How is a lemon verbena hydrosol made?

The lemon verbena is a perennial shrub plant from the Verbenaceae family, flourishing under the sun, between 20 and 40°C. It was named "tears of Isis" by the Egyptians, as it is said to have grown from the tears shed by the funerary goddess Isis upon learning of the death of her husband Osiris. Lemon verbena is a plant with a fresh and pleasant smell that was long used in the making of love potions. Its use has since been extended to culinary, therapeutic, and cosmetic fields.

Lemon verbena hydrosol, also known as lemon verbena floral water, presents itself in the form of a colourless liquid, sometimes slightly opalescent. It is a natural ingredient used in the manufacture of various skin and hair care products. It should be noted that lemon verbena hydrosol may potentially pose a photosensitising risk. For this reason, it is preferable not to use it prior to sun exposure and to apply a sunscreen in a thick layer in the following days.

Lemon verbena floral water is attributed with numerous properties, among which are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial virtues. Indeed, it contains several active ingredients that have a detrimental effect on bacteria, including geranial and eucalyptol. Others help to alleviate pain and facilitate the healing of minor wounds. Finally, lemon verbena hydrosol is known to have a unifying effect on the complexion and to give a healthy glow.

The lemon verbena hydrosol is obtained through a process of steam distillation (hydrodistillation) of the flowering tops. Here is how this process unfolds step by step:

1. After being harvested and dried, the lemon verbena flowers are placed in a still connected to a boiler, in which steam is produced;

2. This steam is then directed into the still that houses the flowers. The increase in temperature triggers the release of the essential oil they contain. The temperature inside the still needs to be slightly above 76°C, which is the flash point of lemon verbena essential oil. Beyond this temperature, it begins to evaporate, allowing the steam to become enriched with the essential oil;

3. The water vapour, carrying the essential oil, is then cooled in a coil immersed in a refrigeration tank. This change in temperature liquefies the vapour ;

4. The floral water and essential oil, of different densities, are then separated in a separator. The lower phase consists of water lightly charged with essential oil, this is known as lemon verbena hydrosol. The pure essential oil, less dense than water, makes up the upper phase of the liquid.

The lemon verbena hydrosol obtained contains several active ingredients, including linalool, nerol, α-terpineol, geranial, and geraniol. Hydrosols are generally quite delicate and certain precautions must be taken regarding their preservation. They are highly sensitive to light and heat, as well as oxidation and microbial infections.

To maintain the properties of lemon verbena hydrosol, it is recommended to store it in a dry and cool place, protected from heat, moisture, and light. Therefore, we advise you to keep it in an amber bottle, in the refrigerator, combining darkness, coolness, and limiting the growth of bacteria. After opening, the lemon verbena hydrosol should be used within six months thereafter.