Since then, roses have been used in medicines, cosmetics and in creating culinary delights for thousands of years, in many different cultures of the world. However, the discovery of the process of extracting rose water from rose petals is attributed to the Arabian Alchemist Avicenna (Abu Ali Sina, or Ibn-Sina, 980 – 1037 A.D.), way back in the 11th century.
Today, rose water is an aqueous solution obtained by steam distillation of crushed petals of Rosa Gallica (French Rose), Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) or Rosa Damascena (Damask Rose).
Well known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, rose water is excellent for cleansing, purifying, softening and toning the skin. Its pleasant fragrance makes it a nice, light and fresh cologne to wear especially in the summertime.
Rose Water and Facial Skin Care
Rose water is one of the most important tonics used in cosmetics in preparing exfoliating scrubs and masks. It freshens, tones, revives and balances the skin.
If you wish to deeply cleanse and nourish your skin with your own organic ingredients mix 2 tablespoons of rose water, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 drop of vitamin E oil. Massage it gently over your face for two or three minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Moisten a cotton pad with rose water and gently wipe your face.
If you have acne problems, clean your face with rose water 3 times a day. It’s a mild astringent and it will minimize your pores and at the same time prevent wrinkles!
Rose Water and Tired and Irritated Eyes
Rose water can be used to soothe tired, red and sore eyes, as well as to tone, and firm wrinkles. It is also very helpful in preventing and reducing dark circles under eyes. Take two cotton pads and pour some rose water on them. Place them on your eyes and relax for half an hour. You may also rinse your eyes every evening with the mixture of 30 ml rose water and 120 ml distilled water. This will help relieve eye strain and fatigue.
Rose Water and Various Forms of Dermatitis
Rose water can be very useful for alleviating various forms of dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema, and its mildly astringent properties make it a helpful tonic in treating seborrheic dermatitis. A very good hair pack is made with 5 tablespoons rose water, 3 tablespoons Rhassoul clay and 1 tablespoon Argan oil. Gently massage the mixture into your hair and scalp, leave it on for a few minutes and rinse.
Homemade Rose Water
If you have a bunch of fresh roses at home or you have decided to pick them up from your garden, why not make your own rose water to spray over your face and body during hot summer days?
All you need is:
- 2 cups of distilled water
- 1 cup of fresh rose petals (about 8 to 10 roses)
- 100% pure rose oil
Gently tie the rose petals into a piece of gauze, place it in a pot, and pour distilled water over it. Cover and boil on low fire for 30 minutes. When finished, add a few drops of rose oil and let cool, covered overnight. In the morning, remove the petals and pour the rose water into a spray bottle and keep in a cool, dark place.
Well, after having read all this, aren’t you tempted to start using this amazing fragrance immediately, and don’t you feel the desire to sprinkle its wonderful scent all over your body right away? Tell what you think of rose water. Do you love it as well? Leave your comment below.
I have rose water, and is it ok to mix it with milk? and thx 4 the advice
Yes of course there is no harm to mix rose water with fresh milk.. Milk is also great for the skin, although it leaves some smell behind. Yogurt is antibacterial as well if ur interested.
what is rose water exactly?