First let's talk about what exactly rose water is. Pure rose water is the distilled water of roses. Not the stuff you buy at the pharmacy. You want it to be in its purest form. It is usually made by steam distillation, and it smelly wonderful and tastes delicious. Rose water is used in cosmetics mainly for its lovely scent, but also because it has light astringent properties. It is often used as toner for fair and dry skin.
While you can purchase it at local health food stores, here's a recipe for making your own.
Be sure you use fresh roses that have just begun to open; they are at their prime and will yield the strongest water. The more fragrant the roses, the stronger the scent of the rose water.
Ingredients
- 3 parts witch hazel extract, vodka, or gin
- 1 part distilled water
- Fresh, organically grown roses or rose petals
Directions
- Mix the witch hazel extract (or vodka or gin) with the distilled water. Place the fresh roses in a quart jar. Completely cover the roses with the alcohol mixture, adding enough extra that the alcohol mixture rises 2 to 3 inches above the flowers. Cover tightly and place in a warm shaded area. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Strain out the roses and rebottle the water for use. Rose water does not need refrigeration, though storing it in a cool place will prolong its shelf life.
*You can purchase top quality witch hazel extract through Mountain Rose Herbs.
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