La Vie en Rose Water
Rose Water is truly a nectar of the Gods. It can be used in many recipes, from foods to beauty aids, or just be splashed on for a fragrant aura as lovely as a rose!
The usage of rose water dates back to early Egypt, when Cleopatra used the natural product in her skincare regime, as the ancient Egyptians. According to legend, Cleopatra would take milk baths with rose petals floating to keep her skin soft, smooth, and gloriously scented.
Harvest the fresh roses in the morning when they are most fragrant and make rose water as soon as you can for best results. Used for thousands of years as a youthful skin tonic, rose water boasts some amazing benefits.
There are a few different methods for making rose water:
Steam distilled method- this a more traditional way of making rosewater that involves distilling water in a pot with rose petals, allowing the rose to infuse into the water. This method is more involved and time consuming, but would yield a great product in the end.
Cooking method - this is done by adding the rose petals and water to a double boiler, and slowing simmering until the color has left the petals. It's a quick method that is less labor intensive, but the end product may not be as strong as if steam distilled
Hot water infusion - and even quicker method, this involves placing the rose petals in a jar, pouring boiling water over them, and allowing it to sit for several hours.
Ingredients:
Fresh rose petals
Distilled or filtered water
*the rose to water ratio is one part rose petals to two parts water*
Double boiler
Fine mesh strainer/cheese cloth
Mason jar for storing
Directions
In the double boiler, add rose petals and water. On low/med heat simmer water and petals until they lose their colour. You do not want a hard boil here, just a light simmer.
Once the petals are done simmering, remove from heat and allow the water to cool. Once cool, strain the water into a mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for about ten days.
If you end up with more rose water then you can use, try adding it to your bath or freezing it in an ice cube tray for later use. It makes for an amazing sunburn remedy. You can also use the rose water ice cubes for soothing inflamed acne as well.
Benefits For Skin
Rose water is rich in vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E, all important for your health and skin. It also:
• Tightening pores
• Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
• Balancing the acid mantle (skin's PH)
• Slowing the aging process
• Freshens the complexion
• Helps hydrate, revitalise and moisturise the skingiving it with that refreshed look
• Due to its antibacterial properties, rose water also aids in healing scars, cuts and wounds
• It possesses astringent properties which help clean the pores of oil and grime toning the skin further
• If your eyes are tired or puffy from lack of sleep, rose water offers a simple solution.. Soak cotton pads in chill rose water and gently place on your eyelids. Keep on for as long as you want while enjoying the soothing feeling around your eyes. It will help reduce puffiness and give relief to tired eyes instantly
• Rosewater spray works wonders on post-workout redness and dry skin in general.
• Calming the senses
Regular use of rose water will keep the skin free of extra oil and help prevent problems like blackheads, whiteheads, acne and pimple. Using rose water as toner is better than using chemical based toners which might dry out the skin.
Rose Water Facial Mask Recipe
Ingredients
8 Fresh Rose Petals
1 Tablespoon homemade Rosewater (recipe above)
1 Tablespoon yogurt
1 Tablespoon honey
STEPS
Cut Roses and add to homemade rosewater
Add honey and yogurt to rose petal water
Combine and apply to face for ten minutes
Rinse off
Rose water doesn't just soften your skin when used in skincare; it can also hydrate your hair without adding extra weight. Add a few drops of rose water into your shampoo or conditioner for an added boost of moisture.
Rosewater enjoys a natural aromatherapy healing to elevate your senses. Rosewater is refreshing, inexpensive, and luxuriously scented, keeping skin soft and hydrated - which is important for all skin types at any age.
Rosewater in the bedroom
Try spritzing your sheets with a bit of rosewater.
Inhaling rose water is known to reduce stress and help promote a calmer and more relaxed state. According to studies, breathing in rose water lowers the amount of cortisol (a.k.a. stress hormones) in the body.
Rose Water and laundry
Spritz folded clothes with a few sprays of rosewater or add it into the water chamber of the iron.
You will love it. It makes your entire wardrobe, closet, and drawers smell heavenly.
Rosewater in the kitchen
Try adding rosewater in the kitchen for a refreshing twist on simple salads. Here is one of our favourite summer salads:
Watermelon and feta salad with rosewater
Refreshing and so simple to rustle up, it's light in calories but big on flavour and makes the perfect lunch to enjoy al fresco.
Ingredients
For the salad
½ large watermelon
1 red onion
150g feta cheese
150g pistachio nuts
Handful fresh mint
Rose petals
For the dressing
3 tbsp rosewater
1 lemon, juice
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
5 tbsp olive oil
Method
Mix up your dressing, shaking well.
Chop up the watermelon into medium chunks and place into a large bowl. Finely slice the red onion and add it into the bowl. Pour in most of the dressing and mix well. Then, just before serving, add in the pistachio nuts (saving a few for garnish) and fresh mint. Toss well.
Once on the serving plate, finish by adding the feta cheese, the last of the dressing, the remaining pistachios and fresh rose petals on top.
We will soon post pictures with this amazing salad! Yum!!
Also, you may want to spritz onto a bowl of strawberries or stir through the cream to serve with them - strawberries belong to the rose family, and the fragrances meld well. (Same goes for apples, unexpectedly.)
Rose. The quintessential flower of romance, a gardener's delight and a respite to our sight!
Have you ever used rose water in your skin care routine or kitchen? Tell us about your experience.
With love,
Sophie & Ellie xx
Sources:
holistichealthherbalist; healthline; foodndtv; minbodygreen; medicalnewstoday;
Ress, J. (2014) 100 Organic Skincare Recipes: Make Your Own Fresh and Fabulous Organic Beauty Products
Fukada, M. et al (2010)Effect of &rose essential oil& inhalation on stress-induced skin-barrier disruption in rats and humans.
