Winter hydrosols - our advices
The best organic hydrosols for natural healing in winter
Less well known than essential oils, hydrosols are very interesting for staying in shape during the winter. Better tolerated than essential oils, they can be used as a preventive treatment to support immunity during the cold season. They also relieve minor winter ailments such as colds, sore throats, fatigue, coughs, etc. Unlike essential oils, hydrosols can be used over time.
Most of them are milder than essential oils: they are particularly suitable for children, the elderly, frail people, pregnant and nursing women.
To avoid the little worries of winter, a range of hydrosols accompany us, alone or in addition to essential oils.
Winter cure with hydrosols to boost immunity
The best hydrosols to support the immune system:
Dilute two tablespoons of hydrosol in 1 litre of water. Choose one of the hydrosols above or make a mixture of these hydrosols in equal parts. In the latter case, take two tablespoons of the mixture. The litre of flavoured water is drunk regularly throughout the day.
To be taken for 3 weeks, followed by a one week break.
For children from 3 years of age, mix half a teaspoon of thyme hydrosol and half a teaspoon of laurel hydrosol, to be drunk once a day in a glass of water, for 21 days.
Fend off an oncoming cold
The best hydrosols to fight against colds:
When you feel a cold coming on or when it is already well established, pour 2 tablespoons of thyme thujanol or bay leaf hydrosol into 1 litre of water (hot or cold), to be drunk throughout the day until improvement.
Scented verbena hydrosol, whose pH is in perfect affinity with that of the skin and mucous membranes, can be used for a cleansing nasal bath, for example with a lota: a mixture of equal parts hydrosol and pure water is recommended.
Soothe a sore throat
The best hydrosols to soothe sore throats:
When gargling, these undiluted hydrosols are very effective in soothing a sore and irritated throat. Caution: do not swallow the hydrosol after gargling.
Thyme thujanol hydrosol can also be drunk pure, like a syrup, at a rate of one tablespoon per dose or sprayed at the bottom of the mouth. The more powerful Thymol Thyme hydrosol is used in the same way but mixed with pure water; for example: 60% hydrosol and 40% pure water. It may be sweetened with honey or agave.
Calming coughs
The best hydrosols to soothe coughs:
If the cough is spasmodic, swallow a tablespoonful of pure hydrosol, inula or myrtle, or a mixture of equal parts of both, at 2-hour intervals.
Homemade cough syrup: 100 ml of sweet woodruff hydrosol + 1 tablespoon of honey + 5 to 10 drops of a suitable essential oil, for example balsam fir or Siberian fir.
If you had to choose just one:
Thyme hydrosol is the most versatile and effective hydrosol for winter (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral action). It is suitable for all ages.
File co-authored with André Bitsas, founder of Bioflore, aromatologist and creator of the School of Applied Aromatherapy
*These wellness tips are not a substitute for advice from your health care professional. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice in the case of a proven pathology. For children aged 3 and over, replace the dosage in tablespoons with teaspoons and always refer to reference books on aromatherapy. In case of pregnancy, always ask your doctor for advice.
