Rosewater – Health Benefits

History

The cultivation of flowers for making perfumes and rose water goes back to Sassanid Persia. It is called zoulápin in Byzantine Greek and golāb in the Middle Persian. Rose water is obtained by the process of steam distillation which is cultured by Avicenna who is a Persian chemist in medieval Islamic world. Rose water was used in Middle Ages to clean hands before eating foods.

Roses were used for medicinal or nutritional purposes since ancient times. The ancient Romans, Greeks and Phoenicians cultivated the rose largely. Rose oil was used to make rose perfumes which is also known to be attar of roses that is made with the combination of changeable essential oils which is acquire from the steam distillation of crushed rose petals. This process was firstly made in Persia of Iran. Rose water is the result of this process.

How to use Rosewater

Rosewater possesses phenyl ethanol that helps to encounter acne? as well as blemishes. It is an antiseptic that helps to lower skin irritation. It lowers inflammation? by triggering the circulation to the small blood vessels that are found below the skin. It also balances the pH level of skin. The daily use of Rosewater enhances the blemished, acne-prone and inflamed skin. It is also useful for eczema? and dermatitis?.

1. Prevent eye puffiness

The application of rosewater with the use of a cotton pad which is kept in the fridge for about half-hour should be placed in the eyes. It soothes the skin around the eyes and prevents eye puffiness.

2. Freshen skin

Rosewater is very helpful during summers. The rosewater should be sprayed on the face which helps to freshen skin by nourishing and hydrating it. It also adds glow and radiance to the skin.

3. Bath

Rosewater freshens and soften the skin by leaving the aroma of roses on the body.

4. Dry skin

The people with dry skin could be benefited from the rosewater. The application of rose water to the skin helps to provide a softening and soothing effect to the body.

5. Remove makeup

The application of rosewater to the cotton pad helps to remove the makeup. The cotton pad should be dampened with rosewater along with some coconut oil. It helps to remove makeup from the face. It could be used on the skin around eyes.

6. Setting spray

It is used as a setting spray over the makeup which helps to provide a glowing as well as dewy finish.

7. Toner

Rosewater if used daily prevents the skin from wrinkles, provides glow to the skin and tightens the pores.

8. Soothe skin

The Rosewater should be applied after shaving legs which provides a soft feel to the legs by providing the scent to the skin.

9. Stress

Rosewater is used in aromatherapy and showed that it has a great effect to encounter stress and provides sound sleep.

10. Hair problems

Rosewater has moisturizing and nourishing properties which helps to promote the hair quality. It helps to provide relief from dandruff and inflammations of scalp. It assists in the growth of hair.

11. Treats acne

One tbsp. of lemon juice should be combined with one tbsp. of rosewater which should be applied to the acne for about thirty minutes. Or the rosewater could be combined with fuller’s earth. It should be washed when it dries. It cleans the pores and controls the excess production of oil.

12. Prevent tanning

Mix two tbsp. of gram flour and rosewater along with lemon juice. This paste should be applied for about fifteen minutes which helps to provide relief from tanning.

Traditional uses

• Rose water helps to refresh the body and mind.
• During middle ages, it was used to relieve depression.
• It helps to clean the face and tighten the pores.
• Due to the presence of antibacterial properties, it eliminates dermatitis, inflamed skin and acne.
• Traditionally, Rose water provides relief from constipation?, indigestion?, lowers swelling?, redness and ease the menstrual bleeding.
• It also soothes the throat? irritation and coughs.
• It provides relief from headaches and calms nerves.

Precautions

• The ingredients should be checked properly.
• When the rosewater is mixed with synthetic fragrances or drying alcohols, it could irritate the skin.
• It should be test before using.

How to add Rosewater to cuisines

• Arabs used rose water to make desserts and sweets.
• It is also added to the refreshment drinks, cocktails, and desserts.
• It is used to enhance the flavor of teas and ice cream.
• Rosewater is combined with orange juice in Morocco.
• It is mostly used in Middle Eastern and Persian cuisines in gumdrops, nougat and baklava.
• It is used in ice-cream, tea, sweets and cookies in Iran.
• It is added to milk or rice pudding to enhance the flavor.
• It is also used in lassi that is made from sugar, yogurt and fruit juices.
• In Singapore and Malaysia, rose water is added to milk which makes a sweet drink named bandung.
• Rosewater is a great substitute for alcohols and red wine in cooking.
• It adds flavor to cakes and pastries.
• It is also used in jams and jellies to provide a flavor.
• It is used to prepare a Gulab sherbet.
• It is also used in fruit salads.

Other Facts

One kilogram of rose petals is required to make one kilogram of rose water.

References