The scent of roses has been treasured for its gentle qualities for centuries by cultures all over the globe. Both the fragrance and use as a medicinal aid gave roses a high regard in ancient societies. For example, in ancient Greece and Rome rose gardens were as fiercely protected as the orchards and wheat fields. Muslims and Zoroastrians preferred to use rose perfume along with sandalwood paste for ceremonial purposes. Generally, rosewater is for use on the body either for medical reasons or for the complexion, rose syrup is used in foods, or rose oil is used in cosmetics. Let's look briefly at the many uses of rosewater and how it is made.
The first step in making a rose based product is boiling rose petals. The oils resulting from the distillation process are used in perfume, food flavoring, cosmetics, and religious purposes. Rose oil is too concentrated to use without some sort of carrier, such as a neutral essential oil. The distillate (condensation) that developed from the distillation process is rosewater. The scent is just as heady, but the composition is lighter and therefore more useful for particular applications. Another way of creating both rose oil and rosewater was developed in Persia and Bulgaria, but the only difference between it and the above method is the crushed petals of roses are mixed with essential oils prior to distillation, instead of after.
Rosewater and rose syrup is widely used in cuisine all over the world. The French are well known for their rose syrups, particularly in petits fours, marzipan, marshmallows, baking and beverages. Iranian foods use rose syrup and rose water quite frequently, such as in baklava, tea, ice cream, almond nougat and "Turkish Delight". In many Middle Eastern nations, such as Lebanon, Israel and Jordan, rosewater is added to lemonade. American president James Monroe had a fondness for Waverly Jumbles cookies, which were heavily doused with rosewater.
Rosewater has long been used for the body as well. On its own, rosewater can be used for treating acne, combination skin, red spots and general uneven skin tone. Combined with a good neutral moisturizer, it can work wonders on the skin! Even in India it is very common for people to spray their face with rosewater for relief from the dry air and it can be used as eyewash to help clear redness or foreign material. Even those with oily skin can benefit from soap and moisturizer with rosewater, as it is does not sit on top of the skin causing blemishes.
In addition to the bodily benefits of rosewater, there are the soothing advantages of the exquisite fragrance. What is it about that aroma that is timeless? Like other natural scents, such as sandalwood and lavender, rosewater promotes a relaxed state of mind. Just standing in the shower with a lovely bar or rosewater soap helps start the day out right, with a calm state of mind and a positive outlook. Many people even use diluted rosewater when ironing bed linens, as the scent helps one to get a better sleep. There are so many uses for rosewater, rose syrup and rose oil! Try them all and see just how much more enjoyable the small daily tasks are!
The first step in making a rose based product is boiling rose petals. The oils resulting from the distillation process are used in perfume, food flavoring, cosmetics, and religious purposes. Rose oil is too concentrated to use without some sort of carrier, such as a neutral essential oil. The distillate (condensation) that developed from the distillation process is rosewater. The scent is just as heady, but the composition is lighter and therefore more useful for particular applications. Another way of creating both rose oil and rosewater was developed in Persia and Bulgaria, but the only difference between it and the above method is the crushed petals of roses are mixed with essential oils prior to distillation, instead of after.
Rosewater and rose syrup is widely used in cuisine all over the world. The French are well known for their rose syrups, particularly in petits fours, marzipan, marshmallows, baking and beverages. Iranian foods use rose syrup and rose water quite frequently, such as in baklava, tea, ice cream, almond nougat and "Turkish Delight". In many Middle Eastern nations, such as Lebanon, Israel and Jordan, rosewater is added to lemonade. American president James Monroe had a fondness for Waverly Jumbles cookies, which were heavily doused with rosewater.
Rosewater has long been used for the body as well. On its own, rosewater can be used for treating acne, combination skin, red spots and general uneven skin tone. Combined with a good neutral moisturizer, it can work wonders on the skin! Even in India it is very common for people to spray their face with rosewater for relief from the dry air and it can be used as eyewash to help clear redness or foreign material. Even those with oily skin can benefit from soap and moisturizer with rosewater, as it is does not sit on top of the skin causing blemishes.
In addition to the bodily benefits of rosewater, there are the soothing advantages of the exquisite fragrance. What is it about that aroma that is timeless? Like other natural scents, such as sandalwood and lavender, rosewater promotes a relaxed state of mind. Just standing in the shower with a lovely bar or rosewater soap helps start the day out right, with a calm state of mind and a positive outlook. Many people even use diluted rosewater when ironing bed linens, as the scent helps one to get a better sleep. There are so many uses for rosewater, rose syrup and rose oil! Try them all and see just how much more enjoyable the small daily tasks are!
About the Author:
PC Fallon offers many quality items, including roger & gallet perfume at department store sale prices. With over 3500 items available, fine fragrances are just one of the many great products we offer. Plus, PC Fallon makes your shopping experience as simple and care-free as possible!