What is Notre Dame water?

Question

never heard of it. i am wondering if holy water would replace this....but still curious. anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

 According to "The Conjure Cookbook" by Talia Felix, this is the name for a formula of arnica flower tincture and "wine spirits" (i.e., ethanol).  She also states that a later formula with this name is made from white rose water and wine spirits.  Names are slippery things, especially in older texts, and it's certainly possible that "Notre Dame Water" was applied to certain types of holy water associated especially with Our Lady--not necessarily from Lourdes, but that would certainly be considered special by believers.  The herbal form of Notre Dame Water was used medicinally, whereas holy water of any kind is for spiritual blessing and healing; so which of these one decides to use, would largely depend on the intention.