SamCanuck1]

Great tutorial, thank you. Question: can I use dried herbs? I want to make lavender hydrosol.

[@uktee_kboni7487]

I wanna know this too..I have dried neem leaves and moringa Leaves too

[@ThankYouJesusTheChrist]

Yes yes yes

[@flowerchild777]

2:42 flip your lid, lol Thanks! I think I'll try this👍

[@sarahlangdon1965]

Thank you for the thorough tutorial, you now have another subscriber 😍

[@DragonflyQueen143]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so much.

[@mikemai5480]

really helpful, indeed, I have been looking this method for a long time. yours came right in time. thank you so much!

[@tootrue]

This is THE BEST tutorial about this on KZbin. Can someone answer this...how many weeks/months would it take for me to see mold (to know if I contaminated it)?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Aw I'm so glad you enjoyed the tutorial!

[@lindaservice16]

and I use a turkey baster to collect the water 3 to 4 hours and 3 ice cream buckets

[@jasoncastle]

"You're going to flip your lid." LOL

[@meraykursad6013]

I had problems with the plate moving a lot and making sounds but i think i kind of did okay for my first try? It was really helpful to me. Thank you a lot. Is it okay with the plate thats under them all moves a lot? Mine did.

[@lorip6846]

Great video. About how much hydrosol does it make?

[@ad-wk2sc]

Wow. How long will the hydrosol last before going bad? Do I keep it in a refrigerator? Thank you!

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

It varies greatly depending on how sanitary the equipment and workspace was, and even what type of plant material you used. Certain plants are just more stable than others when turned into a hydrosol. I've had my homemade ones last anywhere from 2 months to 9 months. And yes--I would definitely recommend the refrigerator! Good luck!

[@lav_in_der]

New subbie!! Great vid!! I am looking to add hydrosols to my products. I want to omit using essential oils and fragrances in my products. I am so glad that I came across your video.

[@4KConelove]

[@hanahkonvesz]

Thank you so much for sharing this idea with us! )

[@dayshanicole9943]

Would you make cucumber hydrosol the same way?

[@piolinmetsti2682]

Great tutorial. Question, can you put a little vodka to extend the life shelf? Thank you for sharing.

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Hm, that's a good question. I've never tried it, but it would be an interesting test! Maybe split a batch in half, add vodka to one and not the other and see which one stays fresher longer?? Sorry I don't have a better answer! If you test it out, I'd love to know!! I do plan on testing out using natural preservatives in hydrosols, so once I do I'll be sure and share it over on my blog!

[@mypronounismom1056]

@@mossymeadowfarm9538 citric acid to adjust the ph... I tried a few years back the same method and 3 days later my hydrosol (refrigerated) stank bad... Maybe this will help: 0,15% potassium sorbate + 0,05% citric acid (you need to test the efficacy of this blend in your system)

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

@@mypronounismom1056 That's good to know thanks so much for sharing!

[@clustifyplayzmc-minecraft3366]

Thank you sweetheart 👍🏻✨

[@violetvaughn_]

Can I ask where you got that pot ?

[@TheDesertsweeper]

3:30 - very clever - targeted refluxing!

[@gfadhilla]

Should I store the hydrosol in refrigerator daily, or just after making it?

[@jazmindi082]

can I use dry herbs? and oils to make hydrosol?

[@6378ams]

Love this. Easy and solid

[@notsoseriousmoonlight]

This is wonderful with fantastic instruction. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@jazmindi082]

I been looking and u are great thank u so much my fav vid 😍

[@maryroseshearer9715]

Fascinating! Loved watching it again and can’t wait to try it. Can I use this in my cold process soap? Do I reduce fragrance or essential oil % when using homemade Hydrosol? Is there a name for this steaming process? Can I use the Hydrosol as a substitute for fluid (aloe Vera or distilled water) in my cold process soap? Thank you again for sharing this simple process. -Momo

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

I'm not very knowledgeable about soap making, but I have definitely heard of people using it in place of the water. Good luck! This is a homemade distilling process. :)

[@gosiar.5214]

What do you do with the rest of the stuff in the pot?

[@mamaasantana3226]

Hello just came across your videos. It's been awhile since you've made one is there a stop or diff channel

[@newlightning2306]

Thanks for the helpful upload. May I ask, what is your pot made of please? It looks perfect for the job. I know the video is old, so I may not get an answer, but if you do, thank you 🙏🏿 in advance 😊

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Hm, I guess I'm not totally sure. It's one of those big canning pots so I'm guessing t's stainless steel.

[@newlightning2306]

@@mossymeadowfarm9538 , thank you 😊. I thought it was enamel 😅

[@JustALady73]

Is it possible to vaccum seal the mason jars and keep the hyrdosol on the shelf?

