ROSE FLORAL WATER BENEFITS AND USES

IN ESSENCE…

• Rose floral water is the generic term used for all the different variations of the rose water.
• Rose floral water is known to help maintain the skin’s pH balance and also controls excess oil.
• Rose floral water is believed to have powerful antiseptic properties that can help prevent as well as treat infections.
• Although it is thought to have originated in what is now Iran, the Romans were the first to classify and document the healing powers of the natural rose floral water.

HISTORY OF ROSE FLORAL WATER

Rose floral water has been used and revered in many cultures around the world for thousands of years, including in the Middle Ages. Although it is thought to have originated in what is now Iran, the Romans were the first to classify and document the healing powers of the natural Rose floral water. They actually had writings about the healing wonders of Rose floral water. It was then believed to be able to provide treatment for more than 30 ailments. In their respective cultures, Roses stood as a symbol for the Greek goddess Aphrodite and her Roman equivalent, Venus. In Greek mythology, Rose bushes were said to bloom from the ground through the tears and blood of Aphrodite and her lover, Adonis. But aside from mythology, there may have been more reasons why Roses became an emblem of divine beauty and love.

A 10th Century Persian alchemist named Avicenna is said to have been the man behind the refined Rose floral water closest to what is used today. He also helped make it a profitable trade between empires. The commodity soon spread to Egypt and Rome through trade. Beyond the perfume industry, the Romans used the water and Rose petals to scent their wine, as well as used it as a beauty product for their skin.

In ancient times, Cleopatra, the famous queen of Egypt, who was considered as the most beautiful woman in the world, was one of the biggest fans of the healing and enriching qualities of the authentic Rose floral water. She was said to be regularly bathing her face and body with authentic Rose floral water. This was one of her beauty secrets. Even Shakespeare writes about Cleopatra’s affinity towards Rose floral water in Anthony and Cleopatra, and that her cedarwood ships were scented with Rose Water and “the very winds were lovesick”. Michelangelo too, was known to drink authentic Rose floral water with his tea every day. There’s also a story of the wedding feast of Akbar’s son, where a canal was dug circling the wedding garden and filled with Rose floral water. Then in the hot sun, the oil appeared to be separated from the water and the exquisite perfume of the Rose was realized, and eventually afterwards manufactured.

ROSE FLORAL WATER EXTRACTION

Bulgarian Rosa Damascena Rose has been cultivated and well-known as the best oil-bearing Rose renowned worldwide for more than 330 years. The Damask Rose stems from the Middle East, and was first documented where modern day Iran now stands in the Ancient Persian Empire. During the Sasanian imperial dynasty, the imperial family had elaborate Rose gardens built for the cultivation of the Roses, and to better bask in their lovely beauty. The prince had fountains filled with Rose petals, so that the princess would be smitten by their scent as she strolled in the open air.

While there are over 7,000 varieties of Roses worldwide, only few are known as oil-bearing Roses that can be used for the production of high quality Rose floral water. Bulgarian Rosa Damascena organically grown in “Rose Valley” in Bulgaria has the most health and beauty benefits because the mentioned valley has the most suitable climate and soil to cultivate these Roses; favourable temperatures, amount of sunlight, frequency of rain, presence of specific natural magnetic fields.

It takes 60,000 Rose blossoms to produce a single ounce of pure Bulgarian Rose oil. It’s called the “Liquid Gold of Bulgaria” because an ounce of the Bulgarian Rose oil is more expensive than an ounce of real gold.

ROSE CULTIVATION

As for the cultivation of Roses, June month’s birth flower is Rose. So, it is not at all surprising that the best Rose shrubs are found in this time of the year. Planting and cultivation of Roses surely depends on its different types. For example, a bare-root Rose needs to be planted as soon as they are acquired.

Selecting and preparing a planting site is the primary step. Plant Roses where they will receive a minimum of 6 hours of sun per day. Morning sun is especially important because it dries the leaves, which helps prevent diseases. Roses grown in partial sun may not die at once, but they weaken gradually, producing subpar blooms and overwintering poorly. The more sun you have, the more flowers the plant will produce. While doing so, also be wary of the scorching heat, a simple arrangement of afternoon shade will help protect the blossoms and make the flowers last longer.

Roses need a soil that drains well but holds onto moisture long enough for the roots to absorb some. One of the worst mistakes you can make is to not provide adequate drainage. These plants also do not thrive in wet and waterlogged bed. Roses like loose, loamy soil leaning more toward sandy. Too much clay and the roots can become waterlogged. If you are not starting out with a loose, loamy soil, you will need to do some amending. Roses prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A pH of 6.5 is just about right for most home gardens.

After Roses bloom, be sure to deadhead religiously if you want to prolong flowering. Deadheading basically means removing dead flower heads to encourage further blooming. Every leaf has a growth bud, so removing old flower blossoms encourages the plant to make more flowers instead of using the energy to make seeds. It’s worth deadheading at least once a week and even daily in midsummer.

ROSE FLORAL WATER BENEFITS AND USES

As mentioned earlier, Rose floral water has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient times and used by kings, queens and royalties across the history. It’s been used traditionally in both beauty products and food and drink products. It also comes with plenty of potential health benefits, including the following.

• Boosts your mood – Rose floral water seems to have strong antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. Studies have found that the extract of Rose petals can relax the central nervous system in mice. This resulted in antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
• Anti-ageing properties – Rose floral water is known to help maintain the skin’s pH balance and also controls excess oil. This may help in reducing wrinkles and maintain a younger look.
• Natural source of antioxidants – Rose petals contain a number of antioxidants, which help protect the skin cells from damage.
• Soothes skin irritation and redness – Having been used for thousands of years, it is also believed that Rose floral water can help improve your complexion by reducing skin redness. Also, the soothing properties helps in reducing the appearance acne and assist in alleviating skin irritation as well.

Rose floral water today, is a force to reckon with in the beauty industry. Rose floral water can be used as a cleanser on all skin types. After washing your face with a mild face wash, all you have to do is add a few drops of glycerine to 1 tbsp Rose floral water and apply it on your face.

Rose floral water can be added at 30% – 50% in the water phase to make creams or lotions, or in an aromatic face or body spritz. They are an excellent addition to linen sprays and a simple way for the novice aromatherapist to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. They may also be added to make a fragrant and soothing hot bath.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR FLORAL WATERS

As with all NDA products, the floral water mentioned in this article is for external use only. Due to the highly concentrated nature of our products, they must be tested prior to topical use. We recommend consulting a medical practitioner prior to using any of our products for therapeutic purposes, particularly for those who are pregnant, nursing, or who have a pre-existing medical condition.

Possible side effects from use of floral waters include irritation or allergic reaction from topical use. To reduce the risk of adverse reaction, a skin patch test should be performed before prior to using the product. In the event of an adverse reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a medical healthcare professional for appropriate remedial action. Certain products may pose additional risks depending on individual health and medical history. To prevent side effects, it is best to consult with a physician prior to use.

Floral Waters must not be used near the eyes, inner nose, ears or on any areas of the skin that are known to be sensitive. They should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, particularly those under the age of 7.