Rose water is not only fragrant and edible, but it also boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a versatile item to have at home. By creating your own DIY rose water, you can save money and ensure your product’s purity through a surprisingly simple process.

Benefits of Rose Water:

– Lower Stress and Blood Pressure: The scent of roses can reduce both blood pressure and stress hormone levels. This can be beneficial for heart health.

– Improved Mood: Rose aromatherapy can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies show that postpartum women treated with rose/lavender oil experienced notable improvements in depression and anxiety.

– Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties: Research demonstrates that roses have strong antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

– Reduce Skin Inflammation: Rose water helps reduce redness and inflammation, making it great for treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It also balances skin pH and enhances skin’s nutrient absorption.

– Promotes Sleep: The calming scent of rose has been proven to improve sleep quality, as noted in hospital trials where patients reported better sleep after exposure to rose aromatherapy.

Making Rose Water at Home:

Method One: Simmer Pot
This method is quick and ideal for beauty or culinary uses but has a short shelf life.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried organic rose petals
– 5 cups water

Instructions:
1. Combine petals and water in a saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes, until petals lose color.
3. Cool completely, strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve, and store in a sterilized glass bottle in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Method Two: Distillation
A longer-lasting version, though slightly more complicated to make.

Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or 1.5 cups dried organic rose petals
– Water
– Ice

Instructions:
1. Place a brick or stone in a large pot, and set a metal bowl on top.
2. Add rose petals and enough water to reach the top of the brick.
3. Place the lid upside-down on the pot and add ice on top of the lid.
4. Boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Cool completely, then transfer the water collected in the bowl into a sterilized glass bottle. Store in the fridge for up to six months.

Method Three: The ‘Cheat’ Method
Uses rose essential oil and is suitable for external beauty treatments but not for ingestion.

Ingredients:
– 12 drops of rose essential oil
– 1 cup distilled water
– 1 teaspoon vodka

Instructions:
1. Mix essential oil and vodka, then add to the water in a sterilized glass bottle.
2. Store in the fridge and shake before each use.

Uses for Rose Water:

1. Personalized Fragrance: Create a natural perfume by adding rose water and essential oils to a spray bottle.
2. Cooling Face Mist: Keep rose water handy to refresh your skin on hot days. Add ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E for extra nourishment.
3. Gentle Toner: Use rose water as a facial toner to help with oily and acne-prone skin.
4. Eye Makeup Remover: Mix equal parts rose water and jojoba oil to create an effective makeup remover.
5. Hair Rinse: Use rose water to combat dandruff and improve hair shine.
6. Linen Spray: Freshen linens and fabrics by spritzing with rose water.
7. Sunburn Treatment: Soothe sunburn with a homemade spray of rose water, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils.
8. Stress Relief: Reduce anxiety and stress by spritzing rose water on pillows, clothing, or using it in a diffuser.
9. Calming Bath Water: Add rose water to your bath to relax and nourish your skin.
10. Floral Mouthwash: Use rose water as a gentle, natural mouthwash.
11. Eye Treatment: Cool and soothe puffy eyes by applying chilled rose water on cotton pads.
12. Soothing Body Scrub: Exfoliate with a scrub made from sea salt, almond oil, rose water, and vanilla.
13. Flavoring Food: Enhance dishes with a subtle floral hint using rose water, such as in rice pudding or salads.
14. Adding Depth to Drinks: Elevate teas, tonics, cocktails, and smoothies with rose water for a refreshing twist.

By making your own rose water, you can harness its numerous benefits for health, beauty, and even culinary uses.