Hydrosols

Step by Step Hydrosol using a 2.5 L Long Column Distilling Appliance Still

Melissa Hydrosol (Lemon balm)

1. Pick the stalks, leaves and flowering tops 1/3 from the top in the morning before they dry or heat up in the sun
2. Fill the alembic pot with 2 litres of water.
3. Break the plant matter up into smaller pieces. Pack them into the column and onion dome.
4. Assemble the still, making sure the nuts are secured firmly. (It may be necessary to seal the joins with a rye flour paste if you find steam is escaping)
5. Heat the water until you can hear it gently simmering. When the column is nearly too hot to touch you will know that's the vapours are beginning to work through the herb.
6. Put cold water into the condenser and arrange it so that you can keep pouring cold water in to keep the coil cool when the hot vapour starts working its way down the coil. It's important to keep the coil cool to get a good distillate.
7. Place a 100ml bottle to catch the distillate

Uses

1. Mist face and inhale vapours to help relieve anxiety and depression
2. Spray on face and inhale vapours to help relieve anxiety, nervousness and headaches
3. Has an antiseptic action, use as a gentle wound cleanser, has been used successfully on cold sores
4. Mist on the face for sleeplessness
5. Mild antiseptic and hydrating spray for all skin types especially if sores or acne is a problem
6. Take internally diluted 1:3 for calming, soothing

Try any of the herbs listed in Types. Note the therapeutic and cosmetic properties.
(Precaution: Always patch test your skin before using to make sure you have no adverse reaction to the plant)