Review of Suzanne Catty�s �Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy� Healing Arts Press - ISBN 089281946-4 Reviewed by Jennifer Gerlitz
This important book, one of the first of many on the subject no doubt, is ground breaking in the respect that very little has been written to date on the subject of Hydrosols. Hydrosols are an extremely important part of aromatherapy as is explained in the book, which is both highly informative and humorous. An excellent book for practitioners wishing to gain more insight to the physical, emotional, and spiritual use of these �wholly waters� and for anyone who wishes to gather information about what is and isn�t a true hydrosol and how they work. This book sheds much light on these gifts from nature, which have often been over looked in favor of their essential oil counterparts.
For those who are new to the subject of aromatherapy, an overview of what is aromatherapy and distillation methods are covered briefly. There is also discussion of natural vs. synthetic chemicals, the importance of therapeutic grade products, and the importance of water not only for the human race but also for all living things including Mother Earth.
A great deal of time is spent covering the crucial topics of storage and preservation of these products, which one would hope will lead to more efficient storage, shipping, and transporting and less preservatives in hydrosols. The author aptly points out that even the unpreserved Budweiser beer has a shelf life (110 days for those who are wondering!). There are some wonderful suggestions for preserving these wonderful waters and for monitoring their efficacy and stability.
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy includes monographs of more than 65 different hydrosols covering each in such detail to include information about aroma & taste of the hydrosol, stability & shelf life through the use of pH monitoring and finally the many properties & applications for these wonderfully aromatic waters. The author shares her own experiences maintaining and controlling hydrosol stock over 5 years. In addition to the 65 different hydrosols profiled in the book, the author has provided a most promising list of newer hydrosols that she has been made aware of since the beginning of this project. I must say that the list is truly fascinating and holds some very exciting possibilities for the industry.
Filtration systems are discussed briefly and the author lists pros and cons for the various systems and the occasions in which you might use them. She also explains how it is possible to extend the shelf life of hydrosols via filtration in some instances. Packaging and handling are again addressed as they are major contributors to the early demise of many a water. Each hydrosol profiled in the book has a pH range, which the author contends is a very valuable tool in monitoring the shelf life (pH of <5.0 generally have a shelf life of 2 years and pH >5.0 around 1 to 1.5 years). There is also discussion of the exceptions to this �rule� which I appreciate as so many books contain �just the facts� and many have since debated and derailed some of these universal �truths�.
Methods of use are covered listing some standard aromatherapy application methods like baths, compresses, and use in beauty and skin care products such as masks, scrubs, shampoos and such. Internal use is also described here which I am sure will be cause for much debate. I feel that this is definitely an area for the individual to investigate and become well versed in so that they may make their own informed opinion. Speaking of debate, there is a section in the book regarding the use of hydrosols with animals for UTI�s, respiratory ailments, digestive complaints, etc. I am not familiar enough with animal aromatherapy to have an opinion regarding this section of the book, so I would leave it to the individual to form an opinion.
Probably my favorite section in the book is the large section in the back which contains a great many recipes for the use of hydrosols both for therapeutic use and for pure pleasure. Also contains information regarding cooking with hydrosols. A wonderful starting point for those who aren�t comfortable in selecting hydrosols for specific issues or for those who need some inspiration and new ideas.
Hydrosols contains a large directory of suppliers (some of whom I personally know and love and they offer fabulous products) from around the world, which is very helpful indeed for those wishing to expand their selection beyond the standard Rose, Orange Blossom and Lavender waters.
I think this book is a very comprehensive look at the wonderful co product of distillation and look forward to the development of this aspect of aromatherapy. I would very strongly recommend this as a reference book on hydrosols and their many uses and intricacies to practitioners and anyone with an interest in aromatherapy as it is in my opinion the most comprehensive work to date on hydrosols.
Jennifer Gerlitz is an aromatherapist & Reiki practitioner who owns and operates Scentsability Aromatherapy. Jennifer is been invited to lecture at the University of Calgary�s Continuing Education Alternative Health Seminar, Calgary Health Expo & and teach workshops Students� Association of Mount Royal College�s Stress Fitness Week. Contact Jennifer at [email protected] c