Rose oil

The rose is synonymous with love and romance, but did you know that each color represents something different? Red for love, yellow for friendship, white for purity and innocence, and pink for joy. Thus, a message can be conveyed without words, which is why the rose symbolizes privacy. The rose is often associated with the Prophet Muhammad and the Virgin Mary and is therefore referred to as the “heavenly flower”. The Greeks and Romans associated roses with Venus and Aphrodite, and therefore they were a symbol of love and passion. It is even said that Queen Cleopatra tried to impress Mark Antony by placing rose petals on his path. Often considered the most beautiful flower in the garden, revered by artists and poets alike, the rose has been given the appropriate name “Queen of the Garden”. In fact, it was the Greek poetess Sappho who first referred to the rose as the “Queen of Flowers” ​​in her poetry (600 BC). The rose is the ancestral flower for those born in June.

Origin and Characteristics of the Rose

Rose is the common name given to a species of the family Rosaceae, a thorny flowering shrub or vine. The earliest records show that roses were known to humans over 5,000 years ago, but fossils indicate that they have been around for at least 40 million years. Over the years, roses have been grown for their beauty, both in the garden and as cut flowers. New hybrids were created in the search for the most beautiful flower, losing their natural fragrance. The demand for fragrant flowers increased, and new hybrids were developed with a variety of different scents, including fruity, tea, vanilla, and musky. The widely known Damask rose is one of the most important species of roses and is an “old rose”, retaining the original intoxicating and iconic rose scent and, more importantly, its therapeutic properties. Sweet, floral and romantic, its scent is exactly as Mother Nature intended, and it is the basis for the essential oils and rose water used in fragrances and food flavourings. It is a natural hybrid of the rosa gallica and rosa moschata varieties, and is thought to have originated in the Middle East, although it is now cultivated and no longer grows wild anywhere. The Damask rose is a deciduous shrub growing up to 2 metres tall and producing clusters of pink to light red flowers. Oil and rose water were first extracted from the Damask rose in the 7th century in Persia. Rose oil was obtained by a single distillation process, producing a negligible amount of oil, but since the 17th century a double distillation process has been used, producing high-quality oil, albeit in small quantities. The collection of rose petals is very labor-intensive and gives a very low oil yield, a ratio of 1:3000. Harvesting must begin very early in the morning and end around 10:00 am, as petals in the afternoon can have 50% less oil concentrate. Due to the delicacy of the petals, the distillation process must also begin on the same day. The extremely low oil content and the absence of natural and synthetic substitutes have made rose oil one of the most valuable and expensive essential oils on the world markets, which is why it is called “liquid gold” and the rose “the queen of all oils”.

Rose oil and its benefits

Rose oil contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. The main components of the essential oil are β-phenylethanol, citronellol, heneicosane and geraniol. The medicinal properties have been known since ancient times and include the treatment of chest and abdominal pain, menstrual bleeding, digestive problems, as well as strengthening the heart and reducing inflammation. It was mentioned by the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE), the Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides (40-90 CE), the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC) and was widely used in traditional Ayurvedic treatments in India. But new hybrid varieties may not retain the same medicinal properties as the “old rose”. Today, rose oil is known to naturally treat a number of ailments including depression, anxiety, menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms, headaches and more, in addition to relieving pain, stimulating circulation, enhancing libido, mood, memory and sleep, and has tremendous benefits for hair and skin.

Rose Oil for Skin

The wealth of essential nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants combined with the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of rose oil make it an invaluable aid in skin care. It soothes skin irritations, helps with conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, moisturizes dry skin, clears acne and reduces the signs of aging. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Rose oil, diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba or almond oil, helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance and control excess sebum. It also increases circulation and improves skin permeability, allowing more beneficial nutrients to be absorbed and, along with vitamin A and antioxidants, strengthens and stimulates skin cells, promoting collagen production and skin regeneration in the event of damage. Rose oil is an excellent cleanser and astringent, removing excess oil and dirt, effectively unclogging clogged pores and toning the skin. Whatsmore, a 2010 study confirmed that rose oil is one of the most powerful antibacterial essential oils, and the application of 0.25% diluted rose oil killed acne-causing bacteria “propionibacterium acnes” within 5 minutes. It also effectively moisturizes oily skin, which sends a signal that further sebum production is not required. Redness, inflammation and other skin damage associated with acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis or erythema are gently relieved. Dry skin is hydrated, and mature skin becomes noticeably smoother, with a reduction in expression lines and wrinkles. Overall, increased blood circulation gives the skin a healthy glow.

Rose Oil for Wounds, Scars and Stretch Marks

With its antibacterial and healing properties, rose oil can help heal minor cuts and abrasions, and is also extremely useful as an aftershave. Due to its skin regenerating properties, it can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. In addition, it helps remove dark circles under the eyes, brightening the skin overall.

