Natural Vitamin C Toner

Every Spring I’m on the hunt for elderberries and also the prized flowers. Once you know where to look for Elderberry you can go back year after year to gather the flowers. They grow along creeks and fence lines. Near water is where they thrive best. Elderflowers are creamy white, five petaled blossoms which cluster into bunches on the Elderberry shrub. The scent is sweet and intoxicatingly wonderful.

Elderflowers are loaded with potent antioxidants and micronutrients. They contain Vit A, B, C, E and D. Omega-3, Omega-6. Bioflavonoids, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Navigenin, Catechin. All of these substances protect skin from free radicals.

I use a 30% rule for shrubbery/trees. Never take more than 30% of the flowers from each plant. For this method you’ll only need a few bunches.

You can source Calendula petals online or you can add them to your spring garden. They’re a must in my garden! Calendula flowers are a cheery, happy garden favorite. Colored in orange or gold with a strong fresh aroma. When cut they have a resinous quality and the scent is heavenly. Calendula has been extensively used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese Medicine. Calendula petals contain Oleic acid, Lupeol, Quercetin, A Amyrin, B Amyrin. And so much more. These antioxidants protect and soothe as well as visibly improve skin and promote healing. The flowers are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antibacterial. They help speed the healing of skin and increase collagen production.

Capture pure Vitamin C and other anti-aging compounds from nature using Elderflower and Calendula.

When it comes to plant based skincare Calendula and Elderflower address almost every skin care concern.

Get visible results!!

• Elderflowers are mildly astringent and naturally help minimize pores as well as tighten and firm skin.
• Promotes healthy clear skin. Skin softening, skin firming.
• Improves complexion, even outs skin tone, adds radiance and a glow.
• Anti-aging benefits, Anti-wrinkle, Free radical fighting properties.

LETS GETS STARTED!

The great thing about natural or folk medicine is that it doesn’t have to be exact. You can add or take away to your liking. I added a pinch of dried lavender and a couple dried bee balms.

What you need…

• 16 oz 100% pure and natural Witch Hazel. You can prepare this yourself or purchase from a trusted brand. I used DICKINSON’S ORIGINAL WITCH HAZEL
• 3-4 bunches of elderflowers
• Approximately 50 Calendula blooms.
• A large clean mason jar.

To make this toner you’ll want to start with dried flowers. That’s the most important part.

Pull the petals from the Calendula stem and spread out in a thin layer. Place somewhere to dry.

For the Elderflowers you can leave on the stem to dry.

The drying process takes about a week. Once dry add all your petals to the bottom of the mason jar.

Fill with 16 oz of Witch Hazel. Making sure all the herbs are covered. Close the lid. I use a large jar so I don’t have to worry about the metal lid touching the solution. If yours does choose a larger jar. Shake Well.

You’ll notice very quickly that the toner will take on the colors stripped of the flowers. You’re capturing all their goodness!!

Store in a cool, dark location for approximately 2 weeks. Shaking daily.

Strain using a cheese cloth or fine mesh colander. Pour into a jar or back into the original Witch Hazel container.

Instructions for use

• Use daily after cleaning and before applying any skin treatments, mask, serum, moisturizer or makeup.
• Moisten a cotton ball or pad and apply in an upward fashion on face and neck.
• For best results, use morning and night. You’ll be well on your way to noticeably radiant and defined skin.