Simple Plant Distillation for Hydrosols

Written By Cheyenne Felker

There’s something truly special about creating your own hydrosols—gentle, aromatic floral waters that carry the essence and spirit of a plant. Distillation is an ancient alchemical art, and the simplest way to do it requires only a few kitchen tools, fresh or dried plant material, and spring water.

Here’s how you can craft your own hydrosol at home:

🌿 What You’ll Need:

  • A large pot with a lid

  • A heatproof bowl (to collect the hydrosol)

  • Fresh or dried plant material (roses, lavender, rosemary, mint… whatever calls to you!)

  • Spring water (or distilled, or reverse osmosis)

  • Ice

🌿 The Process:

  1. Place your plant material in the pot and cover it with spring water.

  2. Set a heatproof bowl in the center of the pot—this will catch the precious droplets of hydrosol.

  3. Put the lid on upside down so that the steam can condense and drip into the bowl.

  4. Place ice on top of the lid—this helps the steam turn back into liquid more efficiently.

  5. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, not a boil. Allow the distillation to continue for about 30–45 minutes. The time will vary based on the plant material used, for flowers they will be shorter time, woods will be longer.

  6. Carefully remove your hydrosol and store it in a clean glass bottle.

🌿 A Note on Harvesting:
If you’re gathering your own plant material, take a moment to connect with the plant. Offer gratitude—through song, prayer, tobacco, or whatever feels right to you. Honoring the spirit of the plant deepens the medicine.

Your homemade hydrosol can be used as a facial mist, room spray, energetic cleanser, or anointing water. What plant are you most excited to distill? 🌸✨

#HydrosolMaking #PlantAlchemy #FloralWaters #DIYHerbalism #SacredPlants

Cheyenne Felker