Today is another recipe from Sarah Munro’s file of herbal remedies: Rose Water Face Spray.
As a historian, Sarah came across a 17th century herbal healer named Rebecca who was accused of witchcraft. Over a period of years, Sarah collected and updated all of Rebecca’s recipes, and I’m sharing them on the blog in anticipation of One Dark Wish’s release in a month. One Dark Wish, the second book in the Deadly Force romantic suspense series, is about about Sarah Munro and her sexy-yet-stubborn hero, ex-Green Beret Nate Walker.
Rose water is an incredible ingredient to put on your skin. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can calm common problems and rashes and is so gentle it can be used on sensitive, dry, and oily skin. If you use home-grown roses, you can be sure they’re pesticide-free. Just make sure to use fragrant roses. Yes, it makes a difference.
Many toner recipes use alcohol-free witch hazel. But witch hazel, although a nice astringent, can be harsh on sensitive skin. Technically, the recipe below is a simple rose water but centuries ago it’s what women used as a toner. It’s gentle and so refreshing on your skin both in the morning and after you take off your makeup. It even works well if you spray it on your face throughout the day as a skin freshener. I like to store some in a small spray bottle and carry it in my purse while I travel!
Sarah Munro’s Rose Water Face Spray
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup (tightly packed) fragrant rose petals (about 3-4 rose heads, freshly picked)
- water for rinsing petals
- 1 1/2 cups water (distilled is preferred)
DIRECTIONS:
Rinse rose petals in a bowl of water. Drain.
If you’re using more rose petals, it’s a 1:3 ratio of petals to water.
Add the distilled water to a pot and stir in rose petals. Simmer rose petals in water for 30 minutes. Set pot aside and let cool.
Strain out rose petals and pour water into a glass spray bottle.
Homemade rose water keeps in the refrigerator for a week. Use morning and night as a toner and to freshen your face during the day.
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
