Would a rose smell as sweet if it were called anything but a rose? Probably, and the benefit of rose water would still be the same. It’s no surprise that Cleopatra used roses to lure her lovers into her palace and that ancient culture has been benefitting from its countless bounties for centuries. Rosewater is filled with incredible powers and the best part is, it’s readily available. If you’re looking to use rose water and reap the benefits, we’ve got the scoop for you below, as well as a simple and easy DIY rose water recipe. It’s the perfect addition to any beauty routine, so get reading!
What Is Rose Water?
Rose water is a liquid made from steam distilling the petals of rose flowers. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy and treatment in a variety of cultures. The best roses for making rose water are the Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia, and Rosa gallica. These three roses are edible, so they are safe to use in drinks, teas, and flavorings.
It has been used since ancient times for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, being described since at least the 10th century. Rose water was used extensively in the Middle East during the Islamic Golden Age, with its use being encouraged by many prominent scholars. It was used for various medicinal purposes even then, including treatment for headaches, depression, and digestive disorders, as well as for its fragrant aroma.
Over time the well-known benefit of rose water spread to Europe during the Crusades, and it became popular in Europe during the Renaissance. Rose water was used in fragrances, foods, and beauty products, such as skin creams and lotions. At one point, it was also believed to be an effective antidote to many poisons.
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Rose water was used extensively during the Victorian era in England, and it remains popular today in many cultures. Rose water is used in the preparation of various desserts and drinks, in perfume making, and as a beauty product. It is also popular for spiritual purification purposes in many religions as well.
What Is The Main Benefit of Rose Water?
Rose water has many beneficial elements, which is why humans have used it for centuries. But the #1 main benefit of rose water is the anti-inflammatory properties it provides, which, when used on the skin, can help reduce redness, swelling, and skin irritation.
We love the anti-inflammatory benefit of rose water. Studies have shown that rose water contains compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, both of which act as powerful antioxidants. These compounds that help protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, as well as the rich Vitamin C and phenolics of rose water act to reduce redness and swelling, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or those who suffer from skin irritations like allergies or have acne discomfort.
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Rose water also has a light astringent effect, meaning it can help to tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and fine lines, while also balancing the skin’s pH levels. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties can help heal cuts, burns, and scars more rapidly too! This astringent benefit of rose water makes it an excellent addition to any skincare routine. After all, it’s an all-natural product with a multitude of benefits.
For hair, the astringent effect helps reduce oiliness, and rose water is so hydrating that it adds moisture to damaged dry hair – perfect for processed or color-treated hair. Curly-head queens swear by it’s ability to reduce frizz too!
In addition to its numerous beauty benefits, the natural aroma benefit of rose water is its pleasant scent that can help to improve someone’s mood and reduce stress. Rose water is used in aromatherapy for good reason! It’s relaxing. You’ll see rose water in perfumes and soaps, and it’s even believed to help with headaches, depression, and digestive issues.
How to Use Rose Water?
Rose water is a natural remedy that provides a wealth of benefits for beauty, health, and wellness. Used for a variety of purposes, including skin and hair care, aromatherapy, and culinary applications, there’s a way to incorporate rose water into anyone’s daily life.
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Certain beauty companies know a thing or two about the benefits of rose water and include this ingredient in their products, while others base their whole line on it. In many skin care uses, rose water can help hydrate, revitalize, and moisturize the skin, as well as improve its tone and texture. Rose water can be used as a facial cleanser, toner, or moisturizer.
For hair, rose water can be used as a natural hair conditioner. It can add shine to dull or lifeless hair and also help soothe itchy, flaky scalps. You may also find rose water in damaged hair treatments, detanglers or leave-in conditioners, or strengthening mists.
Rose water has a soothing, calming aroma that can help reduce stress and relieve anxiety so it’ll be seen in aromatherapy too. From massage oils and bath products to candles and linen sprays, the benefit of rose water is seen everywhere. Referred to as the “Queen” among essential oils, rose water is believed to open the heart chakra, and create a feeling of being loved, hence it’s used in marriage ceremonies in India to welcome guests.
One of the most unique applications, rose water can be used to flavor cakes, jellies, and other desserts. Yep! It’s edible. Rose water has become increasingly popular in the culinary world and for good reason. It has a unique floral flavor that is unlike anything else.
It can be used as a flavoring agent in savory dishes, such as rice, vegetables, and salads. And in sweets, it adds the perfect amount of depth and flavor to cakes, cookies, and tarts. It’s also used in making jams, jellies, and marshmallows. And don’t forget about great drinks! The benefit of rose water can be found in cocktails, smoothies, and tea. Sometimes it even replaces vanilla extract in baking recipes. Remember to always use the edible variety of rose water when integrating it into any of your food dishes.
Where To Get Rose Water?
Rose water is readily available in a variety of products. If you’re looking to incorporate the benefit of rose water into your everyday life, try one of these products below:
- Rose Water Face Mist
- Rabee Food-Grade Rose Water for Flavoring
- Chesapeake Bay Rose Water Candle
- Rose Water Hair Masque for Curly Hair
DIY Rose Water Recipe
But you can also get the benefit of rose water right at home by making your own DIY rose water with this recipe. First, gather your ingredients. All you need is four or five blossoms, along with water and ice cubes. Once you have your roses, prepare them by removing the rose blossoms from the stems and rinsing them carefully to remove any dust, dirt, or little bugs.
Next, prepare your medium-sized cooking pot by placing a smaller glass dish inside the center of the pot. This is where the distilled rosewater will collect. Around the empty glass bowl in the center place all the rose petals. Make sure that there are no petals in the glass bowl. Add enough water to the cooking pot to cover the petals and bring the heat up to a simmer. Do not place any water in the glass bowl in the center.
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Now comes the interesting part. You need to place the lid of the cooking pot on… upside down! The cover will help to catch the distilled rose water vapor. Once the lid is upside down, you can start adding ice cubes on top of the lid. You can gently move the ice cubes around with a spoon and watch them begin to melt away. As soon as your first batch of ice melts, add more on top. This will help with the condensation of the evaporated rose water.
Repeat that step for about 30 minutes, and then your gorgeous rose water will be ready. Once off and cooled, lift your saucepan lid, and you’ll see that your new, fresh rose water has been condensed into the glass bowl in the middle of your pot. Put on some soft oven mitts and carefully grab the hot bowl out from the middle of your saucepan. Voila, you have the benefit of rose water right at home.
To store, it’s recommended to pour the beautiful, fresh rose water into a clean glass container with a lid. Keep the rose water in a cool, dry place such as a refrigerator. If you’re using it as a mist, using it nice and cold is perfect as a summertime refresher. Now that’s a great, cool benefit of rose water you can have every day!
We know that rose water can do so many things for us. But we just love the main benefit of rose water – the anti-inflammatory properties. It’s an incredibly versatile and beneficial addition to any beauty routine. From its natural healing properties to its calming and soothing effects, this beauty staple has been used for centuries, both for its pleasant scent and its medicinal benefits. With its wide availability and ease of use, rose water is a great addition to your medicine cabinet. So get yourself some rose water – or make some – and start reaping the benefits today!
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