The Queen of Hungary's Water

Astringents are used to remove excess oil from the skin. In addition, they tone the skin and help prepare it for moisturizing. While they are especially appropriate for oily skin, any type of skin can benefit from the pore-tightening effects of an astringent.

This wonderful astringent lotion has been hailed as the first herbal product to ever be produced and marketed. Legend has it that the recipe was given by the Gypsies to the Queen of Hungary and that it kept her skin so young looking that at age 80 she got a marriage proposal!

The lotion combines gentle, common herbs in a masterful way; it’s easy and inexpensive to make, and very versatile. The Gypsies claimed it was good as a hair rinse, mouthwash, headache remedy, aftershave, foot bath, and who knows what else!  Although the original recipe has been lost through the centuries, there are certain herbs that are known to be part

of the original recipe.

It is an excellent astringent for the face (both rose water and witch hazel are light astringent tonics) and a great rinse for dark hair. You can make it for the cost of a few herbs and a bottle of vinegar.

6 parts lemon balm

4 parts chamomile

1 part rosemary

3 parts calendula
4 parts roses
1 part lemon peel
1 part sage
3 parts comfrey leaf
vinegar to cover (apple cider or wine vinegar) rose or witch hazel extract
essential oil of lavender or rose (optional)

1. Place all herbs in a widemouthed jar. Add enough vinegar to come about an inch or two above the herb mixture. Cover tightly and let sit in a warm spot for two to three weeks.

2. Strain. Reserve the liquid. To each cup of herbal vinegar add 1/2 - 1 cup of rose water or witch hazel. Add a drop or two of essential oil, if desired. Rebottle. This product does not need to be refrigerated and will stay preserved indefinitely.

Interesting Note: Hungary water first appeared outside of Hungary in 1370 when the French Charles V le Sage, who was famous for his love of fragrances, received some. Hungary water was known across Europe for many centuries and until eau de Cologne appeared in the 18th century, it was the number one fragrance and remedy applied in the world. Similar to other herb and flower-based products, Hungary water was not only a fragrance, but also a valuable remedy for many ailments.

Herbs have powerful effects on the body and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. You should consult your health care provider before using herbs on yourself or on anyone else.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary_Water