Quick Carmelite Water

The famous Carmelite Water, first made by 17th century Carmelite nuns was used to treat nervous headache and neuralgia. It combined lemon balm with lemon-peel, nutmeg, coriander and angelica root. Here’s a recipe with a magickal twist:

• 1 bunch of lemon balm leaves
• the rind of one small lemon
• 2 sprigs sweet marjoram (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 cloves
• 1 nutmeg, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• piece of angelica root the length of your little finger
• 1 pint brandy, vodka, or other spirits

On the New Moon, bruise the herbs in a mortar and pestle. Put them in a pint jar and fill with your chosen spirits. Let sit in a warm, dark place for two weeks, shaking daily. Strain, filter, and put up in a pint (8 oz) bottle. The longer you let this sort of tincture sit, the better it will taste. Store in a cool, dark place.

Use to improve the complexion or as a compress in fevers. To make a cologne, use spirits of wine instead of brandy or vodka and add 20% water to the final produce.

From: Alchemy Works