| Rose Water Benefits |
| Preparation of Rose Water |
| How to Store Rose Water |
| Ways to Use Rose Water |
| Side-Effects of Rose Water |
| Conclusion |
The rose variety called Rosa damascene, is commonly used in cosmetics and wellness products, from face creams to perfumes. One of the many forms of roses that you can use in health, beauty, and even food and drink is rose water, a substance created from water that has rose petals infused into it. Even today, rose water is a common ingredient in health and wellness products even though its origin and use date back to the 7th century CE. To know about the various rose water benefits, read further.
Rose Water Benefits
Some of the potential health benefits of rose water are detailed below:
1. Treatment for Sore Throat
Antibiotics are generally prescribed for sore throats. But did you know that rose water can also be used to soothe sore throats? Research says that rose water has been a traditional remedy for sore throats. Although further research is required to demonstrate its efficacy, there is substantial anecdotal evidence in favour of it, and there is very little danger in trying.
2. Skin Health
Rose water has been used as a cosmetic since time immemorial, and it should not be surprising that the benefits of rose water for face and skin are numerous. It helps lighten skin redness and improve the complexion. Studies have shown that the antimicrobial qualities could lessen acne, and the anti-inflammatory qualities can lessen skin sensitivity and puffiness.
3. May Help Treat Infections
The strong antimicrobial qualities of rose water help to both prevent and treat infections. Because of this, rose water is frequently used in a range of complementary and alternative therapies. One study even discovered that rose water’s antibacterial and analgesic characteristics helped treat cases of conjunctivitis when it was used in eye drops to treat the ophthalmic issue.
4. Reduces Skin Irritation
Rose water’s potent anti-inflammatory qualities are among its greatest advantages. Numerous illnesses, both internal and external, can be treated with the use of these qualities. Calming the irritation caused by eczema or rosacea is one of the best rose water benefits for skin.
5. Helping Heal Cuts, Burns, and Scars
Rose water contains antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that promote wound healing. These properties help in cleaning cuts and burns and also help prevent infections. Additionally, they can hasten the healing of scars, burns, and cuts.
6. Soothes Headaches
Aromatherapy frequently employs rosewater and rose essential oil to ease headaches. The de-stressing effect of rose water helps in soothing headaches and so is beneficial when used in aromatherapy. According to one study, rose water vapour can help with headache relief. Using a compress soaked in rose water to the head for about 45 minutes can help relieve headaches.
7. Mood Enhancer
Rose water has antidepressant and antioxidant properties that relax the central nervous system and help enhance the mood.
8. Helps Prevent Cell Damage
Numerous potent antioxidants found in rose petals and oil can help shield cells from damage. According to one study, these antioxidants may have actions that limit lipid peroxidation. This helps in providing strong protection to the cells.
9. Alleviates Digestive Issues
Rose water has been used in folk medicine to promote digestion and lessen digestive discomfort. Studies have shown that rose water helps improve digestion and soothe digestive discomfort. Additionally, it might increase bile output, which can help digestion even more.
10. Anti-Ageing Effects
One of the most popular rose water benefits is delaying the ageing process. The benefits of rose water for face are that it helps reduce wrinkles and is a prominent ingredient in most beauty products. When applied topically to the face, it not only helps to reduce irritation but also wrinkles.
Preparation of Rose Water
There are three ways of preparing rose water. They are:
- The simmering method
- The distillation method
- The essential oil method.
You will have to collect rose petals to prepare rose water, except in the case of the essential oil method. You will need 2 to 3 flowers to collect a cup of rose petals. Wash the rose petals to remove the dust on the petals, and then you are ready to proceed either with the simmering method or the distillation method to prepare rose water.
1. Simmering Method
Things you need:
- 2 to 3 cups of fresh rose petals
- A wide saucepan
- A strainer
- A glass jar or spray bottle
- 2.25 litres of distilled water
Instructions:
Place the fresh rose petals in the wide saucepan. Add enough water to cover the rose petals. Do not use too much water as it may dilute the rose water. Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the rose petals lose their colour. Allow it to cool. Strain the water and store it in a glass jar or spray bottle.
2. Distillation Method
In this method, water condenses and collects on the underside of the lid, which then drips down into the bowl.
Things you need:
- 2 to 3 cups of rose petals
- A wide pot or saucepan
- A ceramic or metal bowl which is heat resistant
- A cup of ice cubes
- 2.25 litres of distilled water
Instructions:
Place the rose petals in a wide saucepan or pot. Add enough water to cover the rose petals. Place a ceramic or metal bowl at the centre of the pot or saucepan. Ensure that the petals do not get stuck under the metal bowl. Place a lid upside down and cover the saucepan and place some ice cubes in the lid. Boil the mixture.
Keep adding ice cubes as required. Check the colour of the petals by carefully lifting the lid. Simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes or till the petals lose their colour. Allow the rose water to cool. The condensed water in the metallic or ceramic bowl can be stored in a glass jar or bottle. The water in the saucepan can also be strained and stored as in the simmering method, and this way, you will not be wasting any petals.
3. Essential Oil Method
This is the easiest way of preparation, and the rose water prepared in this method can be stored for a longer period. But the only hassle is that this rose water cannot be consumed. It can be only for topical use.
Things you need:
- 12 drops of rose essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of coconut, almond, or jojoba oil
- 1 cup distilled water
- A glass jar or spray bottle
Instructions:
Mix rose water with either coconut, almond, or jojoba oil as per choice and distilled water. Pour the mixture into a glass jar or spray bottle. You can store this mixture at room temperature. Do not consume rose water made in the essential oil method.
How to Store Rose Water?
To keep its efficacy and preserve it for as long as possible, rose water is best stored in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry spot.
Rose water, like all other goods, has a shelf life that is influenced by the process used to make it. Rose water loses its effectiveness over time. While rose water created by simmering lasts just a few months, rose water made by distillation can be kept in the refrigerator for up to six months if stored in a sanitised, sealed glass container.
Ways to Use Rose Water
The benefits of rose water for face and skin are numerous. You can derive the rose water benefits by using it in various ways.
- It is a good substitute for commercial face toners. Using rose water as face toner helps in removing excess oil and dirt and also helps maintain the pH balance of the skin.
- You can use it as a room freshener. Spray rose water on furniture, curtains, and pillows. It can be used in place of regular room fresheners and is generally safe, especially if you are sensitive to perfumes.
- It can be used to hydrate your hair. Mix rose water with coconut or almond oil and give a gentle hair massage. This will strengthen your hair follicles as well as hydrate your hair. It can do the job of a hair conditioner if you rinse your hair with rose water after shampooing.
- If you sprinkle your hair with rose water before you head out, it will give a gentle fragrance to your hair.
- Rose water can be used to refresh your clothes by sprinkling them while ironing clothes.
- Keep cotton pads dipped in rose water on your eyes. It will relax your eyes and also remove puffiness.
Side-Effects of Rose Water
Using rose water is typically regarded as gentle and safe. Nevertheless, a rose allergy is conceivable. To make sure there is no reaction, always perform a patch test before the usage.
Make sure there are no dangerous ingredients in the rose water you purchase.
Conclusion
Rose water is an easy, all-natural method to give your wellness and beauty routine a touch of flowery sweetness. It is easy to prepare rose water at home. The rose water benefits range from improving skin health to enhancing mood. You can refrigerate the rose water to store it for a longer period. Nevertheless, remember to discard it when you observe a change in colour or aroma.
