Rose water is a wonderfully fragrant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and edible product that offers a lot of versatility. You can save money and ensure its purity by making your own rose water at home, which is surprisingly easy to do.

Benefits of Rose Water

Lower Stress and Blood Pressure: The scent of rose has been shown to reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels, helping to lower stress.

Improved Mood: Rose can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. A study found that postpartum women treated with rose/lavender aromatherapy oil had lower depression scores and less anxiety.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties: Rose has been proven to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Quell Skin Inflammation: Rose water can reduce redness and inflammation and balance the skin’s pH, making it great for acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It also helps the skin absorb more nutrients.

Restful Sleep: The soothing scent of rose can improve sleep quality, as shown in trials with hospital patients.

How to Make Rose Water

Method One: Simmer Pot
– Ingredients: 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried organic rose petals, 5 cups water
– Directions: Add petals and water to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, strain, and store in a sterilized glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Method Two: Distillation
– Ingredients: 3 cups fresh or 1.5 cups dried organic rose petals, water, ice
– Directions: Place a brick in a pot, add a metal bowl on top, and fill with water to the top of the brick. Add rose petals and place the lid upside down with ice on top. Simmer for 30 minutes and collect the distilled water in the bowl. Store in a sterilized bottle in the fridge for up to six months.

Method Three: The ‘Cheat’ Method
– Ingredients: 12 drops of rose essential oil, 1 cup distilled water, 1 teaspoon vodka
– Directions: Mix essential oil and vodka, then add to water in a sterilized bottle. Store in the fridge and shake before use.

Uses for Rose Water

1. Personalized Fragrance: Create your own perfumed spray by adding essential oils to rose water in a spray bottle.

2. Cooling Face Mist: Use rose water to cool and hydrate your skin, adding ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E for extra nourishment.

3. Gentle Toner: Rose water works as a facial toner for oily and acne-prone skin.

4. Eye Make-Up Remover: Mix equal parts rose water and jojoba oil to remove stubborn mascara and eyeliner.

5. Hair Rinse: Use rose water to kill fungus and bacteria on the scalp, balance pH, and add shine to your hair.

6. Linen Spray: Freshen up fabrics with rose water and a few drops of essential oil.

7. Sunburn Treatment: Soothe sunburn with a spray made from rose water, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils.

8. Stress Relief: Reduce stress by spritzing rose water on your pillow, hair, or clothing, or adding it to a diffuser.

9. Calming Bath Water: Add rose water to your bath to relieve stress and nourish your skin.

10. Floral Mouthwash: Use rose water as a gentle mouthwash, adding essential oils for extra antimicrobial power.

11. Eye Treatment: Use chilled rose water on cotton pads to reduce puffiness and soothe eyes.

12. Soothing Body Scrub: Make a body scrub with sea salt, almond oil, rose water, and vanilla.

13. Flavoring Food: Add rose water to dishes like rice pudding, salads, panna cotta, and cookies for a floral hint.

14. Adding Depth to Drinks: Enhance teas, tonics, cocktails, and smoothies with rose water for a refreshing twist.