Prerna Porwal
Hello Friends, the use of rose oil has been known for centuries. It is a very popular essential oil extracted from the petals of select varieties of roses. In aromatherapy, breathing in the rose oil scent has been observed to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and aphrodisiac health benefits. When applied to the skin, it helps to relieve pain and inflammation along with improving skin health.
There are many varieties of rose oil having their own unique fragrance, color shade and consistency, these features are dependent on various factors, rose species from wherein the oil is extracted, its place of origin, and type of distillation process selected by its manufacturers.
I am sure you might be puzzled about, which are those specific rose varieties producing rose oil? And here you go…
The two significant types of rose oil are rose absolute and essential also called Rose Otto.
Rosa damascena or damask rose, Rosa centifolia called cabbage rose, and Rosa Alba is the important rose species widely used to produce rose oil, as these have the strongest scent and maximum oil content. Apart from using it for health purposes, it is also a widely used essential oils in the manufacturing of cosmetic perfumes and fragrance products.
Friends, Rose Oil has several uses in diverse fields, I have grouped its uses in different categories for your ease of reading.
Cosmetic Uses
Let us start with basics, Rose essential oil, and other types of rose extracts, has been widely used in cosmetic perfumery since long back. It has a brief, rich history for different types of roses and its fragrance. Let me tell you a fact, the first ever rose oil perfume originated in Persia.
Here are few products which involves rose oil for its manufacturing:
· Beauty creams
· Body moisturizers
· Lip balms
· Skin lotions
· Beauty soaps and gels
· Shampoos
· Face masks, etc
Personal Uses:
Readers, rose oil have been widely used since historic times for curing physical ailments and general issues. Initially in France, pure rose water and oil were many times selected to treat diarrhea, dermatological issues, dry skin and mosquito bites. Also, it was preferred as a suitable mouthwash for enhancing oral health. It has important medicinal properties and people have been using it for various purposes.
It is excellent anti-inflammatory oil, which is highly nourishing and refreshing for skincare purposes. The essential oils soothing and properties are beneficial for dry and itchy skin and for other inflammatory issues.
It is a great cicatrizant, having excellent antioxidant properties. It helps to fade away scars, boil marks, skin acne and pox on the skin quickly. It is also effective to fade surgery marks and even pregnancy marks.
Apart from skincare, it also possesses important antibacterial and antiviral properties, which helps to protect against several infections.
It is a great astringent, the essential oil strengthens the tooth gums and hair roots, lifts the dry and dull skin and protects against the premature loss of hair and teeth. It prevents wrinkles and reduces the issue of premature ageing.
Some DIY ideas for my dear friends!
Rose oil for bathing:
Simply dilute your natural rose oil with any carrier oil and diluted it. Now add 10 drops of essential oil in a tub of warm water and enjoy the sensational and refreshing bath.
Rose oil for foot bath:
Friends, the recipe is the same here, add diluted essential oil about 8-10 drops in a tub of hot warm and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Rose oil is effective in healing skin cracks and even heals the outer layer.
Rose oil for skin care:
Rose essential oil can be used in skin care products manufacturing for hydrating the dry skin, clearing acne, reducing the ageing signs, removing or fade skin stretch marks, blemishes, scars. Body scrubs of rose oil are effective in reducing redness.
Spiritual Uses
Join me in the journey of prehistoric times. The ancient rose holds holy and respected reputation in the spiritual traditions, including Hindu, Christian, Muslim and other age old traditions and cultures.
The rose flower is specially valued in Hindu religion, which features several tales of this ancient scented flower. I have come across this age old story of Brahma ji and Vishnu ji related to Rose.
According to Hindu fable, Lord Brahma (the world creator) and Lord Vishnu (the world sustainer) had disagreed on selecting the most beautiful flower between the Lotus and Rose. Vishnuji loved the rose, while on other hand Brahmaji liked the lotus flower. Apparently, Brahma never got any opportunity to see a rose anytime before and when he finally came across the beautiful rose flower; he instantly accepted the defeat and admired the soothing calmness of scented rose.
As a gift for influencing him for rose’s exquisiteness, Brahmaji personally bedecked a bride for Lord Vishnu with attractive rose petals. The bride was named as Goddess Lakshmi, and she is referred as the goddess of love, wealth and prosperity and a personification of physical prettiness.
