How to make rosemary water - Take rosemary fresh gathered in its perfection, with the morning dew upon it and lay it lightly and unbruised upon the plate or bottom of the still; cover the plate with its conical head, and apply a glass receiver to the nose of it. Make a small fire of charcoal under the plate, continuing it as long as any liquor comes over into the receiver.
When nothing more comes over, take off the still head and remove the plant, putting fresh in its stead, and proceed as before; continue to repeat the operation successively, till a sufficient quantity of water is procured. Let this distilled water be kept at rest in clean bottles close stopped, for some days in a cold place; by this means it will become limpid, and
powerfully impregnated with the taste and smell of the plant.
Cinnamon Water -Take of bruised cinnamon, 1 lb.; water, 2 galls. Simmer in a still for 1/2 an hour, put what comes over into the still again; when cold strain through flannel.
Milk of Roses - Melt together in a stoneware vessel over a waterbath, spermaceti, white wax, and soap, each 1 oz. Rub in a marble mortar bitter almonds, 2 oz.; sweet almonds, 1 lb. Take out 3/4, and on the remaining 1/4 pour the above mixture, and continue rubbing. Then add by degrees the other 3/4 of the almonds, always pestling, so as to incorporate thoroughly. In a
white glass bottle mix distilled water, 1 qt.; rose-water and spirit of rose each 1/2 pt. Reserve 1 pt., and gradually pour the mixture first made into the remainder. Rub, and strain through a cloth, then return the residuum to the mortar, triturate it with the reserved mixture, strain, and mix with the other liquid.
Herbal Disinfectant
4 large lemons (or limes)
1/4 cup, cider vinegar
1 pint distilled water
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
5 drops, Tea Tree essential oil
Spray bottle
Squeeze the lemons and strain out the pulp. Pour into a pitcher and add the vinegar and distilled water. Mix well by lightly whisking, then carefully add the essential oils. Pour solution into a spray bottle, and label. Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight, and use as a disinfectant each time you clean the nursery
Courtesy of Miss Daney - Folklore,Magic and Superstions