[@moevervaet616]

Going to make some tomorrow. I'm thinking a clear lid will help maybe tangerine and rose??

[@itsmyJOB]

Can you simmer your hydrosols to get a more potent finished product?

[@kristeenam7614]

Thank you!!!!

[@Teresa-dg8yn]

Great video! Can dried herbs be used for making hydrosols ?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

From my research, and understanding, not. Mainly because you are after the volatile oils in the plant and those evaporate once dried.

[@dianachameleon2200]

Thank you for the video and such a great step-by-step explanation. I wanted to ask, can you mix different plants, berries and etc for making a hydrosol, or does it have to be just one type of a plant? Also, would it work if I used for example strawberries to make a hydrosol, or do I have to use leaves and flowers?

[@liz.a314]

I believe you can mix bc I've seen ppl sell a combo, I just watched a video of a lady doing it with apples so I assume strawberries will be ok

[@dianachameleon2200]

@@liz.a314 many thanks for your reply 🙏 Could you possibly share a link to the video, please? I am a complete newbie in this and I started off making my own strawberry glycerite (will be draining it today so fingers crossed to a good result 😊) trying to learn as much as possible about hydrosols before attempting to make one 😊

[@liz.a314]

@@dianachameleon2200 yes! here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ25hoGHZdWZmKc

[@dianachameleon2200]

@@liz.a314 thank you so much ❤️

[@tziplieberman]

Can I use dried chamomile leaves? Can I use dried rose petals

[@manai_thodatha_malaithuli4064]

Self life please

[@ashleyhawkland6378]

Lovely video . So I can use dry or fresh herbs / plant matter correct ? And they cook the same ?

[@ashleyhawkland6378]

Like I don’t need to add more of the dry vs fresh ...?

[@ashleyhawkland6378]

Ohhh I just seen a reply to this question on here 😀💜

[@organiquespa6508]

Thank you so much I love the video. will definitely share thank you

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

So glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for watching!

[@heldaromero7704]

I'm just learning about Hydrosols and how they are better and non-toxic like essential oils. I wonder if you can use them hydrosol in a diffuser?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Yes you can!! I have never done it, but I’m sure it would be lovely.

[@FancyOlami]

So straight forward...thank you 😊❤

[@ziyadahmad5983]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@slay.everyday]

This is great! I was looking for a good home diy without having to spend a ton on a distiller

[@kenycewescott1295]

Is this method as effective as a still?

[@kaersten3623]

Can you use dried plant material to make a hydrosol ?

[@iftikharrahman707]

Can i used mineral water instead of distillate water

[@jxfortier4590]

Nice video, thanks so much!

[@superpanda312]

Could you make more videos like this. Pleasssssee. I loved it and it was so informative Thank you.

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

You're so sweet! I'm so glad it was helpful! I will work on some more. :) any specific requests?

[@danarain332]

@@mossymeadowfarm9538 your video made it soo simple and ur energy is soo nicw thank u Is it possible to make frankenscince and myrrh hydrosol? If possible do that!

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

@@danarain332 Hi! Thanks for your comment. :) I'm sure it's absolutely possible to make those types of hydrosols if you have access to frankincense and myrrh. I know you can order the frankincense resin from places like Mountain Rose Herbs. If you give it a shot, I'd love to know how it goes!! That would be so super exotic to say you made your own frankincense hydrosol!!!

[@flowerchild777]

@@mossymeadowfarm9538 No kidding; really exotic 😍

[@russsherwood5978]

could you use that for deoderant?,, thank you for the video

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

I don't see why not, if you're looking to make a spray on type deodorant. I've personally never tried it, though. Not sure what else you plan on adding to it, but I would highly recommend some sort of preservative, or possibly vodka which would also work as a deodorizer? Good luck!

[@dafnydcunha9831]

Can we use holy basil?and which part?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

I think Holy Basil would make a lovely hydrosol! Although, personally I've never tried it. I imagine you use the leaves and top part of the plant. If you try it I'd love to know how it turns out!

[@dafnydcunha9831]

Mossy Meadow Farm Thank you and if I try this out I will surely let you know

[@maryroseshearer9715]

Excellent!! Thank you! -Momo

[@xyzxyz23513]

What r the uses of it

[@gwenkilby]

Great video! I'm curious, does any essential oil end up in the hydrosol or is it still in the plant material?

[@BlessedToBeSaved333]

Great question! To piggy back,, would the water with the plant material be therapeutic, if strained? What would that product be called? Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Yes, a VERY tiny amount of essential oil does end up in the hydrosol.

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

The leftover water would technically be an infusion. Not sure if I'd drink it though...but I suppose you could. Normally I water the grass and feed the chickens the leftover plant matter. :)

[@n.e.w.skincare]

What would I use for a cucumber or lemon hydrosol?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Are you wondering about what part of the plant? For cucumber I would use the entire thing---chop it in pieces and use it peel and all. Same for the lemon. I'd just be sure to either use organic or wash really well.

