Floral & Herbal Water Projects & Recipes

Botanicals, honey and fruits steeped in water or alcohol are often called floral or herbal waters. The most common ones you may have hear of would be rose and lavender, but many botanicals can be used to make these lovely gifts.

Infusion Methods:

A process of soaking herbs in water. An 'infusion' is used when preparing more fragile parts of the herb...leaves, fruit, seeds, etc. For use in lotions, waters, soap making and toners.

Hot Infusion:

Boil water. Add to 1 tsp. dried herb. Cover and steep for 8-13 minutes. Strain, cool. Drink as a tea, add to a bath, rub into furniture and floors, anoint body, and make the air more pleasant. Bark, root, resin and bruised nuts, seeds, buds are good for hot infusions.

Cold infusion:

Steep in cold water or milk for several hours. Used internally as a tea or as a poultice on body.

Rose Water

Rosewater can be used in the bath, (1cup), hot tub or as a splash after bathing . Floral waters tone and clear the skin, and act as a hydrating agents, and help to normalize the acid balance of the skin.

• 2 Cups distilled water
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 large clear and clean container
• 2 cups fragrant rose petals

In your very clean container fill with rose petals 3/4 of the way full. If you want to ingest your rosewater make sure your rose petals were organically grown. Pour the water in until it covers the petals completely. Once your water is in, add your Vodka. Put on your lid and shake it up a little to make sure the ingredients mix completely. Place in the sun and wait about two weeks. The water will start to turn in a few days. Strain out the rose petals through a coffee filter and presto your have made your very own rose water. Please note: The unscented vodka will kill any bacteria on the petals and the alcohol prolongs the scent. Store in the refrigerator use within two weeks If fragrance is not strong enough add a few drops rose oil.

Lavender Water

Simply replace rose petals with 1 1/2 c. lavender flowers.

Lavender Linen Water Recipe

Ingredients:

• 100 drops (5 ml) lavender oil
• 5 drops peppermint oil*
• 1 1/2 fluid oz. (45 ml) vodka (highest proof available)
• 20 oz. distilled or still spring water

Blend the essential oils with the vodka in a small glass bowl. Stir well to amalgamate. Pour water into a large glass bottle. Add oil mixture to water. Please note: The linen water may be cloudy. This is normal and won't stain linen. Shake bottle before you use it.

Relevant link:

African American Natural Skin and Hair Care Forum

This forum was developed for people of color to discuss natural products for hair and skin care.  All are welcome to come and join in and discuss and share some of the specific hair and skin care concerns of people of color and general hair and skin care concerns of all groups of people. 

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