Description
Rose water is created by distilling rose petals with steam. Rose water is fragrant, and it’s sometimes used as a mild natural fragrance as an alternative to chemical-filled perfumes.
Rose water has been used for thousands of years, including in the Middle Ages. It’s thought to have originated in what is now Iran. 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.
One of the greatest benefits of rose water is its strong anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help treat multiple ailments, both internal and external. It may even help soothe the irritation of eczema or rosacea.
Doctors often prescribe antibiotics for sore throats, but you may want to try rose water as well. Rose water has traditionally been used to soothe sore throatsTrusted Source. While research is needed to prove its effectiveness, there’s strong anecdotal evidence to support it and very little risk in trying it.
Rose water has been used as a beauty product for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that it can improve your complexion and reduce skin redness. The antibacterial properties may help reduce acne. The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin rednessTrusted Source and puffiness.
Rose water has powerful antiseptic properties, which can prevent and treat infections. Because of this, rose water is often included in a variety of natural and medicinal treatments. One studyTrusted Source even found that when rose water was used in eye drops to treat conjunctivitis cases, its antiseptic and analgesic properties helped in treating the ocular disease.
Rose petals and rose oil contain a number of powerful antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. One study foundTrusted Source that these antioxidants had potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. This provides powerful cell protection as a result.
Rose water has antiseptic and antibacterial propertiesTrusted Source that can help wounds heal faster. These properties can help clean and fight off infection of cuts and burns. They can also help cuts, burns, and even scars heal faster.
Rose water can have strong antidepressant and antianxiety properties. A 2011 studyTrusted Source found that the extract of rose petals can relax the central nervous system in mice. This resulted in antidepressant and antianxiety effects.
Rose water and rose essential oil are commonly used in aromatherapy to help relieve headaches. This may be due to the de-stressing effects discussed in the section above. One study foundTrusted Source that the vapor of rose water can soothe headaches. Another option is to apply a compress soaked in rose water to the head for 45 minutes for positive results.
Rose water is often found in beauty products aimed to reduce wrinkles. That’s because it may actually have anti-aging effects. In addition to soothing irritated skin, it may reduce the appearance of wrinkles when applied topically.
In folk medicine, rose water has been used to aid in digestion and reduce digestive upset. According to a 2008 study, there is some evidence that rose water can positively influence digestion and relieve digestive upset. It may also improve bile secretion, which can further aid digestion.
How to use it
You can purchase rose water, or you can make it yourself. Once you have it, there are a number of different ways you can use it, including the following:
- Use it as a facial cleanser or toner. Just rinse your face with rose water after washing with your normal cleanser.
- Use it in recipes, such as hibiscus iced tea with rose water.
- Create a rose water mist by adding it to a spray bottle. This can relieve stress. You can mist the rose water on your wrists, face, or even onto your pillow.
