The following are the various methods of preparation of aromatic waters:

1. Simple solution method: The volatile oil is shaken with 500 times its volume of purified water for a period of 30 minutes and set aside for 12 hours or overnight. The resulting mixture is filtered and suitably packed.
2. Using distributing agents: Volatile oil is triturated with a sufficient quantity of powdered talc or kieselghur in a mortar. To this, purified water 100 times the volume of oil is added and mixed well. The resultant mixture is filtered and suitably packed.
3. Dilution from concentrated preparations: Concentrated aromatic water is prepared as per the formula given in the pharmacopoeia or formulary. In general, 1 ml of the prepared concentrated aromatic water is diluted with the required volume of purified water and mixed. The resulting solution is suitably packed.

Example

Chloroform water

This is a saturated solution of chloroform in purified water. The solubility of chloroform is 1 in 800 parts of water. The required quantity of chloroform is added to purified water and mixed well so that chloroform gets uniformly mixed. The usual dose is 15 ml to 30 ml. It is used as a pharmaceutical aid and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool place away from light.