Hydrosols - Herbal Baths & Body Care

Hydrosols - Herbal Baths & Body Care

by Irena Stathis

Hydrosols, also known as flower waters, are produced through the ancient art of essential oil distillation - in which boiling water or steam is passed through fresh plant material extracting subtle energetic and aromatic properties of the plant along the way. The resultant liquid is the hydrosol (composed of water-soluble compounds) and the essential oil, which may be seen floating on the surface.

Their uses are many, from exotic drinks and desserts to creams and lotions. Tonifying and mildly astringent they are an excellent addition to any skincare routine and will soften and smooth both skin and hair.

Their aromas, although less bold than essential oils, retain their therapeutic benefits having a direct effect on our minds and emotions. Each plant carries its own unique qualities that resonate in the flower water and you may find yourself drawn to certain ones over others. One of my favorite uses is simply to mist the air around me to purify and enliven myself and the space of a room. 

The experience of distillation can be a transformative one that is itself magical and healing. Join me this Saturday to learn more about the essential nature of plants and the craft of distilling fragrant herbs!

Join Irena for a hands on workshop on hydrsolos this weekend! 

Hydrosols :: Herbal Baths & Body Care

Saturday, October 21st from 12:30 - 2:30pm at Namaste Highland Park. 

$35 pre-register / $45 drop-in

www.namastestudios.la/workshops

Each participant will go home with their own hand-crafted flower water!

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Cookin' with Jazz - Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

 Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats 

by Jasmine De La Paz 

October is my favorite month of the year. It's the month I was married, the weather starts to change, and Halloween occurs (yes, I love Halloween). But honestly, the main reason it's my favorite month is because of pumpkins! The minute I see pumpkins appear at the farmers market my mind starts racing with all the possibilities of how I can incorporate them into recipes. 

Although it's not full on Fall in southern California, we can still devour all the amazing fruits and vegetables in season. I love this recipe, as you have all the warming Fall flavors but can still enjoy the oats chilled until the weather starts to cool down. This is similar to my Mindfulness Muesli but I made a few adjustments by incorporating pumpkin puree (fresh is best, but canned still works), and crunchy almond butter. It is so creamy but with a light crunch from the almonds. It also tasted like pie! 

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats 

(Serves 2) 

1 cup gluten free oats

1 cup almond milk

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

¼ cup crunchy almond butter

3 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp flax seeds

2 tsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp lemon juice

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

dash of salt 

Add all the ingredients to a bowl, and mix until well combined. Cover the bowl, and set in the fridge over night to let it work it's magic. Serve chilled or warmed with granola, fresh fruit, and a huge dollop of coconut whip cream if you are wanting something similar to pie! 

I know, this post is coming a little later than usual and I apologize for that. Last week was our last Breakfast on the Patio of the year, and I would like to thank everyone who attended and enjoyed coming together and having food with our Namaste community. I am truly honored and humbled by the positive feedback I received and so grateful to have gained so many new friends.  

I have compiled the recipes we enjoyed this year below, as well as a picture of our last breakfast together. We will return next Spring! Feel free to follow me on instagram for more recipes and inspiration! 

Cinnamon Oats with Stewed Maple Berries

Humble Summer Berry Crumble

Chocoalte Chia Pudding 

Grateful Granola

Apple Spice Ritual Bowl

Mindfulness Muesli

Orange Cardamom Chia Pudding