Old-Fashioned Rosewater

Rosewater is truly a nectar of the gods. It can be used in many recipes,

from foods to beauty aids, or just be splashed on for a fragrant aura as

lovely as a rose! Rosewater also makes a wonderful facial toner for all

skin types and is used in several recipes throughout this book, including

the Rooibos Rose Toner and the Green Clay Rose Milk Mask

YIELDS: 16 ounces

2 cups rose petals

2 cups distilled water

Dash of sea salt

What you will need: rubber gloves, glass or enamel pot, strainer

(cheesecloth or tea strainer), funnel, jar or bottle with sprayer top

1. To Make: Place the rose petals in a glass or enamel pot, pour in distilled

water to just cover. Avoid using a metal pot, as it will react negatively with

the oils. Add a dash of sea salt to help bring the essential oils out of the

petals. Heat until water is scalding but not boiling. Turn off the heat, add

rose petals, and let soak for at least an hour. Strain the petals from the

liquid, and use the funnel to pour into your storage container. Wear rubber

gloves to help avoid contamination, and give the petals an extra squeeze to

get as much of the botanical goodness out of them as possible.

2. To Store: Store in your refrigerator for up to 4 months.

3. To Use: Use as a facial toner or add a cup to your bathwater along with a

few fresh rose petals for a delicate rosy bath. Makes a lovely aromatic mist

to refresh your skin and your spirits if kept in a bottle with a sprayer top.

SKINCARE SECRETS

Traditional hydrosols, a.k.a. flower waters, are the byproduct of

steam distillation of essential oils. Steam passes through the plant

material to extract the essential oils; the hydrosol is the condensed

steam. Floral waters are much milder than essential oils and have

similar therapeutic effects in skin care and in overall mind, body, and

spirit wellness.

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