Chamomile Hydrosol

Hydrosols and I have quite a history. I’ve made all the mistakes. Too much water at the bottom of the pot, not enough ice on top of the boiler. I’ve burned batches and I’ve wanted to give up. I’ve gotten frustrated. I’ve realized that that’s okay, that frustration is what stretches you to try again. I’ve tried again. I’ve recalibrated. I’ve been patient with myself. I’ve added the right amount of water to the bottom of the pot, painstakingly watched the ice melt on top of the boiler. I’ve succeeded. I’ve made waters that smell and feel like floral silk. Like this one. Try this recipe out. If it doesn’t work out, give yourself the gift of trying again. It’s what makes life so good. I promise.

I could write a love poem to chamomile. It has saved me time and time again. From taming awful stress breakouts to soothing inflamed skin. It is calming, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and regenerative. This is because chamomile phytochemicals and polyphenols boost cell regeneration, brighten skin and smooth out fine lines. Plus, it smells lovely. Let the aroma soothe your mind.

Directions

1. Place 1 cup of chamomile flowers in bottom of large pot. Cover with 2 cups of distilled water. Let sit for 2-3 hours. Enjoy the smell, it smells wonderful.

2. After 2-3 hours, place large pot on stovetop. Before turning stovetop on, get your set-up ready. Place strainer inside large pot, making sure the strainer is not touching the chamomile water. Place bowl on top of strainer. Place pot lid upside down on top of large pot.* Place bowl of ice on top of upside down lid. A bowl makes it easier to swap out melted ice for new ice. Turn stovetop on to a light heat.

3. Make sure the water surrounding the chamomile does not boil, it should be hot enough only to steam the water. Replace ice on top of bowl as ice melts.

4. Let the water condense until the bowl on top of the strainer is full. This should take about 20 minutes.

4. Once bowl is full, turn stovetop off. Let pot cool.

5. Remove lid, pour contents of bowl into a clean glass jar or bottle. Enjoy! You’ve got your very own hydrosol. Use as a makeshift toner on problem areas or to soothe inflamed skin.

6. Store in cool dark place.

*Note: A clear lid is preferable so you can keep an eye on the chamomile water condensing. I did not happen to have one on me for this set-up, but usually I do <3.

What You Need

• Chamomile Flowers

• Large pot with a lid

• Strainer that fits perfectly inside large pot for hydrosol bowl to rest on

• Small bowl to collect hydrosol

• Small bowl to hold ice

• Ice (have more ice than you think you’ll need. You’ll need it, trust me)

• Jar or bottle.