Floral and Herbal Waters

[Guest guest]

Floral and Herbal Waters

These would make excellent gifts. They have many uses...less heavily

scented than colognes, they can be used as splashes or toilet waters

for a refreshing pick-me-up or as perfumed additions to baths.

Left uncovered in pretty glass bottles,

they subtly scent a bathroom or dressing area. You can use them in

finger bowls at the table, or boiled in a saucepan for a few

minutes, they can beautifully perfume several connecting rooms of

your home.

When mixing the recipes, measure out the distilled water, then pour

into a mixing bottle. Add the vodka, (rubbing alcohol will not

work). Mix in the herbs(or flowers) so that they are thoroughly wet.

Let the mixture stand in a covered bottle in a cool, dark place for

one week to allow the scent to age. You can leave the peals or herbs

in the mixture for a pretty visual effect.....however, some petals

don't fare as well as others...so if that's the case, just strain

them out.

 

You can use this recipe for making any herb-scented water you

prefer. I made it using dried chamomile flowers, and the result was

marvelous.

 

You will need:

3 cups distilled water

1/4 cup vodka

1 ounce dried chamomile flowers

 

Follow the directions above.

 

Lavender Water is not only a delicious bath additive, it's also a

terrific way to pick up your spirits on a warm day....just dip a

handkerchief into a batch that you've kept cooling in the

refrigerator and pat some onto your face and neck as the Victorians

used to do.

 

You will need:

2 cups distilled water

1/4 cup vodka

8 drops lavender fragrance or essential oil(I use the essential oil)

 

Follow the directions above.

 

Rose Water In ancient times, rose water was sprinkled onto visitors

as they entered the house. While I wouldn't advise doing this for

your guests, you might consider putting rose water into finger bowls

the next time you give a dinner party.....or, do as I do....uncap it

and let it sweetly fragrance the bathroom, or guest room.

 

You will need:

2 cups distilled water

1/4 cup vodka

10 drops rose oil

1/2 cup fresh deep-red rose petals