Rose water - how to prepare it at home from rose petals, use in cooking or cosmetology

Last year I visited Crimea. I didn't regret the trip one bit. She brought a lot of cosmetics. Some I liked, some I didn’t quite like. But my skin loved one cosmetic product so much that now I order it all the time.

Rose water for your face does incredible things. This is one of those components that has powerful anti-aging properties. You may have heard its other name - rose hydrolate. They say that Cleopatra herself used it, but she loved to take care of herself.

This natural product contains a lot of antioxidants, which is why it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. And most importantly, this component can be successfully combined with other ingredients.

Next, you will find out what other benefits this healing elixir has, whether it can be prepared at home, and how to use it. I am sure you will be surprised at the versatile uses of this wonderful remedy. Okay, let's move on to the fun part.

What is rose water

Ancient medicine was well aware of the healing properties of roses. Essential oil and water obtained from this amazing flower were already expensive goods. In Russia, the main raw material for their production is Crimean rose. Rose aromatic water is a secondary product in the production of essential oil, obtained by steam distillation. It is a clear liquid with a slight aroma. When properly made, it consists only of the water-soluble components of oil and distilled water.

What is it for?

Rose water is a most valuable achievement in medicine and cosmetology. It has a natural antiseptic effect, so it is used to heal wounds and treat diseases. Flower solution is used in all areas of cosmetology. Hydrolate is used as a tonic and as a base for creams. Rose water has found application in cooking. Fans of oriental cuisine often use it to make sweets.

Methods for preparing the product

Many people resort to freezing the rose water completely and using it as an ice rub. Then the “contrast procedure” effect also comes into play. This trains the blood vessels, gives them tone, and, therefore, contributes to a complete blood supply to the skin layer.

Particularly inventive women also freeze petals or even collected rose heads. This allows you to subsequently not depend on the availability of flowers, but to prepare a composition from frozen components.

Another option is to dry the existing petals (in the absence of direct sunlight and good ventilation). The raw materials retain almost the complete biological composition of the components and, if properly prepared, the product can become an indispensable assistant at the right time.

Beneficial features

A solution of rose petals, having anti-inflammatory properties, fights infections well, therefore:

• treats respiratory diseases;
• helps cope with bacterial conjunctivitis;
• treats periodontal disease;
• eliminates bad breath;
• heals wounds;

Hydrolate is the basis for the preparation of cosmetic products or as an independent skin care product, as it has many beneficial properties:

• moisturizes the skin;
• tones well;
• gives skin elasticity;
• refreshes complexion;
• eliminates small wrinkles;
• fights dark circles under the eyes;
• protects against ultraviolet rays;
• soothes skin after sunburn;
• has a cooling effect;
• relieves irritation;
• has a delicate aroma.

Rose essential oils have a calming effect. Thanks to this valuable quality, rose water is used for aromatherapy and is capable of:

• eliminate headaches;
• calm the nervous system;
• relieve fatigue.

Solution and powder for preparing a solution for douching Tantum® Rose

Ready-made solution for douching Tantum® Rose is an anti-inflammatory drug used for vulvovaginitis, cervicovaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, for surgical gynecological interventions, as well as for women in the postpartum period. If there are symptoms of intimate discomfort, Tantum® Rose relieves itching, pain and burning in the intimate area within 20 minutes1 after use. The drug acts selectively only against pathogenic flora2, restoring the fragile balance of the intimate area, and helps the body fight inflammation3. Tantum® Rose is approved for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and has no age restrictions3. Two forms of the drug are available for sale: an easy-to-use ready-made Tantum® Rose solution in bottles with a special gynecological nozzle for gentle irrigation and an affordable Tantum® Rose powder for self-preparing the solution.

Indications for use

Rose petal liquid is used for various cosmetic problems and medical conditions such as:

• bronchopulmonary diseases (inhalations with rose hydrosol);
• sore throats, tonsillitis, pharyngitis (gargles, lotions);
• periodontal disease (mouth rinsing);
• conjunctivitis, eye fatigue (instillation of pure hydrosol, eye rinsing)
• wounds (wiping with flower solution);
• dark circles under the eyes (compresses);
• aging skin (cosmetics containing hydrosol or essential oil)
• problematic skin (rubbing);
• itching of the scalp (rubbing in hydrosol);
• headache (applying a gauze bandage soaked in a decoction of rose petals to the forehead);
• fatigue, nervous tension (baths with added hydrolate).

When not to use douching solutions

To cleanse the vagina of secretions

. If your goal is to get rid of heavy, unpleasant-smelling discharge, you should remember that it is only a symptom of a disease and first of all you need to find out its cause. Moreover, it is unacceptable to use the solution for douching with normal discharge, which is of a natural nature. They are an important factor in protecting the vagina, and over-indulgence in intimate hygiene can destroy this barrier.

