These hydrosols were lovingly distilled by the Herbalista Crew in Partnership with Fleur + Forage, using locally wildcrafted and organically grown herbs! Your donation directly supports the Herbalista Grow a Row Program, a project meant to both nurture the Atlanta herb growing scene and also to help the free clinic source affordable herbs! It offers agro-education and herbalistic opportunities, sowing the seeds for a more resilient city!
Rosemary, Pine Needles, and Wild Ginger Root
On the Winter Solstice we packed the copper pot with Rosemary, Pine and bits of Wild Ginger to distill an aromatic hydrosol, capturing the essence of the changing season and supporting us through the dark days of winter. Rosemary is a warming and exhilarating plant. Like the sun, rosemary is a powerhouse, safe guarding us against acute infection and chronic illness. It strengthens the heart, eases pain and inflammation, tonifies the mind, builds deep energy, and is a lovely all-around tonic. Pine brings an uplifting and refreshing scent, like all conifers it also grounds and provides security and protection. And finally, the wild ginger (Hexastylis sp.) adds a touch of spice!
To Use: Take a few squirts in a little water as desired to fortify the body. You can also spritz over your face, to enjoy this aromatic and lovely blend.
Tulsi Basil, Lemon Balm, Goldenrod, Spilanthes and Shiso
This hydrosol was distilled on the Autumn Equinox, capturing the shift from summer towards winter. We chose plants that will capture the fading light and carry us through the darker season. These herbs also carry protective anti-microbial aromatics, keeping us healthy and safe.
To Use: Take 5 squirts in a little water as desired to fortify the body and spirit as we face the winter ahead. You can also spritz over your face, to enjoy this warm aromatic blend!
Mimosa Flowers, Lemon Balm, Jewelweed, Linden Flowers and Rose Petals
This hydrosol was distilled on the Summer Solstice, capturing the height of solar energy. We chose these plants not only because they are in bloom at this time of year, but also because they all protect and nurture the heart. During the excessive heat and energy of summer, our heart is particularly vulnerable. These herbs will soothe your heart and support a loving season.
To Use: Take 5 squirts in a little water (or add to hibiscus or red zinger tea) each day to support the heart. You can also spritz over your face and neck to help you cool down in the Atlanta heat!
Violets, Calendula, Cleavers, Chickweed, Plantain, Pine Resin + Needles, Nettles, Redbud, Ground Ivy + Bramble
This hydrosol was distilled on the Vernal Equinox, capturing the energy of spring. Many of these plants support the body’s ability to detoxify and so we consider this hydrosol is a little spring cleaning in a bottle!
To Use: Take 5 squirts in a little water each day to support the lymphatic system and detox properties. You can also add a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar for extra benefit. If fighting a cold or infection, take up to 3 x’s per day.
Rosmarinus officinale
This is by far the hydrosol we distill the most often at Herbalista! A native to the Mediterranean, Rosemary is also very much at home here in Atlanta. Rosemary is an incredibly healing all around herb. It’s antiinflammatory and antimicrobial so it’s good for infections. We use this as the base for our healing foot spritz at the Harriet Tubman Foot Care Clinic. It stimulates micro-circulation so can keep our fingers and toes warm and also help with brain function! It’s known to improve memory and can be a helopful study aid. And last but not least, it is a strengthening herb, building courage and fortifying us to take on difficult challenges!
To Use: Mist over the face and take a deep breath to enliven your day! Use as a wound care to clean a cut or scrape. Add to other tinctures to use as a tonic remedy for improving mental function. Enjoy!
Juniper, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Pine, Eucalyptus and Spice Bush
We distilled this hydrosol during our Apotheker’s Ball in honor of 6 years of service. We harvested fresh autumnal herbs for this bumpin’ blend and it has notes that are aromatic and bright. This blend will offer support during the cold, damp days of winter.
To Use: Close your eyes and spritz over your face. Take a slow deep breath and enjoy. You can also spritz this onto a cocktail or mocktail for a little extra pizazz.
A hydrosol is the water portion of a plant distillation. Many people are familiar with distillations for the production of essential oils, but hydrosols are also incredible medicine! Hydrosols are safe for all ages and skin types as they are water based. You can use them wherever you would use water (i.e. to freshen up your linens, facial toner, for diaper changes, for itchy skin, etc.). Hydrosols have a shelf life of about 18-24 months if kept in a dark and cool place.
We distill a variety of plants, urban-crafted from our local Atlanta region. This year we are distilling to mark the seasons, holding community distillation sessions at the equinoxes and solstices. 🔥🌿🔥
At Herbalista, we work with a copper alquitar still named Stella “the Still” Culpepper. She was named after the Herbalist Nicholas Culpepper who challenged the notion that medical knowledge belonged only to physicians and worked to make herbal knowledge available to the people!
Hydrosols are one of the most multi-faceted remedies we have. Not only is it an effective potion, but also it has an extremely high safety rating.
While many hydrosols are aromatic and we can use them for their uplifting aromas similar to essential oils, hydrosols can also be made from non-aromatic plants. Hydrosols are effective beyond just their scent and have a history of use both internally and topically. How you use them will depend on the plant you are working with and the needs of the person.
Flavoring Drinks: Spritz across the top of a cocktail, mocktail, or sparkling water for added fun.
Skin Care: Spritz over skin a few times a day to cleanse, tonify, or soothe inflammation.
Therapeutic Uses: Dosages can range from 1 tsp to 1 tbsp depending on the situation, the plant, and the person.
Medicine Making: Use hydrosols in place of distilled water when making creams or mixing custom menstruums for tinctures and glycerites.
The Grow A Row (GAR) initiative of the Herbalista Free Clinic aims to get hands in the soil! GAR demystifies plant medicine by fostering relationships with the herbs that grow in our own backyards. We offer educational workshops, volunteer skillshare sessions and tours of the Learning Garden. As we partner with individuals, farmers and businesses, we are increasing the amount of herbs cultivated in Atlanta while reducing the mileage our remedies travel before reaching our shelves. Support local remedies 💚.