The qualities, valuable secrets and benefits of rose water were discovered through an ancient romantic story that relates as follows. An emperor in ancient Persia, for his royal wedding to a princess, once ordered rose water to be filled in his imperial fountains. After their marriage, as the royal couple was taking a walk through the lovely gardens, tiny drops were seen on the surface of the rose water fountain. These tiny drops were rose oil droplets that had been formed under the warm streaming sunshine. The curious empress was intrigued to find that the droplets, when touched, had an oily feel and a beautiful scent emitted from them. Thus, the benefits of rose water, along with rose oil, were first discovered in Persia.
What is Rose Water?
Rose water is basically a by-product of rose oil through distillation of pure fresh rose petals. To make even a little of this oil, a large number of rose petals are used hence making this delicate extraction very expensive. Rose water can be found in Vitamin stores and some supermarkets but this processed type usually contains chemicals and artificial preservatives that are less effective and are less beneficial than pure rose water. The benefits of rose water can be enjoyed by simply making it at home. This can be done by storing fresh rose petals in a jar filled with distilled water and placing them under the sunshine for a number of days. Watch the video at the end of this article for instructions on how to make rose water.
Did you know that rose water has several benefits? The benefits of rose water include:
Beauty Skin Care:
Generally rose essence, that is rose water and rose oil, is used in various therapeutic preparations especially facial or skin treatment. Pure natural rose water is 100% free from artificial ingredients and perfumes and is used as a facial cleanser. Cleopatra, famous for her ancient beauty secrets, used rose water in various face masks. It also prevents aging by reducing wrinkles and tightening skin pores. Dry skin can be hydrated by using rose water as a moisturizer. Rose water cleanses the skin, removing dirt, oil and other pollutants from deep inside the skin pores. Amazingly, it can be used on any skin type without causing much irritation. It acts as a cleansing agent as well as a skin toner. For that reason, ancient Romans preferred baths of rose water. The benefits of rose water can be accessed to various types of face masks can be enhanced by adding rose water to dilute, instead of plain water.
Aromatic Cuisine:
The benefits of rose water are extensively exploited in various cuisines throughout the world. Rose water is best known for its beautiful scent hence used in Persian cooking to scent or flavor food especially rice, giving it a distinct fragrance. It is also commonly used in small amounts to flavor foods like Baklava, ice creams, scones, cakes, buns and puddings. In India, rose water is used as one of the ingredients in most delicacies, curries and sweets like Gulab Jamun and Ladoos. Famous biryani dishes in Pakistan use a dash of rosewater to bring out an aromatic flavor.
Drinking Rose water:
One of the benefits of rose water is it can be used to make very nutritious drinks since it is rich in flavonoids, anti-oxidants, tannins and essential vitamins like A, C, D, E and B3. A simple delicious drink can be made by mixing rose water syrup in a cup of cold creamy milk. Rose water is a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It enhances moods, helps relieve nervous tension and improves skin texture. In Malaysia, it is used for its distinct sweet flavor in making a milky sweet drink like Bandung.A simple Persian rose water infused iced tea will help you soothe and calm your mind.
Rose Water vs Rose Essence
Be sure to make a distinction between pure rose water and scented/flavored rose water. Pure rose water is derived by the actual use of real rose petals. Flavored rose water may just be water scented with rose essence and is not the real deal. It is pure rose water that has gentle and compelling uses that are natural and effective.
Benefits of Rose Water- Medicinal Uses
Medicinal uses:
Rose water is a well-known for its natural healing properties as a good anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory product.
Benefits of Rose Water for Skin infections:
Rose water is used to treat skin infections including dry scaly skin, oily skin, skin inflammation, dermatitis and eczema. Rose water is also a healing agent, and can be used in treating wounds. For sunburns, rose water can be gently rubbed over the affected area or when taking a bath, add a few drops and relax while the magic takes effect.
Insect bites:
When going on a safari or camping in a tropical area, it’s sure to be infested with mosquitoes. Rose water can be applied over insect bites like mosquito bites that easily stop the itchy feeling, reduce the inflammation and cool the area.
Eye Fatigue:
For any eye pain or fatigue, gently dip a cloth in rose water and place it on your eyelids for a soothing feeling that helps cool your eyes.
Acne:
Rose water is also an astringent which reduces redness or inflammation of skin. Swollen inflamed pimples can be reduced by gently dabbing rose water on the affected area. What’s more – acne scars can be diminished and gotten rid of by making and applying a mixture of sandalwood, lemon juice and rose water on them.
As a disinfectant:
Since it has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, rose water can be used as a disinfectant to keep your home or workplace free from bacteria and germs. Use a rose water spritzer which can be made by adding a measureable amount of epsom salt to pure rose water and filling it in a clean and empty spritzer. This mixture can be sprayed on kitchen and bathroom counter tops, shelves, and table tops. Wipe clean with a dry cloth and this will leave a scented and fresh feel. The best part about this is that it is all natural, less expensive and eco-friendly.
Perfume:
Known for its beautiful and unique scent, rose water is accordingly used as an ingredient for shampoos, soaps and air fresheners. Rose water fragrance perfume can be used to keep your body smelling fresh and clean after a bath and prevents bad odors from accumulating due to excessive sweating. One of the eco-friendly benefits of rosewater is it It can also be creatively used to make a room freshener.
Hair Care:
Hair care products and shampoos may use rose water as a key ingredient. It is soothing as well as nourishing to the scalp. Rose water strengthens the root hairs, promotes hair growth and revitalizes the scalp thereby enabling smooth blood flow to the scalp. Keeping the scalp cool and fresh, it also rejuvenates the scalp preventing inflammations. It can be used as a natural hair spray – containing no artificial ingredients, and preventing excessive hair loss. Rose water can act as a wonderful hair conditioner, keeping your hair free from split ends and dry, frizzy hair.
Source: hubpages.com
No comments:
Post a Comment