On the eve of visiting the gynecologist

. Before going to see a doctor, you should not douche with antiseptic solutions, as the test results may be unreliable. A gynecologist can determine the cause of the problem and select the appropriate solution for douching for discharge.

During menstruation

. During menstruation, the cervix is ​​not closed as tightly as on other days of the cycle. Douching during menstruation can lead to the reflux of menstrual blood and pathogenic microflora into the cervical canal and provoke infectious diseases.

Rose water in folk medicine

Traditional medicine has long used flower essence for its unique bactericidal properties. It relieves inflammation without drying out the skin and mucous membranes because it does not contain alcohol. There are many folk recipes based on the use of rose hydrosol. The aromatic liquid is used for sore throats and dental problems. It helps cope with skin diseases: dermatitis, allergies, and treats problematic skin.

For sore throat

It is useful to gargle with rose hydrosol during a sore throat. Instead of rinsing, you can use another method. You need to pour rose water into a spray bottle and irrigate your throat with the resulting spray. You can make lotions. To do this, you need to wrap a little cotton wool on a stick, dip it in rose hydrosol and apply it to the inflamed tonsils for a few minutes.

For inflammation of the gums

Due to its antiseptic properties, it is used for dental problems. To prevent periodontal disease, it is recommended to rinse your mouth daily with rose hydrosol. If your gums are bleeding, you can apply cotton balls soaked in the solution to the inflamed areas. Such lotions will relieve pain and soothe the mucous membranes.

For acne

Having acne can make life very difficult. Rose water helps complete the cleansing process. Possessing powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it kills bacteria, relieves inflammation, eliminates itching and redness. Used twice a day as a tonic, rose hydrosol cleanses and tightens pores, helps get rid of acne, unevenness on the face, and oily shine. When you return home, wipe your problem skin with a fragrant liquid to remove street dust.

Increased sweating of the feet

Special baths will help to cope with this problem of excessive sweating of the feet. You need to add 50 ml of hydrosol or 5 drops of rose essential oil to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for a quarter of an hour. You can make a decoction instead. Petals of tea rose or rose hips should be poured with boiling water, left for an hour under the lid and applied by filling a foot bath with the solution.

Rose water in cosmetology

The Egyptian queen Cleopatra washed herself and took baths of rose petals to improve her skin. Flower water has beneficial properties at lower concentrations than essential oil. This natural product is suitable for all skin types, and the aqueous consistency of the hydrolate is most effectively absorbed by the upper layers of the epidermis. The product is used in cosmetology to care for:

• behind the face (moisturizing, toning, removing swelling and irritation);
• for the body (ensuring an even tan, relaxation, wound healing).

Facial skin care

You can prepare many cosmetic products, effective and natural, from rose hydrosol. For example:

• tonic made from undiluted hydrosol for everyday use;
• cosmetic ice: freeze the product in special containers and wipe your face with pink cubes in the morning;
• fabric mask for sensitive skin: moisten 3 layers of gauze in a pink solution and apply to a cleansed face for 20 minutes, do not wash after the procedure;
• mask for skin elasticity: mix 20 ml of rose hydrosol, 5 g of flower honey, 20 g of crushed almonds and apply the mixture to the face for a quarter of an hour, after the procedure wipe the face with a cotton pad;
• face cream: dilute the thick baby cream with rose hydrolate to a creamy consistency, apply the cream to the face moistened with rose tonic;
• compress for dark circles under the eyes: apply cotton pads moistened with fragrant water to the area around the eyes, hold for 15 minutes.

For body care

In aromatherapy, natural essential oils and floral solutions are used to harmonize the emotional and physical state of a person. Fragrances, through their impact on the olfactory receptors, send a signal to the area of ​​the brain responsible for emotions. Rose petal water is a good aromatherapy product; it has a calming effect on the nervous system and relaxes muscles. To relieve fatigue after a busy day, it is recommended to add half a glass of aromatic hydrosol to a warm bath and lie down for 20 minutes.

Rose essence, added to a bath for steaming nails before a manicure, will do an excellent job of disinfecting small wounds, strengthening nails and moisturizing the cuticle. In hot summers, tea rose hydrosol will help you get a beautiful, even tan. Having filled a bottle with a spray bottle with fragrant liquid, it is recommended to periodically spray the body when in the sun.

Body care

Rose hydrosol has a beneficial effect on the human body and nervous system, and relaxes muscles after a busy day. To relieve fatigue, it is recommended to take a bath, to which you need to add 100 ml of rose water. The procedure time is 20 minutes.

Rose water is useful for a beautiful tan on hot days. Before sunbathing, it is recommended to spray your body with rose hydrosol from a bottle with a dispenser. Use water at all times on the beach. Rose petals will relieve skin tightness and refresh the skin.

