Queen of Hungary’s water

Follow: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Shop | Etsy | Patreon

Note: This article was originally published by @gritchenwitch on Instagram. To learn about me and my practice, including more info on folk witchcraft, mountain magic, knot work, and hearthcraft, please visit gritchenwitch.com or join my Patreon at patreon.com/gritchenwitch.

---

I've been waiting for years to make Queen of Hungary’s Water and it's finally time! This is some legit beauty magic. Here’s the process I’m following.🌿

Queen of Hungary’s Water dates to the 14th century. Ordered by Queen Elizabeth of Hungary (note: not Saint Elizabeth), it was created by her herbalist as a cure-all youth tonic with magical properties. According to legend, at age 70 she appeared over 40 years younger.

If you find it in stores it’s stupid expensive (and usually sold as a tiny amount in a fancy bottle). But it’s so easy to make once you’ve gathered all your herbs.

I’m following Rosemary Gladstar’s recipe with a couple of my own additions. It can be tweaked according to your preferences, but the rosemary is essential. Your herbs can be dry or fresh.

5 parts lemon balm
3 parts chamomile
3 parts roses
3 parts marigold
3 parts comfrey leaf
3 parts rosemary
1 part lemon peel
1 part sage
1 part elderflower
1 part life everlasting flowers
1 part peppermint
1 part dandelion
Apple cider vinegar to cover
Rose hydrosol (or rose water)

Layer the herbs in a wide mouthed jar. Make sure to leave an inch or two of space at the top. Fill the jar with enough vinegar that it rises an inch above the herbs. Close tightly and keep in a warm spot for 4-6 weeks. Give it a shake every few days.

Reserving the liquid, strain the herbs well (I’ll use cheese cloth + a fine mesh strainer to get rid of all the bits). Add an equal part of rose hydrosol. You could also add a drop or two of essential oil.

Refrigeration isn’t necessary and your toner should keep for at least a couple of years.

In addition to the magical properties, Queen of Hungary’s Water tightens pores, soothes skin, normalizes pH, smooths texture and protects from bacteria. As part of a beauty routine, you would use it before moisturizer. It also supposedly smells incredible—we’ll see in a few weeks!