Queen of Hungary’s Water

There is something so intriguing about recipes that have been used for centuries and passed down by oral tradition and folktales. Below is one of my favorite herbal recipes with legend deeply rooted in folklore. 

QueenofHungarys01_lr.jpg

There is much debate over the history of this ancient recipe. Some say that it was created for the aging Queen of Hungary by an alchemist in the 1300s to restore her youthfulness. According to the legend, it reversed her appearance so much that the 25-year-old grand-duke of Lithuania asked for her hand in marriage when she was 70! I based my version on Rosemary Gladstar's recipe, but please feel free to adjust it as you like to create your own.

QueenofHungarys02_lr.jpg

• 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

Combine all herbs in a glass mason jar and add vinegar until the liquid rises above the herbs by at least 1 or 2 inches. As the herbs swell, add additional vinegar if needed.  Cap the jar tightly and shake once or more per day. After 2-6 weeks, strain out the herbs and reserve the liquid.

Combine the infused vinegar with up to an equal part of rose hydrosol and, if desired, a few drops of lavender essential oil.

If desired, use vodka instead of apple cider vinegar to create a body splash or perfume rather than a facial toner.  Or, you can use witch hazel extract in place of the vinegar if you prefer it without the vinegary scent.

 

Looking for more?

Make Your Own Homemade Facial Serum

 


Topics: Recipes

Irene

Written by Irene on March 21, 2012

Irene's extensive experience with herbal products and DIY recipes goes back to 1997, and since 2012 she’s owned her own skincare business, Fawn Lily Botanica, where she specializes in botanical-based facial care products. Irene’s recipes have been featured in local and national publications including the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) Journal, Amaze Magazine, Willow and Sage magazine, MaryJanesFarm Magazine and Newsletter, Earth First Journal, Farming Magazine, Eugene Magazine, and the Eugene Weekly. Irene also served as a member of the Board of Directors for nonprofit Cascadia Wildands from 2013-2016.


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Queen of Hungary’s Water

There is something so intriguing about recipes that have been used for centuries and passed down by oral tradition and folktales. Below is one of my favorite herbal recipes with legend deeply rooted in folklore. 

QueenofHungarys01_lr.jpg

There is much debate over the history of this ancient recipe. Some say that it was created for the aging Queen of Hungary by an alchemist in the 1300s to restore her youthfulness. According to the legend, it reversed her appearance so much that the 25-year-old grand-duke of Lithuania asked for her hand in marriage when she was 70! I based my version on Rosemary Gladstar's recipe, but please feel free to adjust it as you like to create your own.

QueenofHungarys02_lr.jpg

• 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

Combine all herbs in a glass mason jar and add vinegar until the liquid rises above the herbs by at least 1 or 2 inches. As the herbs swell, add additional vinegar if needed.  Cap the jar tightly and shake once or more per day. After 2-6 weeks, strain out the herbs and reserve the liquid.

Combine the infused vinegar with up to an equal part of rose hydrosol and, if desired, a few drops of lavender essential oil.

If desired, use vodka instead of apple cider vinegar to create a body splash or perfume rather than a facial toner.  Or, you can use witch hazel extract in place of the vinegar if you prefer it without the vinegary scent.

 

Looking for more?

Make Your Own Homemade Facial Serum

 


Topics: Recipes

Irene

Written by Irene on March 21, 2012

Irene's extensive experience with herbal products and DIY recipes goes back to 1997, and since 2012 she’s owned her own skincare business, Fawn Lily Botanica, where she specializes in botanical-based facial care products. Irene’s recipes have been featured in local and national publications including the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) Journal, Amaze Magazine, Willow and Sage magazine, MaryJanesFarm Magazine and Newsletter, Earth First Journal, Farming Magazine, Eugene Magazine, and the Eugene Weekly. Irene also served as a member of the Board of Directors for nonprofit Cascadia Wildands from 2013-2016.