The rose has been called the Queen of Flowers for the last 2600 years.
Just imagine Cleopatra’s bathing routine. The queen of Egypt would bathe herself and wash her face in rose water. Rose water has been valued for at least three thousand years for its healing and beautifying properties, and it grew popular both in Europe and Asia. Due to its source, roses, and fragrance, it has a romantic connotation too. Emperor Djihanguyr of Persia who ruled in the 15th century used rose water to impress his fiance’, by having fountains and canals filled with it for their wedding celebration! After the wedding, they discovered that the oil surfacing the waters had a very strong rose scent. They discovered the rose oil, which then started to be produced through distillation.
The roses used to make rose water and oil are mostly grown in the south of France, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Iran.
The roses are picked in the early hours of the day and their petals are separated and selected. There are different production methods to make rose water, but the one that results in the rose properties being preserved the most is through distillation of the petals.
Uses of rose water
Rosa Damascena water (the Latin name used for a specific type) has been acclaimed to help with digestive problems, liver, insect bites, skin issues, the respiratory system, and headaches, to name a few.
Rose water has some wonderful uses for the skin and hair:
- It can be used as a skin cleanser if mixed with oil
- It makes a refreshing skin toner after cleansing
- It adds a subtle scent to hair when used as the last rinse after washing your hair
- It can be added to the bath for cleansing the skin and creating an uplifting ambience
Digestion
If added to your tea, food-grade rose water gives great taste and is thought to be good for digestion.
Room and linen Spray
Finally, try spraying a solution of diluted rose water on your linens before bedtime to lift up your spirits and feel like a queen!
