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Rose water is a liquid made from water and rose petals. It is used as a perfume due to its sweet scent, but it has medicinal and culinary values, as well.
There is a long tradition of rose water being used in medicine, including in Iran and other parts of the Middle East, as far back as the 7th century.
There is also evidence of North American Indian tribes using it to treat ailments.
Fast facts on rose water:
- Rose water can usually be used without any side effects.
- Rose water contains numerous, powerful antioxidants.
- Recent research has found that it can help relax the central nervous system.
Below, we look at some of the benefits of rose water and their uses in medicine.
Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the body and acts as a barrier against UV radiation, chemicals, and other physical pollutants.
The antioxidants in rose water protect the cells in the skin against damage.
Rose water also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can be put on the skin to soothe the irritation caused by conditions, such as eczema and rosacea.
Rose water acts as an inhibitor against elastase and collagenase, which are both harmful to the skin.
This, in turn, can help soothe the skin and reduce redness, as well as act as an anti-aging product by reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Rose water facial products are available for purchase online.
Respiratory
Due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, rose water can be taken to treat a sore throat. Furthermore,
Eyes
In its liquid form rose water can be used as part of an eye drop and has been shown to have excellent benefits for people with eye problems.
Conditions it can help treat
- conjunctivitis
- conjunctival xerosis or dry eye
- acute dacryocystitis
- degenerative conditions, such as pterygium or pinguecula
- cataracts
Wounds
Rose water has
The types of wounds rose water can be used on include:
- burns
- cuts
- scars
Infections
Due to its antiseptic properties and the fact rose water can prompt the creation of histamines by the immune system, it has been shown to be
Brain
The inhalation of rose water vapors has been traditionally used as a way to improve a person’s mood. The liquid can also be taken orally.
Research has shown that rose water has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. It is believed to induce sleep and to have a hypnotic effect similar to that of the pharmaceutical drug diazepam.
It has been used to treat a number of mental health conditions, including:
- depression
- grief
- stress
- tension
In other medical cases, rose water is known to be beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A specific protein fragment called an amyloid, which is created by the body, has been shown to be present in these conditions and to affect the brain function, kill cells, and hinder memory. Encouragingly, properties found in rose water are an inhibitor of this amyloid.
Headaches
Just as the fumes of rose water are inhaled to help improve mood, it is believed that the de-stressing effects
Rose water has been used in aromatherapy for some time and can also be applied to a cloth and laid on the forehead for similar effects.
Digestion
The ingestion of rose water has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the digestive system. It works by increasing bile flow, which helps symptoms of common complaints, including bloating and upset stomach.
The consumption of rose water can also work as a
Rose water contains between
Rose oil
This is created by distilling the rose flower. The oil can be mass-produced in factories and is a pale, yellow color and semisolid.
Due to its high concentration, rose oil is known to be a fairly expensive product.
Dried flowers
Both the buds and the petals of the rose can be dried and are used for different reasons.
Often the petals are eaten, with yogurt, for example, and are used for the previously mentioned digestive benefits.
Other products
Other forms that rose products may come in can include:
- Rose hips: The seedpods of the roses, which are used either fresh or dried, and as they are or processed in factories.
- Hydrosol and absolute extract: This can be taken from the flower, petals, or hips and can be a cheaper alternative to rose oil.
- Ethanolic, aqueous, and chloroform extracts: These can be taken from the flower, petals, or hips and are used for research purposes.
A person can apply rose products topically by putting a small amount — about the size of a dime — on their arm as an initial test. If there is no adverse or allergic reaction within 24 hours it can be safely applied elsewhere.
In some cases, a person can have a
This can include:
- burning
- stinging
- redness
- irritation
If someone experiences any of these effects after the use of rose water, they should tell a doctor immediately, as it may be a sign of an infection or allergic reaction.