Make wild Rose Petal vinegar

Renowned for their beauty and scent, roses have also been valued for centuries for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. Rose leaves, petals and hips can be used in variety of natural health & beauty preparations. This recipe for wild rose petal vinegar is quick and simple to make. Rose Petal Vinegar is beneficial for relieving itchy bites and stings, makes a softening hair rinse, soothing foot soak, refreshing facial toner, and cooling spray for sunburn, and other hot, dry, itchy skin conditions. It's a perfect summertime remedy, and once bottled, will keep for up to a year if stored in a cool, dry location. For a natural hair rinse, dilute 1 part vinegar to 8 parts spring water. For a natural facial toner, dilute 1 part vinegar to 4 parts spring water. Add a tsp of vegetable glycerin for additional benefit.  In salad dressings, mix 50/50 with a good quality oil. 

Top Tip: Herbal/flower vinegars are beneficial for trips to the beach on hot days. Decant your herbal/flower vinegar into a small bottle, dilute with spring water (1 part vinegar, 4 parts water) and use to cool and refresh skin.

Ingredients and method 

a basket or bowl of fresh/dried wild rose petals (dried petals results in less vibrant colour
​350 ml cider vinegar / or white wine vinegar

• Collect a basket or bowl of fresh wild rose petals, and shake to remove any insects
• Place the wild rose petals in a large, clean dry glass jar.

• Pour the vinegar into a saucepan and simmer gently for a few minutes. 
• Remove the vinegar from the heat. Pour over the wild rose petals, ensuring the petals are covered with liquid.
• Cap with a non-metallic lid (if you don't have a non-metallic lid, you can use cling film or waxed paper between the lid and the jar) shake, and store in a cool, dry place for 1-6 weeks, shaking every few days.
• Strain with a jelly bag, or large piece of muslin, and discard the petals. 
• Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year