Rose water is a time-proven beauty treatment that is6.25.19 making a comeback. Many of today’s consumers are turning to all-natural products to resolve many health concerns. One of these natural products is rose water.
For those who may not be familiar with rose water, it is a liquid derived from the petals of roses, hence the name. This flower-scented water also contains anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of rose oil. It offers a myriad of health benefits.
In addition to being used in perfumes, rose water has proven effective in resolving skin irritation, breathing problems, mental illnesses, healing wounds, and much more. While the benefits of rose water may have only now started being praised, it has a history that dates back to the 7th century. Back then, it was routinely used throughout the Middle East for medicinal purposes.
Studies show that rose water was also used by North American Indian tribes to treat a variety of health problems. In this article, we will take a look at some of the modern-day uses for rose water and why it seems to be growing in popularity.
ROSEWATER TO HELP SOOTHE SKIN IRRITATION
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, rose water is an excellent and all-natural way to soothe irritated skin, especially for those with eczema, a condition that makes the skin red and itchy.
It is also an effective way to treat rosacea, which causes red and puss-filled bumps to appear on facial skin.
Furthermore, rose-based water can protect the skin against elastase and collagenase that can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. Rose water can help keep skin hydrated, making it a great anti-aging product as well.
Beyond that, it protects against harmful UV radiation as well as chemicals and environmental pollutants. All these can wreak havoc on the skin.
EYE HEALTH
In addition to improving skin health, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties in rosewater makes it a great eye drop. It has been proven effective in treating a variety of eye problems, including conjunctivitis (pink eye), acute dacryocystitis, cataracts, and conjunctival xerosis (dry eye).
Rose water-based eye drops can also help with degenerative eye conditions like pterygium or pinguecula, for example. Both these conditions can lead to a fleshy tissue growth on the conjunctiva of the eyes.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Rose water benefits also extend to digestive health. Yes, it is not only safe to drink but also helps increase bile production, which can help with bloating and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Beyond that, it has shown to help combat nausea and vomiting.
Lastly, the properties in rose-based water can work as an all-natural laxative for those struggling with constipation. When consumed, rosewater acts as a stool softener.
MENTAL HEALTH
Rose-based water can be used in a diffuser as aromatherapy or taken orally to help treat certain mental health disorders.
Along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit physical health, rose-based water contains antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. It can help treat insomnia and produces a hypnotic effect on par with commonly prescribed benzodiazepines such as diazepam.
Current research shows that you can use rose-based water to help combat stress, grief, depression, and tension. Evidence also suggests it may help effectively treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
HEALING WOUNDS
Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate pain, rose water benefits extend to wound healing. It contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
In fact, studies show that the ingredients in rose-based water not only help wounds heal faster but also protect against infections. Rose-based water is commonly used to treat burns, minor cuts, and scars.
SIDE EFFECTS
Although rose water benefits are plentiful, it can trigger an allergic skin reaction in some individuals, some of which include redness and a burning or stinging sensation when applied topically. However, there have been no reports of an allergic reaction in response to using rose water-based products orally or as an eye drop.
When using these products on your skin, you should apply a small amount on your arm first to see how you respond to a specific rose water-based product. Assuming you don’t have an adverse or allergic reaction, you can then apply it to other areas of the body as needed.
However, if you have an adverse reaction to a rose water-based product, stop using it and contact a physician as soon as possible.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN ROSE WATER BASED PRODUCTS AT HOME
If you have made it this far into this article, you’re probably intrigued by the many benefits rose water-based products have to offer. If so, you will be happy to know that it is possible to make rose water-based products at home.
Along with health benefits, rose water serves as a base for some great all-natural beauty products. It can be used in facial toners, hair perfumes, and cooling mists.
Additionally, many people have found them to be an excellent substitute for mainstream soaps, hair rinses, and hair detangling sprays.
Let’s focus our attention on how to make rosewater products at home:
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROSE PETALS
While fresh and dried rose petals can both be used to make rosewater, freshly picked ones are always better. However, you will want to pick them first thing in the morning when they are the most fragrant.
Of course, if you don’t have your very own rose garden, you can purchase them from a flower shop. However, you will want to choose organically-grown roses; they will contain the least amount of pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals.
SIMMERING OR DISTILLING
When it comes to making rosewater at home, the process requires either first simmering or distilling a batch of rose petals.
If you opt to simmer them, place the petals in a water-filled pot and allow them to simmer on low heat until the water has become rose-colored. It is important to note, however, that the relatively short shelf life of simmered rosewater. Therefore, you will want to use it as soon as possible.
The distilling process is very similar to simmering; however, it will yield a clear rose hydrosol that can last for as long as six months.
Depending on how you plan to use rosewater, the directions can vary slightly. For the remainder of this article, we will detail how to use rosewater for a few specific beauty treatments.
SKIN CARE
Whether you’re using rosewater to relieve sunburn, as a facial toner, or a cooling mist, the benefits are tremendous:
Sunburn – For best results, mix an equal amount of rosewater with apple cider vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle. Shake well and spray liberally onto the sunburned areas of your skin for maximum relief.
Cooling mist – A rose water-based cooling mist can be a godsend during the hot days of summer. To get the most out of this all-natural cooling mist, you will want to store it in the refrigerator to keep it cool and then use it on your face, arms, chest, and other parts of your body as needed.
Facial toner – To use rosewater as a facial toner, pour it into a glass bottle and add 2 drops of rose essential oil. Next, shake the bottle until you have mixed both ingredients thoroughly. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth or cotton ball before applying it to your face, preferably after washing your face or taking a shower.
MENTAL HEALTH
The fragrance associated with rosewater makes it a great form of aromatherapy. To help ease anxiety and depression, you can combine rosewater with rose essential oil in a diffuser. Breathe in the fragrant scent to help boost your mood.
Additionally, you can add 1 to 2 cups of rosewater to bathwater. Soak in the bath for several minutes. This not only helps relieve mental health symptoms but also relaxes tense muscles.
HAIR PERFUME
If you’re interested in improving the health of your hair while also adding a sweet, floral scent to it, rosewater may be the answer. For hair that smells great, consider mixing 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract with rose essential oil and rosewater.
Next, pour all of the ingredients into a spray bottle and spray a small amount of this sweet-smelling combination onto your hair before styling it.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ROSE WATER FOR BEAUTY
In summary, rose water benefits nearly all aspects of your health and is generally safe to use in most applications. Best of all, it is relatively inexpensive. If you’re looking for a versatile and all-natural product, rose water should not be overlooked.
