Rose water: definition
For rose water is meant an aqueous solution obtained by steam distillation of rose petals, during the essence extraction process. In general, the petals of Rosa gallica are used, sometimes replaced by those of Rosa canina or Rosa damascena . In cosmetics, rose water is widely used as a refreshing, invigorating, soothing and astringent.
Steam current distillation
As we know, steam distillation is an extraction method widely used to extract volatile and sensitive, and therefore thermolabile, active ingredients from medicinal plants. In this case, the matrix rich in active ingredients is represented by rose petals: in order not to degrade the active ingredients contained in them, the only solvent capable of extracting them is water, which breaks the plant apparatuses of rose petals thanks to the temperature.
Rose water and natural peeling
In the world of natural cosmetics, rose water is the main ingredient to purify and cleanse the skin of the face: by mixing sugar, honey and rose water in equal parts, a natural product is obtained that is particularly suitable for facial peeling. The compound, after being applied to the skin and massaged thoroughly, should be rinsed with warm water.
Rose water and seborrheic dermatitis
As is known, seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic-relapsing disease that mainly affects (but not only) the scalp: the disease manifests itself in itching, discomfort, inflammation / irritation, the appearance of greasy scales and yellow crusts. In order to lighten this notably unattractive condition, as well as annoying, the application of a tonic based on rosewater (to purify the skin), combined with specific and specific ointments for the disorder, is very useful. Proper face cleansing with a mild soap is essential to "prepare" the skin for treatment against seborrheic dermatitis; afterwards, it is recommended to dab the area with a cotton ball soaked in rose water, purifying the skin and toning. Finally, targeted herbal products can be used, formulated for example with echinacea ( Echinacea pallida), an antibacterial and antimicrobial drug, hypericum (Hypericum perforatum), with healing-vulnerary properties, and borage oil ( Borago officinalis ), useful for calming the itch. It should be pointed out that, in the case of chronic seborrheic dermatitis or of medium entity, the opinion of the doctor is still indispensable.
In general, rose water is therefore widely used to purify the skin before a treatment against skin diseases; to report other examples, the skin can be purified with rose water-based tonics even before treatment against eczema or psoriasis.
Rose water, dark circles and acne
Rose water packs, applied directly to the periorbital area (around the eyes) are particularly useful in the treatment of dark circles and rosacea. Used since the past, rose water is also useful against wrinkles.
Due to the known astringent properties, rose water, applied locally, seems to bring excellent results also in the treatment against edema and acne. We recommend the daily application of two cotton pads soaked in rose water (application time: 15 minutes).
Homemade preparation
It is not difficult to prepare rose water: about 130-150 rose petals (not chemically treated) and one liter of water, preferably distilled, are needed. After boiling the water, soak the petals for 15-30 minutes. Filter everything and store for 20-40 days in a resealable container, preferably with dark walls (to prevent light from degrading the components), and in the refrigerator.
Variation: it is recommended to combine the rose petals in gauzes or special bags, before immersing them in boiling water.
The rose water can also be obtained through maceration of the petals in cold: after having gathered all the petals in a sterile gauze, immerse them in a container with demineralized (cold) water, avoiding that the gauze touches the bottom of the container. Afterwards, the container is closed and the rose petals left to macerate for an entire night. To embellish the tonic even more and make it more fragrant, it is advisable to add a few drops of essential rose oil, in addition to talc, useful for absorbing the oil. After allowing another night to pass, the liquid should be filtered and stored in the refrigerator.
This second extraction method - cold maceration - is more useful than infusion, since in this way a tonic is obtained embellished with many astringent active ingredients. In this regard, the rose water obtained by cold maceration of the petals is particularly suitable for cleansing impure and oily skin.
It should be pointed out that rose water is suitable for delicate and impure skins, but particularly sensitive individuals must be very careful because the tonic may contain potentially allergenic compounds, therefore poorly tolerated, and cause unexpected allergic reactions.
Vinegar and rose petals
Some texts recommend replacing the steeping water for rose petals with white vinegar: this "tonic" seems to be particularly beneficial for very oily skins. In this case, the maceration of the rose petals must last for a longer period (even 15 days).
Rose petals and drink
With rose petals you can also prepare a decoction for drinking: in this case, the properties of the rose are exploited as astringent and tonic. To obtain a disinfectant effect, we recommend the infusion of rose petals: this gives a particularly pleasant, aromatic and refreshing rose water. The rose water, in the form of an infusion, is also used to reduce the symptoms associated with heavy menstruation, bleeding gums, diarrhea, hyperhidrosis (heavy sweating) and pharyngitis. The infusion obtained with rosehip petals appears as an excellent tea substitute; furthermore, it has been observed that the habitual use (1 or 2 times a day) of rose water (infusion) helps dissolve kidney stones in those patients who are affected [taken from The medicine of the simple, by A. Formenti ].
Rose water and tradition
In Afghanistan, roses and their petals are widely used for the production of rose oils and rose water, thanks to their high value on the international market. However, roses and their products belong to the Afghan tradition, as well as to everyday life.
According to some sources, rose water is a mild antidepressant able to give optimism, drive out anxiety and release mental pain: however, these properties have not been properly demonstrated.
Rose water in short ยป
