Lavender Hydrosol Recipe
Learn how to make lavender hydrosol at home using fresh lavender and distilled water. This simple homemade floral water captures lavender’s naturally aromatic compounds and can be used as a refreshing facial mist, skin toner, linen spray, and more.
Equipment
- heat safe collection bowl
Ingredients
- 60 grams fresh lavender 4-6 cups (or 30 grams dried lavender)
- 2-3 quarts distilled water or enough to fully cover the lavender
Instructions
- The first step is to harvest your fresh lavender, ideally when the flowers are open or beginning to open. Gently shake the lavender to remove insects or debris. If needed, rinse it lightly and allow the excess water to drain.60 grams fresh lavender
- Place a small heat-safe ramekin, clean brick, or steaming rack in the bottom of a large pot. This will elevate your collection bowl above the surrounding water. Place your heat-safe collection bowl on top. This is where your finished lavender hydrosol will collect. Arrange the fresh lavender around the collection bowl.
- Pour the distilled water over the lavender until the plant material is mostly submerged. Be careful not to pour any water into the collection bowl. Depending on the size and shape of your pot, you may not need all of the water.2-3 quarts distilled water
- Place the lid upside down on the pot so the lowest point of the lid is positioned directly above the collection bowl. As the lavender-infused steam rises and hits the cold lid, it will condense. The droplets will travel toward the center of the lid before dripping into the bowl below. Place ice on the top of the lid. This keeps the lid cold and helps the steam inside the pot condense back into liquid. As the ice melts, carefully remove the excess water from the top of the lid and replace it with fresh ice as needed
- Place the pot over low heat and bring the water to a very gentle simmer. Avoid a vigorous boil. You want enough heat to continuously create steam without rapidly boiling away the water. Continue the distillation process until you have collected your desired amount of hydrosol or the aroma of the distillate begins to weaken.
- Turn off the heat and allow everything to cool enough to handle safely. Carefully remove the collection bowl. The liquid inside is your homemade lavender hydrosol. Transfer the hydrosol into a sanitized clean glass jar, spray bottle, or dark glass bottle and refrigerate.
Notes
- Use mostly flowering tops. For fresh lavender, use primarily the flowers and buds with a small amount of tender stem and leaves. Avoid thick, woody stems.
- Measure by weight when possible. Fresh lavender varies considerably in volume, so grams provide the most consistent results.
- Add enough water to cover. The exact amount of distilled water will depend on your pot and how much space the lavender takes up.
- Keep the heat gentle. Once steaming, reduce to a low, gentle simmer. Avoid a vigorous boil.
- Keep the lid cold. Replace the ice as it melts so steam continues to condense and drip into the collection bowl.
- Don't distill the pot dry. Stop once you've collected your desired amount of hydrosol rather than trying to evaporate all of the water.
- Store it cold. Transfer the cooled hydrosol to a clean, sterilized glass bottle and refrigerate to help extend its shelf life.
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