Agua de Flores ("Flower Water"), also known as Florida (which means "flower" in Spanish) Water, is a fragrant flower water. It was introduced in 1808 by Robert I Murray, a New York City perfumer. In addition to its use as a perfume, it was used along with sachets for scenting the linen and fresh flowers in the corsage. In the 1880s and 1890s, Murray & Lanman Florida Water was advertised as "The Richest of all Perfumes" and "The most Popular Perfume in the World".
Agua de Flores traditionally combines the fragrances of
citrus (bergamot, orange, neroli, lemon, lime)
lavender
rose
mint
clove
cinnamon
FLORIDA WATER #1
oil of bergamot 3 fluid ounces
oil of lavender 1 fluid ounce
oil of lemon 1 fluid ounce
oil of cloves 1 1/4 fluid drachms
oil of cinnamon 2 1/2 fluid drachms
oil of neroli 1/2 fluid drachms
essence of jasmine 6 fluid ounces
essence of musk 2 fluid ounces
alcohol 8 pints
rose water 1 pint
Mix and, if cloudy, filter through magnesium carbonate.
-- From "Fortunes in Formulas For Home, Farm, and Workshop"
edited by Garner D. Hiscox, M.E. and Prof. T. O'Conner Sloane, A.B., A.M., Em., Ph.D.
(The Norman B. Henley Publishing Company, 1937)FLORIDA WATER #2
oil of bergamot 3 fluid ounces
oil of lemon 1 fluid ounce
oil of ylang ylang 1 fluid ounce
oil of lavender 1/2 fluid ounce
oil of cinnamon 20 drops
oil of cloves 12 drops
oil of neroli 10 drops
alcohol 1 gallon
rose water 1 pint
(or distilled water plus light rose scent)
-- From my own personal notes, circa 1973, source not attributed but apparently adapted from an old formulary to use what i had on hand at the time.A few ways to use today:
add to the water used in cleansing and ritual
purification and anointment
offerings to spirit guides, allies, ancestors, and angels
cleanse, heal, and protect the aura
Make Your Own Essential Oil Diffuser Blend
Use up to 20 drops of essential oils per two ounces of liquid
For example: 1 drop bergamot, 4 drops orange, 2 drops lemon, 2 drops lime, 4 drops of lavender, 2 drops rosemary, 1 drop jasmine, 1 drop rose, 1 drop cinnamon, and 1 drop clove
Make Your Own Tincture
80-190 proof alcohol
Peel from an Orange peel
Peel from 2 Lemons
Peel from a Mandarin
4 branches of Rosemary (fresh and/or dried)
5 branches of Mint (fresh and/or dried)
2 Tbsps. Lavender Tops (fresh and/or dried)
3 Cloves
4 Cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
Combine equal parts alcohol and water.
Add dry ingredients into a large glass jar.
Add the liquid mixture to the jar.
Close the jar and allow it to macerate for 21 days, or 1 full moon cycle, in a dark place. Don ’t open the lid, as the alcohol will evaporate.
Each day during the 21 day period, agitate the jar and ensure the plants are completely immersed into the liquid mixture.
After 21 days, strain the content using a cheese cloth or very fine mesh cloth.
Store the liquid mixture in a glass spray bottle.
Voila ready to use!
Today, the company started by Murray still uses the original formula and sell it under the Murray & Lanman brand which is available at the Shaman's Market.
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