Change of the Season: Sage Hydrosol (recipe featured in Willow & Sage Magazine, 8/2022)
As the change of season arrives, taking cues from the natural world is a wonderful invitation to alter our personal-care routines and prepare the skin for crispier, cooler, and darker days ahead. Shelving herbs that are cooling, drying, and relaxing, and grabbing ones that are more warming, moistening, and earthy can help during this seasonal transition. When it comes to external efforts I can make to prepare my skin for the months ahead, my go-to herb is sage. Energetically, it is warming and prevents stagnation by stimulating the circulatory system, and with its astringent qualities, it refines and tightens pores to lock in moisture.
This facial toner is a ritual I look forward to making each fall. The recipe is a bit more involved than some other toners because I like to bring in as much plant magic as I can. To start, I make a sage hydrosol — water-based blends from steam condensation that occurs while boiling fresh herbs. The condensation collected is an herbal water containing the oil and water-soluble parts of the herb. This sage hydrosol is a natural toner, and it can be used as is.
For the Sage Hydrosol You Will Need:
> Stockpot & lid: large
> Canning jar ring: large
> Glass bowl: heat-resistant
> 8 cups fresh sage
> Filtered water
> Ice cubes
> Spoon: large
> Glass jar
To Make:
Place a large stockpot on the stove with a large canning jar ring inside the pot to create a platform on which to add a heat-resistant glass bowl, and add the bowl. Place about 8 cups of fresh sage around — not inside — the bowl. Slowly pour fi ltered water over the plant material until it is submerged. Cover the pot by placing the lid upside down. Add ice cubes on top of the lid, and bring the liquid to a boil. Once the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, keeping a strong simmer. Condensation inside the pot will accumulate on the lid’s handle and drip down into the bowl, collecting the hydrosol.
Allow to simmer until the bowl is full. Replenish the ice as it melts, and scoop up the melted water with a large spoon. If the water line gets low, add more water inside the pot. When ready, turn off the heat and let it cool. Carefully remove the bowl full of hydrosol, transfer the liquid to a clean glass jar, and seal, label, and use as needed. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, monitoring for any fungal growth or change in smell.
For the Sage Toner You Will Need:
> Bowl: small
> 4 TB. sage hydrosol
> 1–2 TB. apple cider vinegar
> 1 TB. aloe vera gel
> 5–10 drops chamomile essential oil (optional)
> Spray bottle
> Funnel
To Make:
In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients. Pour the mixture into the spray bottle of your choice using a funnel. Shake before each use, and enjoy!
Recipe was showcased in the Willow & Sage Autumn 2022 issue. To order the entire issue, click here.
