The Queen of Hungary’s Water
a Rosemary Gladstar Recipe
Queen Elizabeth of Hungary was reputedly cured of paralysis of the joints after a gnarly old hermit concocted a brew made from rosemary oil and alcohol, later dubbed as the infamous Hungary Water.
According to Rosemary Gladstar, it also makes an excellent facial astringent, rinse for dark hair, mouthwash, headache remedy, aftershave and footbath! You can make it for the cost of a few herbs and a bottle of vinegar.
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 widemouthed 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.