[@niluk8385]

Thank you

[@francesanjanette2070]

Thank you for the tutorial!

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found it helpful!

[@ziyadahmad5983]

very nice

[@carleenlaroque656]

Awesome thank you

[@poojajainpretty]

Can we make cucumber hydrosol like this method? Please reply as soon as possible

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

I have never personally tried making cucumber hydrosol, but I would imagine it would work--the concept is the same as using herbs. If you give it a shot I'd love to know how it turns out!

[@poojajainpretty]

@@mossymeadowfarm9538 thanq for the reply..i will share my results soon...I have a doubt does the homemade hydrosol is same as the one which is made in steam distiller ,and how are they different if they are?

[@huclyle5415]

Can a hydrosol last for a year?

[@iamjeislynn3249]

thank you!!

[@niddlershepherd44]

Should you use dried or fresh herbs?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

I've only ever heard of using fresh for hydrosols because the volatile and aromatic compounds will be at their peak. But I suppose you could experiment with dried if that's all you have access to!

[@flowerchild777]

I would think that dried is dehydrated, and when they hit water you're rehydration whatever plant matter you choose... should work the same nearly.

[@terihiggins263]

Love it!✌❤

[@ChannelThanuri]

what about shelf life?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Unfortunately there really is no hard and fast rule on how long these will last. Wish I had a better answer! Many factors play a part in the shelf life such as how sanitary was your equipment, how the hydrosols are stored, etc. Even different plant materials seem to make a difference! With that being said, in general my hydrosols seem to last in the fridge for 3-9 months. Just keep an eye on them and if you start seeing little floaters, use them to water the plants! :)

[@lj5850]

What do you do with the left over water that is still in the bottom of the pot with herbs?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Personally I just give all that leftover water and the herbs to my chickens. :) But you could probably use it to water houseplants if you don't have chickens! Not sure I'd use it for anything else. But if you find other uses for it, I'd love to know!

[@bmre8130]

Mossy Meadow Farm the left over water is an herbal decoction or tea. You can use it in a hair rinse or in the place of water in bath and skincare recipes. It can be combined with hydrosols in recipes too. Strain the plant material from the tea and pour the tea in ice cube trays to freeze. Transfer the frozen cubes into a ziplock bag or a container, label with name of ingredient and date, and store in freezer until ready to use. You can give the plant material to your chickens, add to a compost bin, or add to your planting soil. Great video!

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

@@bmre8130 All great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

[@johns9543]

Wow u explained you really well,i've been confused by what others have said, thank you

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@pamalidhar3562]

Very helpful

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching :)

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Oh I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@ishka3405]

Thank your the video, lovely and straightforward. What is ratio plant/water? Thank you

[@lindaservice16]

good video I use a brick on the bottom and a larger bowl and an ice cream bucket of ice

[@janinewhite5376]

Hi I learned with brick at the bottom too. But it is hard to sanitize and sterilize the brick. Safer with a Pyrex bowl safe for heat.

[@chefgilley]

are you able to get some essential oils from it?

[@lindaturner1880]

If you have a separator, yes

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

I suppose you technically could if you had enough plant material! I have heard of people seeing a drop or two float on top--so not very much! How cool would that be, though??

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

@@lindaturner1880 Oh interesting! Have you used one before?

[@cherylpedrera9389]

@Linda where did you buy your separator? Thanks.

[@cursospepelyn369]

Hi, Can I use coconut water instead the distilled water?

[@BlessedToBeSaved333]

You really shouldn't use anything other than distilled purified water

[@janinewhite5376]

I agree. But it may work to mix the hydrosol with coconut water in your final product. Also I wonder if you can use coconut meat to make a hydrosol?🤷🏾‍♀️

[@sgreenberg125]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your great tutorial. I'm excited to make a lilac hydrosol tomorrow! I usually sterilize mine in the oven on 350 degrees F in the oven for 20 minutes. Do you have any thoughts on oven sterilization?

[@mossymeadowfarm9538]

Oh awesome! I've been wanting to try a lilac one myself. How did it turn out?? And oven sterilization is great! I've definitely used that method before.

[@Whats_Up_Chicken-Butt]

Daaang girl, you are one AWESOME little home scientist! Thanks for this really, really helpful video! I do have a question for you though since I'm a total newbie but want to make some of my own skincare. Can you incorporate powdered actives so long as they are water soluble or do you need to also add some kind of alcohol or witch hazel?? If you OR ANYONE HERE knows the answer to this, I'd be SO GRATEFUL! Hugs to ya'll from Texas!