German Chamomile Hydrolat (Hydrosol) is one of our favorite products to reach for when one needs to calm and soothe irritation and inflammation. Profoundly comforting to body, mind, and spirit, the gentle but strong effect of the German Chamomile plant makes it one of the top choices for children and people with highly sensitive skin.
What is German Chamomile Hydrolat?
German chamomile is an herbaceous annual plant that grows in a bushy shrub with daisy-like flowers on long stems that reach up to 3 feet tall. It is native to western and southern Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. (Not to be confused with Roman chamomile, which is a perennial plant that only grows to about 1 foot tall!) German chamomile is a popular plant for medicinal purposes and has been used in various ways by numerous cultures throughout history for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
German Chamomile hydrolat brings a gentle richness to the practice of aromatherapy, as it is less potent than the essential oil counterpart, yet still retains the therapeutic properties of the distilled plant. German Chamomile hydrolat is energetically vibrant; yet gentle enough for those with sensitive systems, including children. German chamomile hydrolat has a myriad of possible uses thanks to its incredible anti-inflammatory and soothing properties as well as its gentleness. German Chamomile hydrolat can be used in places essential oils and some other hydrolats cannot, such as on the eyes and other super sensitive areas. In addition to assisting with the physical terrain, German chamomile hydrolat is helpful emotionally and energetically. German chamomile hydrolat is grounding and calming. It is very helpful for easing anger, frustration, anxiety, and situational depression.
If you're new to hydrolats you can learn all about these amazing aromatherapy products by reading our blog, "All about hydrolats".
11 Uses & Benefits of German Chamomile Hydrolat
The uses and benefits of German chamomile hydrolat are extensive. Some of the wonderful uses and benefits of German chamomile hydrolat include:
1. Relieve hot, irritated skin conditions
• Spray directly on the irritated area - chaffed skin, rashes, etc.• Make a compress to hold the hydrolat on the affected area longer.
2. Clean & soothe minor cuts, scrapes, burns, & other wounds
Spray directly on the wound and let air dry or gently pat dry the surrounding area with a clean cloth or paper towel. German chamomile hydrolat’s antibacterial activity helps clean and purify the wound while helping to ease pain and promote faster healing.3. Soothe itchy, burning eyes
Make a compress with a couple cotton balls and place them directly on the eyes. Keep eyes closed.4. Heal scars & stretch marks
German chamomile is cicatrisant, which means it has skin cell regenerative properties. Spray directly on the scar area or make a compress to hold the hydrolat on longer.5. Foot spray
Spray directly on the feet. German chamomile has anti-fungal properties, making it perfect for relieving and healing hot, burning, itchy athlete’s foot or similar infections.6. Alleviate unwanted muscle spasms
• Spray on spasming, tight, tense areas.• Make a compress to hold the hydrolat in place longer.
7. Ease anger, frustration, anxiety, & situational depression
• Use as a refreshing facial mist when needing to calm and cool your emotions.• Add to a diffuser to create an environment that is soothing and calming.
• Spray on your linens and take a nap. Who doesn’t love a good nap, especially when feeling emotional? German chamomile hydrolat can make it even more relaxing and emotionally restorative!
8. Room spray
Spray around a room to restore balance and ground the energy in that space and help provide a calming, soothing atmosphere.9. Anti-allergenic spray
• Add to a diffuser to help ease seasonal allergies.• German chamomile is excellent for relieving minor allergic reactions. Spray directly on the skin, spritz on the face, or use a compress on the eyes.
10. Relieve diaper rash
Since German chamomile hydrolat is so gentle, it can be sprayed directly on a baby’s most sensitive areas to help soothe and relieve conditions such as diaper rash.11. Promote sleep
German chamomile is so emotionally soothing, balancing, and calming, making it a perfect choice for helping promote restful sleep.
• Make a lovely linen spray and spritz directly on your linens.
• Add to a diffuser.
How to Blend with German Chamomile Hydrolat
It’s easy to see that there are many possibilities for using German chamomile hydrolat. Hydrolats also blend well together, further adding to the list of potential uses by adding more benefits and increasing effectiveness. Below are a few of our favorite German Chamomile hydrolat blending examples:
Emotional or energetic support
Blend with Lavender Hydrolat, Blood Orange Hydrolat, or Rose Otto Hydrolat.Treating & healing injuries & wound support
Blend with Helichrysum Hydrolat, Lavender Hydrolat, Turmeric Hydrolat or Calendula Hydrolat.Antiseptic support
Blend with Yarrow Hydrolat, English Thyme Hydrolat, or Lemon Thyme Hydrolat.Air cleansing support
Blend with Sweet Grass Hydrolat, Lemon Verbena Hydrolat or White Sage Hydrolat.These are just a few examples. Get creative and create your own hydrolat blends! You can even add essential oils to hydrolat, just make sure you shake well before spraying or add Solubol (Dispersant) to the blend, as the oil will separate from the water.
Shelf Life & Storage of German Chamomile Hydrolat
Since hydrolats are water-based, care must be taken so they do not grow mold or become contaminated. Proper storage and care is crucial for keeping your hydrolat from going bad. If stored and properly, you can expect to get approximately a 2-year shelf life out of your German Chamomile Hydrolat.
Here are some of our tips for getting the longest possible life out of your hydrolats:
• Store in a cool, dark place. We like to keep our hydrolats in the refrigerator.• Don’t touch the spray nozzle to anything that you are spraying. This can cause contamination.
• If you open the bottle to add anything, make sure the long tube to the spray nozzle does not touch anything that can contaminate it. This includes fingers and countertops. If you must set it down, set it on a clean paper towel or spray it with alcohol and allow to dry before replacing in the bottle.
German Chamomile is Perfect for Children & Adults!
Our certified organic German chamomile hydrolat is one of our favorites, here at Aromatics International, and we think it is a must-have to keep in your medicinal arsenal, especially if you have children in your home or occasionally in your care. However, it is a beautiful choice for everyone of all ages. If you haven’t experienced this remarkable hydrolat, don’t wait and get some today!
