Making Herbal Waters

After cleansing your face, it is important to tone the skin using a water-based product. This removes any last traces of cleanser, as well as freshening and hydrating the skin. Toners also help to close up large pores and improve the surface texture. Many commercial toners contain alcohol, which can dry the skin, so it's good to know that there are natural alternatives that work gently and efficiently. These products need to be refrigerated and used up while they are fresh (within three months in the case of flower waters).

Making herbal waters are a lot of fun and they keep for months. These waters are beneficial to skin care. Using a stainless steel, glass or enamel soup pot with a lid, place a rack in the bottom of the pot, one that will hold a small bowl. This small bowl will be off the bottom of the soup pot about 1-2 inches. Place rose petals, lavender or any delicate flower or leaves in the soup pot and around the small bowl, filling only half way up to the edge of the small bowl.

Fill the pot with water, just to cover the petals or leaves. Turn the pot on high heat and bring to a boil. Place the lid upside down on the pot. Next, place ice cubes and cold water to fill the lid without overflowing. Replace the ice and water as it heats and melts.

As the steam from inside the pot hits the lid with the ice, the water condenses. This condensation falls from the lid back into the small bowl you placed in the center of the pot. This is your distilled flower water.

Place this in a sterilized jar and cap tightly. Label and use as needed. This is an exceptional way to make your own flower water. These waters will last several months without going bad but use up as quickly as you can. If mold shows up in the water, discard and do not use.

You will not buy flower water any better than the water that you can make at home. Making your own also saves you a lot of money. A quick and simple herbal water recipe can be made by placing herbs (rose petals, lavender, etc.) in a quart jar, cover with distilled water, and one teaspoon of vodka, let sit for three days, strain off the herbs and discard, use as needed. The roses will usually turn the water pink or red. This should be kept refrigerated as not to spoil.