Roses.
Timeless. Beauty. Femininity.
But can the delicate flower, most commonly associate with love & passion, also bring health and healing in 2020?
Until recently, I had never heard of rose water. It wasn’t until 2017 that I was introduced to the tonic. So simple, hundreds of uses and a multitude of benefits. Now I swear by rose water.
For those who haven’t been introduced to rosewater, it is exactly what it sounds like, water defused with rose petals. It is primarily just water, in fact, even store-bought, rosewater still only contains about 10-50% rose oil.
Rosewater is one DIY project that can’t go wrong; it is incredibly easy to make all you need is distilled water, fresh rose petals and a container to store it in.
Simply add the petals to a pot, pour water on top, simmer and allow to steep. Strain and store.
Did You Know: in aromatherapy, roses have been widely studied. The scent of roses can actually lessen anxiety and depression while enhancing a sense of well being and optimism. They have been scientifically shown to lower the concentration of stress hormones in our bodies enhancing our mood and promoting relaxation.
Why Do You Need Rosewater?
Rosewater benefits all skin types so when added to a beauty regime you’ll see nothing but results.
For instance, typically, skin sits at a ph level of about 5.5. Factors like soap, cleansers, tap water and excessive washing cause skin’s ph to rise. As ph rises you’ll start to see dry patches, acne, wrinkles, eczema, rough texture, and psoriasis.
Coincidentally, Rosewater also has a ph of 5.5, using it after cleansing can help bring your ph back down to its normal, healthy level regardless of skin type.
Rosewater is an all-natural antioxidant that naturally contains a great deal of the well known anti-ageing ingredient, vitamin C. A 2015 study, posed the question, which would be more beneficial as an anti-ageing ingredient, rose water or a chemically manufactured antioxidants such as synthetic vitamin c. The simple tonic of water and rose petals proved superior.
Speaking of anti-ageing, RoseWater also significantly reduces the enzymes, collagenase & elastase, which break down healthy collagen and reduce elasticity.
Rose tea, (may not be rose water, but these benefits shouldn't be missed) contains a high concentration of polyphenols and other antioxidants that have been associated with improved memory, good urinary tract and eye health, as well as overall healthy ageing.
Rosewater is said to be analgesic, which can lessen pain while also providing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly enough, rosewater can help reduce bacteria on the skin, and cool down inflammation. Rosewater actually supersedes modern medication thanks to quercetin and kaempferol which contribute to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Rosewater’s regenerative properties have been shown to aid in wound healing and promote healthy cellular regeneration, even preventing and fighting both cancer and dementia and being scientifically proven to increase life span
In more studies, rosewater was found effective in fighting free radicals that may cause liver disease. Rosewater was found to be more effective than common agents when studied as an anti-fungal agent against gum disease (gingivitis etc.)
Helpful uses You Might not have thought about
1. Relieve sunburns: anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties should make rosewater the first choice in the summer for any sunburns, bug bites, rashes or scraps.
2. Tone & Control Acne: Remember the ph levels? Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties? All those make rose water a surprisingly effective acne fighter. When used as a toner individuals saw a reduced amount breakout with a decrease in the severity as well, this even applied to hormonal breakouts. Studies show the overall appearance of the skin was more evenly toned and hydrated while pores appeared smaller.
3. Facial Mist & Setting Spray:
4. Makeup Remover: Mix rose water and coconut oil and use as a makeup remover.
5. Dark under-eye circles? Puffy eyes? Headache? Spritz a damp compress with cool rose water, lay it on your forehead or over your eyes, and lie down for 10 or 15 minutes.
6. Aftershave: a light mist of rose water right after shaving will soothe inflamed and irritated skin, and lessens the pain from razor burns and nicks.
7. Condition Hair: Properties in rosewater will also reduce hair dryness, promotes growth, strength and quality of the hair while improving scalp health, fighting infections and reducing dandruff.
8. Erase wrinkles! Because rose water reduces the enzymes behind the break down of collagen and elasticity, implementing rose water as a part of your daily skin routine can actually improve the look of fine lines.
9. Treat PMS: It’s proven that women actually benefit from roses. For centuries rose water has been ingested to treat the symptoms of PMS.
10. Fight cancer: when ingested, rose water has also been proven to prevent and fight breast and cervical cancer specifically.
BONUS: Babies love rosewater as much as anyone. use to soothe diaper rash and aid in removing cradle cap.
Are you going to try Rosewater? What are you most excited to use it for?
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