The rose holds a significant sign in Christianity religion. It is conventionally believed that Rose canina (briar rose), was the prime source for the crown of thorns placed on Lord Christ’s forehead during crucifixion.
Therefore, in Christianity symbolism for flowers, the rose is linked with the blood of its martyrs.
In Islamic community, the rose mainly refers to the soul, thriving and flowering in thorns. Moreover, Sufi Muslims customarily massage themselves with pure rose essential oil before their holy prayer, considering that the rose scent will assist them exceed. White roses especially Rosa Alba, is till date considered sacred in Islam, also the flower is directly in contact with prophet Mohammed.
According to different tribal viewpoints, dark wild roses were useful in keeping the ghosts away from them without causing any harm to the living creatures and thus were placed in the huts or clothes of people who felt haunted or mourning.
Medicinal Uses:
Stress:
As per experts, Rose essential oil is able to reduce the levels of the stress hormone called cortisol in the blood.
Menopausal Symptoms:
Aromatherapy practitioners recommend rose essential oil to alleviate menopause symptoms and prevent from discomforting issues of hot flashes, anxiety and excessive sweating due to its healing properties.
Alzheimer’s disease:
Have you heard of it earlier? For readers, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which is recognized by loss of memory and cognitive body functions. As per studies, Rose essential oil is useful in reducing the stress on brain cells and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. It is also found to delay the symptoms in early stages of detection.
Khadi Essentials rose oil is a natural mood enhancer that replenishes and detoxifies the skin and hair. It helps to balance pH levels, revives the skin moisture, tones and eradicates acne marks and blurs dark blemishes. It’s addictive in aromatherapy. It is the epitome of luxurious wellness having Ayurvedic properties in mental and spiritual healing. I am rating this product as the best source of rose essential oil.
Positives:
- Certified organic
- Dermatologically tested
- GMP certified
- 100% vegan product
- SLS & Paraben free
Vanalaya is pure, non-toxic rose oil which is prepared by diluting with a pure and organic carrier oil. This rose oil is well known for its supreme quality and you can be assured because of its third-party testing report. It is prepared by Rose Damascene which is great for meditation. It is perfect to enhance your mental and physical well-being in aromatherapy. The oil is packed hygienically in amber glass bottles with UV protective features and can be preserved for a longer duration.
Positives:
- Indigenously sourced
- Premium quality
- Therapeutic grade organic oil
- Paraben free and cruelty-free
Nature’s Absolutes offers us pure and steam distilled organic rose oil which works wonders on your skin and hair and provides fresh fragrance. This therapeutic oil is extracted from handpicked Damask Roses, which finds a place as an essential oil in several beauty applications. This essential oil helps to rejuvenate your skin by making it firm, soft and supple. As a natural astringent, it works great as a natural toner. Rose essential oil helps to calm your mind and body and uplifts your spirits.
Positives:
- 100% Natural and organic
- Steam distilled essential oil
- Therapeutic grade
Old tree rose essential oil is a pure and organic product. It is highly recommended by aromatherapists. This essential oil is used in diffusers for soothing rose fragrance by creating a romantic environment. It is also said to be a mood enhancer oil. It is used in many spas and 5-star restaurants for its properties of healing and calming the body. Moreover, its massage is beneficial to lighten skin blemishes, scars and stretch marks.
Positives:
- Steam distilled essential oil
- 100% biodegradable
- Natural aroma
- Ethically sourced
- No adulteration
Earth N Pure Rose oil is a premium natural oil processed from fresh rose petals. It has a sweet strong fragrance and is perfect for comforting and uplifting your mood. It increases energy levels and promotes positivity and confidence. Experts have recommended this brand for lowering body stress levels. Apart from these, this essential oil has several skin and hair benefits and is ideal for body massage.
Positives:
- Organic essential oil
- Cruelty-free
- FDA approved
- Non-GMO
Friends, Oil therapy or Aromatherapy is an ancient practice involving the natural extracts of plants for our mental and physical well being and promotes good health. Several Practitioners and experts have derived that inhaling the essential oils or massaging the oils into skin pores helps to charge our memories and emotions. Am I getting too technical friends?
