Rose Water Benefits
Rose water is an ancient substance that has medicinal, cultural, religious, and nutritional significance around the world.
What is Rose Water?
Quite simply, rose water is produced by steeping rose petals in water, which releases many of the active ingredients in these flowers. While rose water can also be produced through a steam distillation process in modern times, the production and use of rose water date back thousands of years. Roses are considered one of the most fragrant and beautiful flowers, and there have been many attributes given to these flowers throughout history. As it turns out, roses do contain many antioxidants, volatile compounds, and organic acids that make it highly sought after and effective as a natural remedy.
Rose water can be consumed, although it is most commonly known as a part of perfumes or other cosmetic products. Even today, this water is used in various ways around the world, and many of the health benefits it can provide are undeniable. Many of these benefits can be attributed to its content of citronellol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, and other aromatic and volatile compounds. Rather than chemically altered or unnatural perfumes, this natural and beautiful scented water can be a game-changing choice when used properly.
Rose Water Benefits
Rose water, with its amazing anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe skin irritation, reduce redness, promote anti-aging, relieve headaches, and protect against infections, among others.
Infections
Roses contain certain volatile compounds that are known to have antibacterial properties. This makes this sweet-smelling water a great way to protect the immune system and prevent infections and pathogens from attacking the body’s largest organ.
Hair Health
Many people use rose water in hair masks, which can help to soothe inflammation on the scalp, which can cause problems like dandruff and hair loss. It can also strengthen hair, improve texture and luster, and help eliminate split ends.
Anti-Aging
Some of the active ingredients in rose water are antioxidant in nature, meaning that they can seek out free radicals and neutralize them before they can do serious damage. In terms of anti-aging effects on the skin, the regular use of this water can help to prevent the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes.
Skin Irritation
If your skin is regularly irritated, it could be a sign of chronic inflammation, or a condition of rosacea, psoriasis or eczema. The anti-inflammatory compounds in rose water can help to eliminate this discomfort and speed the healing process with its anti-oxidant compounds.
Mood Booster
The aromatic compounds found in rose water have been linked to affecting hormonal levels, including neurotransmitters in the brain. The aroma of this water, as a perfume or in a cosmetic product, can help to elevate mood and relieve symptoms of depression. This can also help in the treatment of headaches.
Skin Redness
The immune system acts in all parts of the body, but in some cases, you want to suppress that activity – or make it more efficient. This water can help to eliminate the swelling and redness of inflammation, returning the skin on your face, neck or chest to its normal color. These are amazing benefits of rose water.
How to Make Rose Water?
Thousands of years ago rose water was made in the most basic way – soaking rose petals in water for an extended period. This water distillation method would pull many of the active ingredients and aromatic compounds out of the flowers, infusing the water. Steam distillation processes do exist, but for natural at-home removal, there is a quicker method.
1: Remove the petals from 6-8 rose stems.
2: Place these petals in a large pot.
3: Add enough water to the pot to just cover the petals, but be sure not to add too much water.
4: Use low-medium heat to gradually heat the water and petals.
5: Bring the water to a simmer and hold there for 20-30 minutes.
6: Wait for the petals to lose most of their color and become a pale pink/white.
7: Remove from heat and strain out the petals.
8: Store the rose water in a jar or spray bottle, away from direct sunlight.
