Understanding The Health Benefits of Rose Water

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Skin Benefits | Mood Benefits | Internal Benefits | How To Use Rose Water | How To Make Rose Water | Where to Buy Rose Water

Learn all of the benefits of Rose water. The flower doesn’t just smell good — it’s also powerfully hydrating and intensely soothing. Rose water benefits are plentiful as it is undoubtedly beauty’s magic potion, and also remarkably versatile.

Rose water, made from petals steeped in H2O has been used as a beauty treatment since ancient times, known for its anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties. It is used as a perfume due to its sweet scent, but it has medicinal and culinary values, as well. Rose water been used traditionally in both beauty products and food and drink products.

Rose water is made by steeping rose petals in water. Sometimes, a by-product of the method of removing rose oil is also utilized in the place of rose water. There are a number of rose water benefits that make it a favorite ingredient in cuisines and religious rituals. Rose water for skin and rose water for face are two of rose water’s most well-known uses.

Rose water contains numerous, powerful antioxidants. While rose water sprays can feel hydrating and calming, they shouldn’t replace your moisturizer. The skin is the largest organ in the body and acts as a barrier against UV radiation, chemicals, and other physical pollutants. The main benefit of rose water sprays is the instant refreshed feeling they give skin.

The Health Benefits Of Rose Water

Rose Water for Skin

  • One of the greatest benefits of rose water is its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
  • The antioxidants in rose water protect the cells in the skin against damage.
  • Rose water acts as an inhibitor against elastase and collagenase, which are both harmful to the skin.
  • Rose water may even help soothe the irritation of eczema or rosacea.
  • The antibacterial properties may help reduce acne. The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin redness and puffiness.
  • Rose water has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help wounds heal faster.
  • Rose water has anti-aging effects and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles when applied topically.
  • Due to the astringent like properties it possesses, rose water helps clean pores and tone the skin.

Rose Water for Internal Health

  • The ingestion of rose water has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the digestive system.
  • It works by increasing bile flow, which helps symptoms of common complaints, including bloating and upset stomach.
  • Rose water has traditionally been used to soothe sore throats.
  • Rose water has powerful antiseptic properties, which can prevent and treat infections like eye infections.
  • Rose water can help heal from colds, flu and sore throats.
  • It may have a bronchodilator effect and help with respiratory illness.
  • Rose water can relieve fluid retention and inflammation.

Rose Water for Mood

  • One study found that the vapor of rose water can soothe headaches.
  • Rose water can have strong antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties.
  • Rose water is believed to induce sleep and to have a hypnotic effect.
  • Rose water can help calm nerves when feeling frazzled.

How to Use Rosewater

  1. As a Toner – Because of its antibacterial properties, the rosewater will soothe irritated, acne-prone skin.
  2. Refresh Your Makeup – A few spritzes can be used to prep skin for makeup, and even to freshen makeup after a long day.
  3. Refresh Your Hair – You can also mix a few drops of rose water in with your shampoo or conditioner to help hydrate your hair.
  4. Soothe Irritation – Rosewater fights inflammation, helping to reduce redness and blotchiness. Rosewater can help calm redness, itching, and irritation.
  5. Boost Your Bath – A few drops of rose water or oil will leave your skin feeling soft and smelling great when added to your bath.
  6. Mouthwash Alternative – Rose water has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory abilities that work to cleanse the mouth. 
  7. In the Kitchen – You can cook with rose water, add it to cocktails. The extract is traditional in Middle Eastern food like lamb stew, rice pudding, and salads.
  8. Added to Laundry – You can iron clothes with rose water and add a few drops to your washer when using unscented detergent.
  9. Relieve Stress – Spray a bit of rose water on your pillow and dose off the sleep. The idea is that you’ll relax and wake up feeling totally ready to stop and smell the roses.

How to Make Your Own Rose Water

Supplies

  • 4-5 blossoms of organic roses
  • water
  • small ceramic bowl
  • saucepan with lid
  • ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Remove the rose blossoms from the steps and carefully rinse them to get rid of any dust or little critters.
  2. Put a bowl at the center of an empty saucepan, then add the rose petals around the bowl.
  3. Add water (enough to cover the petals) and bring the heat up to make it simmer.
  4. Put the cover on, upside down.
  5. Add ice to the top of the saucepan cover.
  6. As soon as the ice melts, add more ice cubes. This helps with the condensation of the evaporated rose water.
  7. Keep repeating this step.
  8. In about 30 minutes, the rose water will be ready. It should have condensed into the bottle in the middle of the saucepan.
  9. Carefully remove the bowl as it is hot.
  10. Pour the rose water into a clean glass container.
  11. Store in a cool dry place (can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 months).

You can also watch how to make rose water in the video below:

Where to Buy Rose Water

The challenge when buying rose water is to ensure that you purchase the 100% pure form. Labels can be misleading and most places only carry products that have synthetics or preservatives added to them. Your best bet is to buy from reputable retailers. First, try health food stores or natural grocers. Or here’s our list of favorite brands that are selling rose water online right now.

Heritage Store Rosewater Spray $10

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater $6

Rose Water for Face & Hair, USDA Certified Organic by Simplified Skin $12

Rose Water Toner by Teak Naturals, 100% Organic Natural Moroccan Rosewater $13