How To Make Rose Water At Home: Know Benefits, How To Use

My earliest memories of rose water are adding some drops of it to fuller’s earth (multani mitti) and using the paste as a face pack. Although better known for its cleansing properties, for me, it’s its cooling effect that did the magic. Was it the rose water, or the fuller’s earth, or both? Many also use rose water for its eye health benefits, again giving a calming and soothing effect to heavily-strained eyes. 

Although rose water of several brands is readily available in the market, it never hurts to make the same at home. Not only will you give yourself a break from the chemicals-laden products, but you will also learn something new. And, making something, which is part of your self-care routine, might also encourage you to care for yourself more.

How To Make Rose Water

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare rose water at home:

1. Start by plucking the finest roses from your garden. If you don’t have either, you can always buy some from the market.
2. Next, wash the roses thoroughly. Ensure to carry out this step properly. Since you are going to use the preparation on your body, make sure it doesn’t have any residues left.
3. After you have them cleaned, take half a cup of rose petals and soak them in half a cup of water.
4. Put the mixture in a saucepan and bring the water to a boil.
5. Once the water starts boiling, bring the flame down and let the water simmer.
6. Continue this step until the petals lose their bright colour. This is to extract as much fragrance, and colour from them as possible.
7. Once there is nothing in the petals to extract from, turn off the stove.
8. Sieve the liquid to remove what remains of the petals.
9. Pour the water into a container and let it cool. 
10. Refrigerate it for about a week before using it and reap its many health benefits.

Benefits Of Rose Water

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Believed to have been first made in Iran, rose water has been used for hundreds of years throughout the world. Although chances are you might have used it in the past if not, use this liquid for its numerous health benefits.

1. Anti-Inflammatory: Rosewater is anti-inflammatory, and hence, can be used to ease skin irritation and its related problems. Not only that, but you can also use it to reduce skin redness and for better skin in general.
2. Filled With Antioxidants: Rose brims with antioxidants, which in turn protects the cells from damage. Hence, you can use rose water to prevent cellular damage.
3. Has Antiseptic And Antibacterial Properties: Rosewater is also known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This means it can be used for scars to heal quicker. It can also be used on burns and cuts to prevent infections. However, it’s always better to consult your doctor to prevent any downsides. 
4. Is Anti-Ageing: Rose is a staple in beauty products, and what makes it is its several skin-benefiting properties, one of which is that it’s believed to be anti-aging in nature. Hence, you can rose water to your regular face pack to get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles. 
5. For Sore Throat: Although there is a lack of research regarding this, many uses rose water to relieve sore throat. And even if there is no direct benefit of using it for sore throat, it won’t hurt to use this preparation, unless you are allergic to it.
6. Aids Digestion: Traditionally, rose water has also been known to aid digestion, as well as relieve digestive issues. A study also pointed at the same. Hence, this is another reason that you must use rose water.
7. Relieves Stress And Enhances Mood: Have you ever wondered why rose extracts are a staple in aromatherapy? This is because the rose is known for its relaxing and calming properties. Not only that, a 2011 study found out that the flower calmed the central nervous system in mice. Hence, this water’s antidepressant property is another thing that can be explored.
8. Relieves Headache: Many times, stress, worry, and tension can cause headaches. As you already know that rose water has a calming and relaxing effect, hence, it can be used to relieve headaches too.

How To Use Rose Water?

Rosewater can be used in several ways:

• Use it as a cleanser. After you clean your face with a normal cleanser, you can apply a little bit of rose water to your face. 
• It can also be used as a toner.
• Since rose water has a cooling effect, you can use it in case of sunburn, skin irritation, etc.
• Owing to its sweet fragrance, you can also use it as a room freshener.
• You can also use it in food preparations, such as in your kheer, yogurt, rice, pulav, green tea, etc.

Although the benefits of rose water are myriad, you should first check with your doctor before using it for any health issue to prevent any downsides. Also, make sure you aren’t allergic to this particular flower. Once you ensure that, make your rose water at home, and experience its health benefits on your skin, gut, as well as mood.

Photo Credit: Freepik