Today's brides can draw on traditional herbal wisdom by preparing botanical beauty treatments to help them unwind before the ceremony.  Less expensive and less taxing to the skin than commercial products, homemade combinations incorporate fresh, healing ingredients like rose flower petals, rhyme, rosewater, witch hazel, and mint.  When packaged in attractive containers, these treatments also make thoughtful gifts for the bridesmaids.

BRIDAL BATH

Legend has it that when the Roman leader Mark anthony stepped onto Cleopatra's barge, he was knee-deep in fresh rose petals.  The Queen's opulent display was meant to make a lasting impression on Mark Anthony--and it did.  The two were married in 37 BC.

Since even before Cleopatra's time, the rose reigned supreme as the symbol of love.  Pets, playwrights, kings, queens and regular folks all over the globe have long held this intoxicating plant in high esteem.  It's the flower of Cupid, son of Venus, and the Roman god of love.  Indeed, ancient Romans contended that the first roses were white until Venus, rushing to rendezvous with Adonis, pricked her finger on a thorn and stained the flower blood-red.

1/4 cup rose petals

1/4 cup rosemary

1/4 cup lavender

1/4 cup lemon verbana

Muslin bag

Mix herbs together, crushing to release their perfume.  Pour into muslin bag.  Secure the bag, tie around the faucet, and start your bathwater, allowing it to penetrate the herbs.  Recipe makes enough for two baths. (Note:  Choose either fresh or dried herbs.)

LAVENDER SUGAR SCRUB

Long savored as an aphrodisiac, the scent of lavender petals still appears today in aromatherpay treatments, sachets, and perfumes. Try this scrub to smooth rough skin.  You may choose to add your favorite moisturizing oil to the mix.

1/2 cup dried lavender petals; 1 cup sugar

Alternating ingredients, layer sugar and lavender in a glass jar.  Seal tightly and let steep for two weeks.  When ready to use, wet hands and scrub mixture onto dry skin; then rinse.

SIMPLE SKIN TONER

Before the rise of commercial beauty products, people preapred their own treatments, often using witch hazel.  An antiseptic, astringent, and skin soother, this plant was also reputed to mend broken hearts and subdue passions.  You can purchase it today at most grocery and drugstores.

Rosewater, another popular beauty ingredient, was purportedly the first perfume ever created.  Rumor has it that Josephine Bonaparte loved it so much, she bathed in it daily.  You'll find rosewater in natural food stores and speciality shops.

Equal parts:  Witch hazel, Rosewater, Orange flower water

Mix ingredients.  Pour into a clean bottle, cork, and shake to mix.  Apply to face and neck with cotton balls for a fresh glow.

A GROOM'S GIFT

Brides usually get most of the attention, but don't forget the groom on the big day.  A groom's gift basket could include any number of herb-inspired edibles, poetry, or garden adornments.  Body products for the basket follow:

• Aftershave:  Add 1 sprig each of sage, rosemary, yarrow, and mint to 1 cup of vodka.  Pour into a clean jar, seal, and store in a cool, dry place, shaking occasionally, for 2-4 weeks.  Strain and pour into a bottle.
• Mouthwash:  Pour 2 cups of water in a saucepan, add a handful of mint and a handful of parsley.  Gently simmer for 30 minutes.  Strain.  Add 2 teaspoons of vodka and pour into a container.
• Hair Oil:  Pour 1/2 cup of olive or sunflower oil into a bowl.  Add 2 tablespoons of rosemary and 1 teaspoon of peppermint.  Heat for 2 minutes.  Filter solids through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and pour oil into a jar.  Massage into scalp to stimulate hair follicles.

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