Here’s a recipe for my beloved herbal perfume that I use when I want to feel like I’m forest-bathing in a wilderness of aromatic herbs. Inspired by Peru Florida water. Grab your flowers and spices and let’s make perfume the ancient way!
I admit I’m totally in love with Peru Florida Water. As a perfume, as a ceremonial water, as a reminder of the depth and beauty in plants. Not just flowers, but spices and herbaceous leaves. They all come together to create a sacred experience for the wearer. The aroma is so feminine and poetic, like an aromatic jewel adorning your skin. So if you love making your own, you’ll enjoy this recipe for your own sacred herbal perfume. The aroma is unbeatable!ย
I love splashing a little on my hair (as alcohol is so drying on skin), and I keep some in a roller to apply to my wrists throughout the day. It’s so beautiful, I know you’re going to LOVE it!
Sacred Floral Water
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Tbsp Rose petals
- 1 tsp Rosemary leaves
- 3-4 Sage leaves
- 1 Tbsp Orange peel
- 1 Tbsp Lavender flowers
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp Peppermint leaves and flowers
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 slices Apple (dried)
- 1 Tbsp Tart Cherries (dried)
- 3 slices Pear (dried)
- 3 slices Pineapple (dried)
- 2 Figs (dried)
- 1 tsp All Spice
Solvent: I recommend using Vodka around 40% alcohol content which is strong enough to draw out the essential oils in the flowers and herbs. The amount in mL is really variable, and I’d just use enough to be able to coat the herbs and keep them covered. Obviously, the more solvent you use the more dilute the perfume will be.
Rose petals are central to herbal perfume, adding a powdery, sweet quality.
Orange peel fresh off the fruit brings a light, refreshing quality to the perfume.
METHOD
- To get the best result, crush the materials into small bits and chop up the fruit into small pieces.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a glass jar, and coat with the solvent. The solvent ideally should cover the herbal materials so that they are not exposed to the air. Then pop the lid on and leave to infuse in a cool place for 6 weeks.ย
- Press the herbs into the solvent each day so that you avoid bacterial contamination.
- At the end of 6 weeks, strain the mixture with muslin or a thin tea towel, and throw the herbs into the garden as compost. You may want to strain twice to ensure that the liquid is free of any herbal residues.ย
Leave to infuse in a cool place for 6 weeks for the best result.
If you’re wondering where I get my ingredients, I’d suggest looking somewhere like Scoop, Naked Foods or anywhere you can buy small amounts of precious petals and spices as you need. Ideally use dried flowers, but for the Thyme, Rosemary, Orange peel, Sage and Bay leaves just use whatever you have (fresh or dried).ย
And if you love what you make or you personalised this recipe, I’d love to hear how! Feel free to comment below.ย
Photo credit: Karolina Grabowski
Hey there!ย Welcome to my world of totally natural and powerful healing medicines. Medicines from nature. Medicine from Source. I’m a naturopath and herbalist with extensive clinical experience working with a range of health conditions including hormonal, metabolic, mental health, sleep and more.
I’ve brought together years of clinical and teaching experience, academic skill and curiosity to bring you this blog. I hope you enjoy it! If you do, leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
