Why Florida Water Turns White: Explained

Florida Water is an American version of Eau de Cologne, first introduced in 1808 by New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray. It is a citrusy, floral scent, with an emphasis on sweet orange, and spicy notes of clove. Florida Water was initially used as a perfume, but has since become a staple in mystical practices, particularly in the Americas. It is used for cleansing and protection in spiritual practices across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The name refers to the Fountain of Youth, which is said to be located in Florida, as well as the floral nature of the scent. While it is used in various spiritual practices, it is also used as an aftershave, or added to bathwater, laundry, or floor wash for a refreshing scent.

Florida Water's spiritual uses

Florida Water has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when it was first used as a perfume. Over the years, it has become a staple in various spiritual practices, including Vodou, Hoodoo, Wiccan, and Santeria. Here are some of the spiritual uses of Florida Water:

Cleansing and Purification

Florida Water is known for its ability to cleanse and purify spaces, objects, and people. It is often used to remove negative energy and heavy vibrations, bringing a sense of positivity and light. People often sprinkle or spray Florida Water in their homes, on their altars, or around themselves to create a purified and blessed space.

Ritual Offerings and Ancestral Work

Florida Water is often used as a ritual offering to ancestors, spirits, or deities. It is placed on altars or offered during ceremonies to invite guidance and blessings. It is believed to help clear confusion and facilitate clear communication with the ancestors.

Spiritual Baths and Floor Washes

Adding Florida Water to a bath is said to cleanse the aura, wash away negative energies, and rejuvenate the spirit. It is also used in floor washes to purify and bless the home, bringing protection and positive energy into the space.

Meditation and Spiritual Practices

Florida Water is often used during meditation to enhance focus and elevate the meditative state. It can be applied to the wrists or diffused in the air to create a calming and soothing atmosphere. It is also used during yoga or intention-setting practices to help focus the mind and enhance spiritual awareness.

Healing and Emotional Support

Florida Water is believed to have healing properties and is used in healing ceremonies to bring balance and harmony to the mind and body. It is also used to ease grief, emotional distress, and anxiety, providing comfort and spiritual support during difficult times.

Attracting Good Fortune and Love

Florida Water is often used in rituals to attract good luck, prosperity, and positive outcomes. It can be sprinkled in the home or carried in a small bottle to invite good fortune. Additionally, it can be used in love magic to attract true love or remove obstacles in a current relationship.

Florida Water's versatility in spiritual practices has made it a powerful tool for many people, and its unique properties continue to enhance their spiritual journeys.

Florida Water's history

Florida Water is an American take on Eau de Cologne, first introduced in 1808 by New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray. The name is a reference to the mythical Fountain of Youth, said to be located in Florida, and the floral nature of the scent.

The original formula, which remains unchanged, includes an alcohol base with water and a mix of essential oils, giving it a citrusy, fresh scent. The emphasis is on sweet orange, rather than the lemon or neroli of traditional cologne, with added notes of lavender and clove.

Florida Water was initially marketed as a unisex perfume, with barbershops using it as an aftershave. It was also used to scent linens and fresh flowers in corsages. In the late 19th century, it was advertised as "The Richest of all Perfumes" and "The most Popular Perfume in the World".

The product was so popular that Murray was joined by businessman David Trumbull Lanman in 1835, and later, in 1853, by George Kemp, leading to the company's name change to Lanman & Kemp.

Florida Water's popularity extended beyond the United States, making its way to Hong Kong at the turn of the 20th century. It was a common household item, especially during the summer months, and remains a moderately popular toiletry product in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.

In addition to its cosmetic uses, Florida Water has also been adopted in various spiritual and religious practices. It is used in Hoodoo, a spiritual system practised by some African Americans descending from formerly enslaved West African populations. It is believed to have cleansing properties and is used to ward off bad spirits and negative energy.

Florida Water is also used in spiritual practices in the Caribbean and Latin America, with roots in African religious traditions. It is believed to have protective and healing properties and is used for spiritual cleaning, actual cleaning, and household rituals.

Florida Water has maintained its original recipe and popularity for over 200 years, with people finding new uses and benefits beyond its intended purpose as a perfume.

