The Benefits of Rose Water
Rose Water for Beautiful Skin
Rose water has been used throughout history by women around the world. Cleopatra used it to keep her skin dewy and supple during her reign as queen of Egypt. It was used as a means to cool hot angry skin in the summer heat as well as for its ability to smooth and brighten complexions.
Rose water’s popularity as a culinary flavoring is used in the Middle East and India in many dishes to add a subtle rose fragrance that lightens spicy or heavy foods. Rose has also been used to flavor desserts like Turkish delight and baklava and can even be added to lemonade. Its light aroma eases depression and anxiety and induces a sense of ease and well being…it also happens to taste great!
What is Rose Water?
Rose water is essentially a byproduct of rose essential oil making. When the roses are being distilled for their oils, it’s the water that is left behind. This water is called rose hydrosol or rose floral water. The best hydrosols don’t actually come from making rose essential oil though. The best hydrosols will come from distillers who are actually making just the hydrosol, not just using the “byproduct” produced from making rose essential oil.
But don’t let the word “byproduct” scare you! Rose water, whether it’s a byproduct or made intentionally, is fantastic for all skin types.
The Benefits of Rose Water
Rose as an herb is very cooling, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent, the perfect recipe for those suffering from acne. Apply it to red, hot to the touch, blemished areas for a calming effect. The best method is to spray it on directly.
Rose water is also quite antiseptic, so acne causing bacteria don’t stand a chance with regular use as a natural skin toner. It’s properties benefit sensitive, irritated, dry, and even oily skin complexions by controlling sebum production. Rose water even balances the skin’s PH levels and tightens pores making them appear smaller.
Other Rose Water Benefits
• Can be used for eye infections (just soak a soft cotton round and place over the eye)
• Balances the PH of our skin and clears acne
• Heals sunburn, bug bites, and rashes
• Soothes inflamed sore throats (use it as a gargle)
• Relieves PMS symptoms, menopausal symptoms, and gently balances hormones
• Relieves menstrual cramps and improves mood swings
• Improves depression and anxiety (breathe in the fragrance while spraying it on your skin)
• Soothes capillaries
• Improves circulation
• Curbs skin and bladder infections
• Natural remedy for diarrhea and ulcers
• Adds shine to hair (just spritz it on)
• Enriches the body with nutrients
• Soothes digestive problems
• Relieves tooth ache
So as you can see, rose water has astounding benefits for a wide variety of ills and ailments. But how do we make rose water at home? It’s actually quite simple!
How to Make Rose Water
Although this isn’t a hydrosol method, this rose water will still have all the benefits you need for health and glowing skin.
You Will Need
• 1 cup of packed (preferably organic) rose petals that are clean and separated
• A pot for boiling water
• A mortar and pestle (for bruising the rose petals) you can tear them if you don’t have these
• 2 cups distilled water
Preparation
• Bring water to a rolling boil
• Add the bruised or torn rose petals to the boiling water
• Stir a few times
• Put on the lid (use one without a hole in it, you want to keep the steam in the pot) and boil until the color is completely gone from the petals
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit until completely cooled
• Strain into pretty bottles or into a spray bottle for easy use
This rose water will keep for 1 week on the counter and about 2 weeks in the fridge. Keep a small spray bottle in your purse for quick and easy refreshment on hot days or in dry winter weather.
