Queen of Hungary Water (for hair)

THE QUEEN OF HUNGARY’S WATER (Rosemary Gladstar)

This wonderful astringent lotion has been hailed as the first herbal product ever produced and marketed. Legend has it that the early Gypsies formulated it and claimed it to be a cure-all. Whether or not it is I hardly know, but I do know that it is an excellent astringent for the face and a great rinse for dark hair.

This is one of the world’s finest cosmetic formulas. It combines gentle common herbs in a masterful way, it’s easy to make, and it’s a versatile formula that serves many purposes. The   Gypsies used it as a hair rinse, mouthwash, headache remedy, aftershave, footbath, and who knows what else! I have seen this formula sold in department stores in exotic little bottles for a fancy price. You can make it for the cost of a few herbs and a bottle of vinegar.

            There is also a story that it was formulated for the Queen of Hungary about 800 years ago. She used it for her hair and face. Rumor has it that this Water made her so youthful looking that in her 70’s she was asked for her hand in marriage by a young man.

6 parts lemon balm
4 parts chamomile
4 parts roses
3 parts calendula
3 parts comfrey leaf
1 part lemon peel
1 part rosemary
1 part sage
Vinegar to cover (apple cider or wine vinegar)
Rose water or witch hazel extract
Essential oil of lavender or rose (optional)

Place the herbs in a wide mouthed jar. Fill the jar with enough vinegar that it rises an inch or two above the herb mixture. Cover tightly and let it sit in a warm spot for 2 to 3 weeks. Strain out the herbs. To each cup of herbal vinegar, add 2/3 to 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 keep indefinitely.

Decide what herbs you will add to the jar. Weigh the specific amount on a balance and record these numbers. You want to be able to reproduce the same consistency the next time you make it.