Homemade Butterfly Pea Flower Facial Toner

 I decided, after doing some research, to buy butterfly pea flowers (instead of growing them).  Everything I read stated they prefer a very hot season, and otherwise, do not produce enough flowers.  I have been intrigued to try the tea with them too.

Here is the witch hazel after 24 hours, after infusing it with a few flowers.  Very pretty right?   I started using it on May 19th.

Do I like it?  It's only been a few days, but feels great after a washing my face, after a hot day of work outside.  My face feels great in the morning too.  I'll continue to use it and update after a few months.  I did do a test on my arm first, to make sure I would not have any reaction to it first.

The recipe is online with a free printable page - Mommypotamus, DIY Butterfly Pea Flower Skin Toner.

I included the link on this post, as she has a lot of other DIY recipes and how-to's.

 

It's just infused witch hazel (organic, double distilled), infused with the butterfly pea flowers, and a bit of glycerin.  I stored mine in amber bottles, so I could keep it in the bathroom.  I found that if it's a toner, that has to be refrigerated, I forget all about using it.  

The flower is said to have a lot of health benefits as a tea, and benefits in skin care too.  I believe the online recipe states the benefits, but if not, you can always google it.  I could not find any information in any of my herbal books.

Homemade Butterfly Pea Flower Facial Toner © May 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Wild Violets ~ Wild Violet Jelly ~ Wild Violet Tincture

 I have wild violets on our property, and they only bloom for a short time.  One area is around my clothesline, so I have to keep on top of it, before someone mows it down.

In the past I have made wild violet jelly for gifting and enjoying ourselves.  I just don't have the time to can anything right now, so I decided to make a medicinal tincture this spring.

Here is how I canned the jelly:  Wild Violet Jelly

It's perfect for gift giving because it is a beautiful color, and it tastes delicious.  I can it in 4 oz. jars, to make the recipe more shareable.  I typically only get enough blossoms for one batch when I do can jelly.  I first made the jelly back in 2018.  I got the recipe from another blogger (go to my link and it will then have a link for her blogpost).

(I picked these, and made this Sunday, before the frost)

The tincture is new to us.  I am doing research on uses, but so far cough, throat issues are two.  Have you made this tincture?  I would love to know what other benefits is contains, or illnesses it can be used for.