AROMATIC VINEGAR.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 120, 11 February 1926, Page 2

AROMATIC VINEGAR.

IDEAL SKIN TREATMENT. There is a sort of prevalent idea th'at aromatic vinegar is for use only in the sick room. But it has other functions. It makes a most refreshing wash, and softens and soothes the skin as many an expensive lotion fails to do. Two other primary points in its favour are, first, the fact that it can be easily made at home; and secondly, that it will keep good almost indefinitely. The ingredients required are one ounce each of sweet basil, thyme, spearmint, rosemary, rue, lavender and sage. If freshly gathered herbs arc not procurable, the dried kind will serve quite well as a substitute. The herbs should be placed in a stone jar, well bruised, and one pint of boiling vinegar then added. Cover the jar closely, and leave it for a couple of weeks. The jar should be shaken occasionally to stir up the contents, but always take care not to leave it uncovered.

At the end of the fortnight, the liquid can be strained off, as by this time it is thoroughly well impregnated with the essential oils of the herbs. For the final phase of the proceedings, mix onc-cighth of an ounce of gum benzine with two tablospoonsful of alcohol, and when this is thoroughly dissolved, pour the prepared vinegar into the same bottle and let the mixture stand three days. Then strain off through fine muslin and put into sural 1 bottles, which can be tightly corked. This efficient corking is all-essential. Three months later your aromatic vinegar is ready for use, and you will find the word * ‘aromatic 11 is no misnomer! One tablespoonful of the liquid to a quart of water makes a delightfully refreshing wash, and is amazingly beneficial to the skin.