Rose Oil for Rheumatism, Arthritis and Gout

The strong anti-inflammatory properties make this oil an excellent aid for conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis and gout. As a natural analgesic, along with its ability to increase blood circulation, it can be applied topically or, even better, in the form of a massage to relieve swelling and pain.

Rose Oil for Pain Relief

Researchers believe that rose oil may stimulate the brain to release endorphins, which are also known as “feel-good” hormones, and may help with pain. In a test study, a group of post-operative children were given rose or almond oil to inhale. Those who inhaled rose reported a significant reduction in pain. Rose oil can be added to soothing massage products or warm bath water as a particularly effective treatment for muscle cramps and headaches. Additionally, another 2013 study on women suffering from menstrual cramps found that women who massaged their abdomens with a carrier oil containing rose oil (as opposed to just a carrier oil) reported less pain after the massage. A further study found that women may benefit greatly from inhalation during labor.

Rose Oil for Hair

Like your skin, your hair also benefits from the nutrients in rose oil, making it strong and healthy. Massaging your scalp helps with both dry and oily scalps, and it also nourishes your hair follicles and helps clear them out (clogged hair follicles can lead to hair loss). Use rose oil once a week as a hair mask (with a carrier oil) or simply add a few drops to your regular hair products to reap the benefits. As an extremely lightweight oil, it will not weigh your hair down when added to other products or used daily.

How to Use Rose Essential Oil

Learn how to benefit from this amazing oil by either diffusing it or applying it topically. Note that any essential oil should never be applied directly to the skin due to its high concentration and should be diluted with a carrier oil.

For skin care: Dilute with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, or almond) and apply to the affected area. You can also add a few drops to your regular skin care product. Or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and steam your face.

For wounds, scars, and stretch marks: Dilute with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, or almond) and massage into the affected area.

For rheumatism, arthritis and gout: Add a few drops of oil to a hot bath and let the pain-relieving properties soothe the pain. Add a few drops to a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, almond or olive) and gently massage the affected area. Add a few drops to a vaporizer for relaxation and pain relief.

For pain relief: Add a few drops of oil to a hot bath and let the pain-relieving properties soothe the pain. Add a few drops to a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, almond or olive) and gently massage the affected area. Add a few drops to a vaporizer or diffuser to relieve headaches or migraines, or make a compress with rose oil diluted in a carrier oil and apply to the forehead.

For hair: Massage your scalp with rose oil and carrier oil once a week, leave for 15 minutes and wash with shampoo, or wrap your hair in a towel and leave overnight before washing. Add a few drops to your regular shampoo, conditioner and hair products.

Rose Oil and Aromatherapy

Rose oil is extremely calming and balancing. It eliminates stress, nervous and mental fatigue. It increases self-confidence and lifts your mood. A natural antidepressant.

Rose Oil for Depression

Rose oil is a powerful mood enhancer that increases self-esteem, balances emotions, relieves stress and anxiety, and induces a sense of calm and relaxation. Studies have shown that rose oil reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood. In addition, it stimulates the release of a chemical called dopamine, which is believed to play a key role in reducing symptoms of depression. Many studies have been conducted, and all of them have found that rose oil makes the recipient feel calmer and more relaxed, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol levels, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels in the blood. Since the oil is quickly absorbed into the skin and its benefits are obvious, it is recommended to apply rose oil by massage rather than inhalation for the treatment of severe depression. Rose oil can also be used to combat any postpartum depression.

How to use: Add a few drops of oil to a hot bath and let the aroma ease depression. Add a few drops to a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, almond or olive) and massage gently into skin. Add a few drops to a vaporizer for relaxation. Alternatively, dilute with a carrier oil and apply a small amount to your wrists.

Rose Oil for Sleep

Adding a few drops to your pillow or sheets can promote a relaxing night’s sleep by reducing stress and anxiety and promoting calm. A small study of patients in a coronary care unit found that those who received rose oil aromatherapy plus routine care had better sleep quality than those who received routine care alone.

How to use: Add a few drops of oil to a hot bath shortly before bed and let the aroma ease tension. Or add a few drops to a cup of hot water and gently inhale. Add a drop to your pillow or sheets.

Rose Oil for Libido

The invigorating scent of rose is an aphrodisiac in its own right. Add that to its anti-anxiety, circulation-boosting, and hormone-balancing properties, and you have a powerful remedy for sexual dysfunctions, including frigidity and erectile dysfunction. Two studies have shown that inhaling the aroma increases sexual satisfaction and desire. A further study confirmed that it significantly improves sexual function in women going through menopause.

How to Use: Add a few drops to a vaporizer or diffuser. Add a few drops to a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, almond, or olive) and gently massage into skin.

Rose Oil for Menopause

Research has shown that rose oil can be effective in helping balance hormones during menopause, relieving symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, night sweats, hot flashes, low libido, and pain.

How to Use: Add a few drops of rose oil to a hot bath and let the pain-relieving properties soothe the pain. Add a few drops to a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, almond, or olive oil) and massage gently into the skin. Add a few drops to a vaporizer for relaxation and pain relief.