Carmelite Water History

Carmelite water refers to a myriad of recipes that infuse lemon balm along with a couple of other plants in wine or alcohol.

Carmelite water history. The carmelite nuns who had been producing eau de melissa under their own aegis marketed as carmelite water proceeded into sealing their products with a red wax bearing the seal of their convent. We welcome your interest in the profound and exciting spiritual journey of contemplation and service found in our carmelite community. We ll explore this subject more in future posts. It was initially crafted in the 14th century by carmelite nuns from the abbey of st just and was commercialized under the name eau de carmes.

Some recipes combine 9 24 different types of herbs and spices to acquire the desired flavor and benefits. In fact louis xiv xv and xvi of france granted patents for the formula under the name of eau de melisse des carmes however it is known to consist of 14 herbs including lily of the valley chamomile sage mugwort angelica gentian root fennel sandalwood and cinnamon. Carmelite water also covered the smell of disease plague death from plagues and filthy living environments attributors to plague so rampant at that period of human history. French carmelite convents produced this famous elixir of which there are some regional variations particularly lyon.

Carmelite water is an alcoholic extract of lemon balm and other herbs. Recipes for carmelite water can have as many or as few herbs as a person chooses. Carmelite water we ve just. We are told that carmelite water was first prepared in about 1380 by the nuns and or monks of the carmelite abbey of saint juste 6 secret healing recipes were common at this time and most convents and religious orders had their own formulas for healing waters or elixirs that they would produce and sell.

We invite you to get in touch with us by email. It is used as an herbal tonic and toilet water. All this story of intrigue revolved around a humble plant the melissa or lemongrass or citronella. Elijah the fiery prophet of carmel and mary the mother.

In creating your first recipe for carmelite water you may want to start with a simple base recipe and add or take away herbs or spices based on your own personal needs and taste preferences. The recipe for carmelite water was so prized that patents for it under the name eau de melisse des carmes were granted by louis xiv xv and xvi of france. Alan scott october 18 2017. Carmelite water is a refreshing and fun way to use lemon balm while helping to keep a traditional herbal potion recipe alive.

The original recipe for carmelite water was and remains a closely guarded secret. And what a history behind this fascinating distillate.