For hair

The product has a beneficial effect not only on the skin, but also on the quality of the hair. Hydrolate relieves irritation of the scalp, moisturizes curls, fights hair loss, dandruff, and also gives the hair a delightful aroma. You can care for your hair in the following ways:

• to give a silky shine, rub rose hydrosol into the scalp, distribute evenly over the entire length of the strands, leave for half an hour, then wash your hair with regular shampoo;
• dilute the shampoo with hydrosol by one third, wash your hair with the resulting composition 2-3 times a week;
• after washing, rinse your hair with a pink solution;
• mask for nourishing hair follicles: mix pink hydrosol with glycerin oil in equal proportions, rub into hair roots, wash with shampoo after half an hour, apply weekly;
• mask for restoring damaged hair after coloring, styling, blow-drying: mix 50 ml of pink hydrolate with the contents of one vitamin E capsule and five drops of jojoba oil, distribute through curls, after 10 minutes, rinse with shampoo, apply weekly.

• The first signs of chickenpox
• Treating shoes against fungus
• Lymph nodes in the neck hurt - the cause of inflammation. Treatment for pain in the lymph nodes in the neck

Mechanism of action

The benefit of rose water lies in the ability to use it to influence the basic biological processes occurring in the skin:

• fill dermal cells with moisture, increasing turgor and helping to revitalize internal biochemical reactions;
• inhibit the reproduction and growth of microorganisms that enter the skin from the air or are carried by the bloodstream from diseased organs;
• enhance the regenerative processes of the facial skin, which constantly occur in it and lead to tissue renewal;
• nourish the skin with natural rose oils, vitamins B, A and E;
• saturate with microelements and antioxidants;
• accelerate the detoxification process, compensating for the harmful effects of toxins and other harmful factors.

This powerful potential of the plant is explained by its natural composition. Interestingly, such properties persist even after the plant withers.

Advice

When wiping the skin with rose water, movements with the tampon should be carried out along cosmetic lines, without injuring or disturbing its natural structure.

Use in cooking

Since ancient times, in Asia and the Middle East, fragrant water from rose flowers has been used in cooking. It was added to dishes to add flavor. To experiment in the kitchen, it's best to purchase this delicious ingredient from Asian spice stores or make your own rose water from rose petals. The aromatic liquid will add a delicate aroma to coffee and chocolate; it can be added to Turkish delight or ice cream, combined with cardamom. The main thing is to know when to stop so that the dessert does not smell like strong perfume.

How to make rose water at home

The drug can be found in cosmetic stores, pharmacies, and oriental spice departments, but by preparing a miracle remedy with your own hands, you can not worry and be sure that the product does not contain alcohol, preservatives or other chemical additives. Preparation does not require special skills or equipment.

Features of choosing flowers for decoction

Roses from flower shops are not suitable for creating a natural hydrosol, since they are almost always treated with chemicals for long-term storage. It is better to pick petals from flowers collected in your own garden or from friends. The most fragrant varieties of tea roses are suitable for preparation. Plants must be grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

It is recommended to collect rose petals early in the morning in dry weather directly on the day of preparing the hydrosol. You can use wild plants: Crimean or Bulgarian rose, rose hips. In this case, collect flowers away from the road, those that have not absorbed dust and toxic exhaust from cars. All petals must be carefully sorted, discarding damaged ones.

Cooking recipes

To prepare flower water, you need to place flower petals on the bottom of a large saucepan in several layers and add boiled water. After this, you can do it in two ways:

1. Place an empty glass bowl inside so that its edges are located a few centimeters above the level of the boiling liquid, cover the pan with an inverted lid. Heat over low heat. Once boiling, fill the upside down lid with ice. Boil the petals for an hour. If necessary, you can periodically add water and ice. The steam will condense on the cold surface of the inverted lid, flowing directly into the bowl. This will be the finished hydrolate.
2. Cover the pan with a lid and heat over low heat until the petals lose color. This may take half an hour or more. When the flowers become transparent, squeeze them and strain the resulting liquid.

The liquid prepared according to these recipes must be poured into a sterile glass container, tightly closed and stored in a cool place. Keep in mind that it is necessary to pour the hydrosol before it has cooled down. Natural rose water for the face at home can be stored for more than a year, perfectly preserving the color, taste, aroma and all its beneficial properties.

How to buy real rose water

To buy a high-quality natural product, pay attention to the composition, which should only contain the word “hydrolate” or “distillate” of rose. If it says “water” and essential oils” it is not a real product. There will be little benefit from it, since oil compounds do not dissolve in water. There should be no alcohol, preservatives or other chemical additives. Flower water is a natural product that cannot be stored for long. If the label indicates that the shelf life is much more than a year, you should refuse to purchase.

What is the price

Prices for floral waters from different manufacturers can vary greatly. On store shelves you can see bottles of different sizes. If you use the product only for the face, a 100-200 ml bottle will be enough for you. For body care, it makes sense to purchase larger containers.