Hydrosols Uncovered: Suzanne Catty’s Essential Guide
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy by Suzanne Catty is a must-have resource for anyone interested in natural wellness, herbalism, or aromatherapy. She brings clarity and depth to a topic that is often overlooked. Often called “floral waters,” hydrosols are the gentle, yet powerful, water condensate, coproduct of essential oil distillation.
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In this Post:
- Exploring Hydrosols: My Favorite Guide
- About Suzanne Catty
- Hydrosols: Powerful Aromatic Waters
- Essential for Aromatherapy Enthusiasts
- Where to Get Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
Exploring Hydrosols: My Favorite Guide
I first read Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy about seven years ago. I was regularly making my own stove-top hydrosols and was drawn to the therapeutic possibilities—initially for skincare, and later as a beautiful method of aromatherapy.
Since then, this book has become one of the most influential hydrosol resources in my aromatherapy practice, shaping both my personal routines and my work as a hydrosol crafter.
For me, the hydrosol monographs are the heart of this book. My copy is full of highlights and flagged pages that I return to again and again.
The information Catty shares, like the expected pH range for hydrosols, has been invaluable in my own distillation work. Knowing the typical range allows me to verify the quality and integrity of each hydrosol I craft.
About Suzanne Catty
Suzanne Catty is a leading researcher, educator, and plant advocate. A professional aromatherapist and tea sommelier, she has dedicated her career to exploring the therapeutic potential of these water-based plant extracts. Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy was groundbreaking in that it was the first book to focus exclusively on hydrosols.
With over 40,000 hours of clinical practice, Catty has shared her expertise in hydrosols and holistic health with students and clients around the world. She is currently living just outside Toronto, Canada, where she continues her work as a practitioner and educator.
“Hydrosols contain all of the plant in every drop…it’s all there in a matrix of water that is so much more than water.”
~Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy (2001)
Hydrosols: Powerful Aromatic Waters
What struck me most after reading this book is the realization that while hydrosols are mostly water, they are anything but “subtle.” Their therapeutic power is real and, in many cases, just as effective as essential oils—whether supporting skin health or easing muscle and joint pain.
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy completely transformed how I use hydrosols. They are a part of my daily skin, scalp, and hair care routine. I regularly use them to ease itching from eczema flare-ups, to cool overheated skin, and in joint massage after vigorous activity.
Catty’s recipes inspired me to begin adding hydrosols to my water and tea. (Remember to use only pure hydrosols for internal use. My favorites are the hydrosols from Aromatics International.)
I also introduced hydrosols into my dog Kiko’s wellness routine—something I feel far more comfortable with than using essential oils. Kiko’s favorites are Frankincense and Roman Chamomile.
Essential for Aromatherapy Enthusiasts
This is a must-have book for anyone interested in natural wellness, aromatherapy, skin care, or even caring for pets with gentle plant remedies. Suzanne Catty’s writing is informative, inspiring, practical, and accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy left me inspired to continue experimenting with distillation, to replace commercial skin care with my own hydrosol-based creations, and to weave these floral waters into my food and daily life. It’s a book I return to often, and one I highly recommend to anyone curious about the healing power of hydrosols.
Where to Get Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
You can find Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy at your local bookseller or on Amazon.
More by Suzanne Catty
- Title: Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
- Author: Suzanne Catty
- Publisher: Healing Arts Press (2001)
- Language: English
- Paperback: 352 pages
- ISBN-10: 0892819464
- ISBN-13: 978-0892819461
Christine Pressler | Author, Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skin Care Formulator
Christine is an avid reader, writer, lifetime learner, and proponent of self-care for better mental health and energy. She enjoys formulating bespoke aromatherapy, skin care, and herbal products to support her family, pets, friends, and clients. She also loves experimenting with recipes in the kitchen.💚 (Learn more >>)
