Melissophora Water

natural skin toner inspired by the island

Entry from the Flower Notebook, Corfu

I didn’t recognize this story right away. It came not as a story, but as a feeling. In an old monastery on a hill where wild lemon balm grows, I was told about Melissophora – in the ancient Greek tradition, this is a “honey-bringer,” but not just a bee, but a woman dedicated to plants and healing. They said that such women knew how to calm the body, nourish the skin, and restore clarity to the spirit. They collected dew from petals and infused it with herbs.

When I mixed my spray, I thought of her. Of skin that is tired of the sun and wind. Of myself, reclaiming her face – gently, carefully, every day.

Melissophora Water Spray

Natural herbal tonic with a twist on Greek tradition. Refreshes, tightens, soothes.

Ingredients:

• 5 parts lemon balm

• 5 parts lavender

• 4 parts chamomile

• 4 parts rose petals

• 4 parts calendula

• 3 parts comfrey leaves

• 1 part lemon zest

• 1 part rosemary

• 1 part sage

• 1 part peppermint

• 1 part elder flowers

• 1 part immortelle flowers

• organic apple cider vinegar or witch hazel (or perfume vodka)

How to cook:

1. Combine all herbs in a jar and pour in liquid (vinegar/vodka/witch hazel) to cover by 2-3 cm.

2. Cover (using wax paper under the lid), put in the shade, shake every day.

3. After 2-6 weeks, strain and pour into a dark spray bottle.

4. Store for up to 6-9 months. Use morning and evening.

Variations:

• For a “shining dew” effect, add rose or immortelle hydrolate.

• For perfume or body spray, use vodka instead of vinegar.