Something that I have loved since childhood is “potion” making—mysterious liquids and substances being mixed together to create something new holds a very particular appeal to me. Of course, as a kid it was both the allure of creating something magical and the allure of creating messes that endured the activity. As an adult the draw has become a bit more practical and ever so slightly neater, however the joy of crafting botanically inspired concoctions has remained. So, when I stumbled across the Queen of Hungary Water recipe, I was immediately enchanted. This recipe is rooted in tradition and folklore and spoke to both to the adult crafter in me and my whimsical inner child who is still searching for that magic.
The rich history of this ancient recipe is much debated. Some say that it was created for the elderly Queen Elizabeth of Hungary by a court alchemist or a monk. Other accounts state that it was acquired from traveling Romani who marketed it as a cure-all. It is thought to be one of the earliest alcohol-based European perfumes. In fact, records of use date back as early as the 1300s. Variations of the Queen of Hungary water have been used as a toner, a perfume, a hair rinse, and even as a mouthwash. According to one legend, it restored the Queen’s youth so much that a 25-year-old Duke asked for her hand in marriage when she was in her 70s! This recipe is based on Rosemary Gladstar’s version, which can be found in Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. It is suitable for cosmetic use.
Queen of Hungary Water Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 parts fresh or dried organic lemon balm
- 5 parts fresh or dried organic lavender
- 4 parts fresh or dried organic chamomile
- 4 parts fresh or dried organic roses
- 4 parts fresh or dried organic calendula
- 3 parts fresh or dried organic comfrey leaf
- 1 part fresh or dried organic lemon peel
- 1 part fresh or dried organic rosemary
- 1 part fresh or dried organic sage
- 1 part fresh or dried organic peppermint
- 1 part fresh or dried organic elder flowers
- 1 part fresh or dried organic helichrysum flowers
- Organic apple cider vinegar or organic witch hazel extract
Directions
- Combine all herbs in a glass mason jar and add witch hazel or vinegar until the liquid rises above the herbs by 1 or 2 inches. The herbs will swell, add additional liquid if needed.
- Cover jar with wax paper (if using metal lid) and cap tightly. Store out of direct light and shake once or more per day.
- After 2-6 weeks, strain your toner, and label and date your jar. This recipe should have a shelf life of about 6-9 months.
- Spray on clean skin to tighten and tone!
Pro Tips
For an extra floral boost, combine the strained toner with up to an equal part of rose hydrosol
Use vodka instead of apple cider vinegar or witch hazel to create a body splash or perfume rather than a facial toner.