Studies have proven that rose oil can induce many physiological effects, which include reducing blood pressure, controlling respiration and heart rate, and most importantly, boost feel-good hormones, namely dopamine and serotonin.
Also it is a natural antidepressant, it helps to ease symptoms of gout and arthritis, treat respiratory disorders like asthma and gastric issues. It is also effective to cure IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Few important benefits of Rose essential oil:
· Eases pain
· Eases Depressive symptoms
· Stimulates sex drives
· Antibacterial and Antifungal properties
· Decreases anxiety and stress
Fun Fact:
It takes over 2,00,000 rose petals or about 8000 rose flowers to produce one 5ml bottle of rose oil.
I have compiled a list of 6 best brands of Rose essential oils for your purchasing ease by my rigorous studies and analysis. Checkout the products and select the one for yourself and loved ones if you aren’t interested in hard work of processing.
Rose oil has no potential side effects on external usage as such.
P.S. – It is considered extremely potent essential oil and you should not be applying it directly on your body.
It might cause burning sensation, stinging, redness and irritation. Rose oil can be diluted with a neutral carrier oil (For example: avocado oil or argan oil) before applying it on the skin.
Essential checklist:
Every essential oil is unique in nature. There are several varieties of oils available in the market by different brands.
Here are important tips which can assist you for selecting the best-quality rose oil:
Look for provenance
Reputable brands will share the precise name and details of the rose species selected in preparing oil, and also you should look for its origin as well.
Look for credentials
Some manufacturers are registered members of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). They are ethical and set high quality principles, their products and formulations are trustworthy. Checking the NAHA stamp on an essential oil bottle is one of purchasing criteria you can consider.
Examine the label carefully
Many brands will specify on its label that their product is amalgamation of essential oils along with different carrier oils, like jojoba oil, etc. You should be assured of what product contents you are purchasing.
Test the rose oil for purity
This is fun! You can find whether an oil you selected is diluted or not, by simply placing a drop of oil on a piece of tissue paper. If you witness an oil circle developing around the central point of drop, you can find out the impure, cheap and artificially made vegetable oil product.
Don’t be deceived by any terminology
Many manufacturers will highlight terms like “therapeutic or clinical grade” on their product labels. However, it is not a universal grade in reality. Many suppliers unnecessarily add complex tags and terminology which can be misleading. Make sure these things do not affect your product selection.
Looking to prepare Rose oil yourself, checkout this simple procedure:
1. Take 2 cups of water in a saucepan and heat till it starts to boil.
2. Now select career oil having no natural odor and add about half a cup of it in the pan. Jojoba and Grapeseed oil are perfect choices
3. Now simply crush or shred a cup of fresh rose petals and place in the oil. Swirl the jar carefully to coat the petals.
4. Cover the jar properly and place it into the hot boiling water. Warming the oil will release the scent from the rose petals. After the water cools, keep the jar under sunlight or a warm and dry source for a few hours.
5. Now strain the oil by using clean cheesecloth, pressing the rose petals to extract as much oil as you can by gentle pressure.
6. Your rose essential oil is ready, now pour the fresh oil into a dark glass bottle with a lid and store it for future use.
1. Rose Oil vs. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip seed oil is basically distilled from the seeds and fruits and not the petals. It is considered as a carrier oil rather than essential oil. Rose oil is extracted from fresh rose petals and is concentrated in nature. Both of them find applications in cosmetics.
2. Why is Rose Oil so expensive?
Check out my Fun Fact in the article! It is expensive because the amount of raw material used to prepare small quantities of oil is way too high. Also the flower plucking, selection and sorting are hand-based and time-consuming. Adding all the costs and then delivering you the best consumes too much amount, which makes it expensive.
3. Does Rose oil smell like roses?
Depends on two prime factors, like rose type and color. Rose essential oil prepared from red or pink roses of Rose damask smells like natural rose.
4. Is Rose Water the same as Rose Oil?
Rosewater is basically derived from rose essential oil only. Depending on its requirement, rose water usually consists of about 10 to 50% rose oil in its formulation and consists of major features.
5. Is Bulgarian Rose Oil more expensive than gold?
Yes, Bulgarian Rose otto essential oil is more expensive than yellow gold. Yes, you read it right in the first attempt friends.