Florida Water's ingredients

Florida Water is an alcohol-based cologne with a citrusy, floral scent. It was first used in the early 1800s as a perfume but has since become a staple in mystical practices. It is primarily made by the company Murray & Lanman, though there are hundreds of recipes for homemade versions.

The original recipe for Florida Water includes an alcohol base with water and a proprietary mix of oils, including cinnamon, bergamot, rose, and orange flower. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it is known to include sweet orange, lavender, and cloves, giving it a citrusy, fresh, fougère kind of scent.

Florida Water has a variety of uses, from household to spiritual. It can be used as an aftershave or as a scent refresher for the home. It is also popular in spiritual practices, believed to ward off negative energy and bring good luck.

• Vodka or other grain alcohol
• Herbs: basil, thyme, rosemary, sweetgrass, lavender, mint, basil, rosemary
• Flowers: rose petals, jasmine, lavender
• Citrus peels: orange, lemon, lime
• Spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries
• Essential oils: rosewater, lemon, orange, lavender, bergamot, cinnamon, clove, ylang-ylang
• Crystals: amethyst, smokey quartz, rose quartz, clear quartz, black obsidian

To make Florida Water, combine the ingredients in a glass jar and allow them to infuse for 14-40 days. Then, strain the mixture into a clean container and store it in a cool, dark place.

Florida Water's toxicity

Florida Water is a perfumed water used in spiritual practices and rituals. It is believed to ward off negative energy and bring good luck, and is used to cleanse homes, clothing, and altars.

Florida Water is not toxic. However, it does have properties that may cause allergic reactions, particularly skin allergies and eye irritations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that it has a low skin absorption rate, and it scored a single point on their toxicity scale, meaning it is perfectly healthy and safe. Nevertheless, as with any beauty product, it is recommended to do a patch test before use.

Florida Water contains around 81% alcohol, with the remainder consisting of water and a proprietary mix of oils, including rose, cinnamon, bergamot, orange flower, lavender, and clove, giving it a citrusy, fresh scent.

In addition to its spiritual uses, Florida Water can also be used for household purposes, such as cleaning and adding a refreshing smell to a room. It can also be used on the skin as an aftershave or toner, although its high alcohol content could be drying.

Florida Water's versatility

Florida Water is a versatile product with a range of applications beyond its use as a cologne. Its versatility is evident in its ability to cater to various user needs, from spiritual practices to household cleaning and personal care. Here are some ways in which Florida Water showcases its versatility:

Spiritual Practices

Florida Water is widely used in spiritual practices across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is believed to possess cleansing and protective properties, helping to ward off negative energy and bring good luck. Some spiritual practitioners use it to cleanse their altars, ritual tools, and spaces by spraying or wiping surfaces with diluted Florida Water. It is also added to cleaning mixtures, laundry, and floor washes to enhance spiritual purification. Florida Water is further used to attract ancestral spirits by placing a bowl of it on an altar or under the bed to invite good dreams.

Personal Care and Self-Care

Florida Water can be used as an aftershave to close pores and reduce facial swelling. Its astringent properties make it a potential substitute for toner, and its high alcohol content (around 81%) contributes to its versatility as a hand sanitiser. It can also be added to bathwater for a soothing and cleansing experience. Additionally, Florida Water can be used to soothe bug bites and as a massage liquid due to its aromatherapeutic qualities.

Household Cleaning

Florida Water's refreshing scent makes it an excellent addition to household cleaning routines. It can be used to wipe down kitchen counters, mop floors, and freshen laundry. Its versatility extends to repelling insects, making it a handy camping companion.

Fragrance

While Florida Water is primarily known as a cologne, its scent can be used in other ways. A few drops can be placed in a diffuser or bowl to promote positive energy and enhance the mood of a space. It can also be added to shampoo for a refreshing hair fragrance.

First Aid

In some traditional practices, Florida Water is used to treat seizures caused by what is believed to be demonic possession. It is also used to relieve itchiness caused by insect bites and miliaria (a skin condition characterised by small, itchy bumps).

The versatility of Florida Water is a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance across various communities. Its applications go beyond its original intended use, making it a multi-purpose product with a rich history and a devoted following.

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