Home Beauty Treatments: Gypsy Herbal Astringent Lotion

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This wonderful herbal astringent lotion has been hailed as the first herbal product ever produced and marketed. Legend has it that the early Gypsies formulated it and claimed it to be a cure-all. Whether or not it is I hardly know, but I do know that it is an excellent astringent for the face and a great rinse for dark hair.

This Gypsy herbal astringent lotion combines gentle common herbs in a masterful way, it’s easy to make, and it’s a versatile formula that serves many purposes. The Gypsies used it as a hair rinse, mouthwash, headache remedy, aftershave, footbath, and who knows what else! I have seen this formula sold in department stores in exotic little bottles for a fancy price. 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)

1. 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.
2. 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.

Excerpted from Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality. Published by Storey Books. Copyright 2001 Rosemary Gladstar. Reprinted with permission from Storey Communications, Inc.

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