Wake up, smell the roses, and reap the benefits! To some, there is nothing like the sweet strong aroma of a rose; while others may be singing the song “Roses” by OutKast in their heads. Nevertheless, roses are absolutely exquisite visually and physiologically.
Roses have been utilized for culinary, medicinal, and beauty and skincare purposes for centuries, and are widely popular at that. It has been said that Cleopatra of Egypt utilized roses and rose water in her skin care and beauty routines every day. This magnificent flower has properties such as antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial that can change your view of a highly yearned-for, basic flower. The uses of rose are versatile from being a natural coloring to soothing skin.
More extensive research needs to be completed on the benefits rose gives to the body internally and externally. It may not be as effective as your typical antiseptic ointments like bacitracin and neosporin, but it is also known to help assist in the healing of wounds faster and will reduce the risks of infections within burns and cuts.
I have been using rose oil for some time now, and considering I’m on a hair journey, I figured why not utilize what is in my backyard? This marks our second summer in our home and we have yet to decide what to do with the massive damask rose bush that has been residing here for over 20 years. It is overgrown with very little to no care and I have yet to allocate the time to trim her back and give her the proper care; even though she is blossoming and blooming like a boss bush! Since I have an abundance of roses now, what better way to utilize them than to make some rose water?
I absolutely enjoy doing quick water infusions because it is easy, with no excessive tools, and takes a minimum amount of time to make.
At first I didn’t know exactly how many petals I would need to fill my jar and how much rose I wanted to keep on the bush for our pollinators. Luckily for me on this day; I had plenty even though I needed to go out and harvest 2 or 3 times more, but it was all worth it. There will be certainly many more days before the winter months and I would like to try to cultivate as much as I can.
Tools
- Rose petals – Any rose will do, but different roses give off more or less of the benefit wanted
- Any size glass jar with airtight lid
- Distilled water
- A gatherer tray
- Paper towels
- Wooden dowels or chopsticks
Processing
Processing the rose petals for use is quite simple but this time around, for myself it was time consuming. The rose petals are best harvested in the morning when the dew is beginning to dry. Harvesting at this time of day will ensure the oils in the rose maintains its moisture for a strong scent profile. Once the day is warm the moisture content on the rose is at its most minimum and will not have the same results as you would with a cool morning.
Gather rose petals
With a pair of shears, cut below the bud for the whole flower above your gathering basket of choice. If petals are falling, I like to place my basket under a specified spot in the bush and shake the basket, petals will fall right in.
– Do note that once a flower is pollinated, the scent may differ. If harvesting whole buds, chose those with blooms that are still closed and bottom petals have unfolded.
Lay the petals
Using a paper towel or flat surface lay the petals outside in a well shaded area for approximately an hour to let all the little critters run to safety. While waiting shake the petals and move them around a few times to guarantee there are no critters hiding. You don’t want to introduce them into your home especially if you have plants and animals.
Once there are no bugs, you are ready to bring them inside and begin filling the jar chosen.
Here I used a 12 quart jar and packed the petals to the top of the jar, I wanted a strong water. Whenever the petals get to the top, push them down and compact them until it reached the bottom of the neck.
Steeping
This is the last step into making amazing smelling and beneficial rose water. Make sure you have your distilled water and wooden dowel/chopstick ready!
Slowly fill the jar to the bottom of the neck with your distilled water of choice. Once filled, use the wooden bowl or chopstick to push the petals to the bottom repeatedly to release air bubbles that may be trapped in between the water and the petals. (This can sometimes be monotonous because it will feel like you have been doing it for hours.)
Once you are fully satisfied slowly fill the jar to the lid. Secure your lid tight, shake it up a bit, and store in a dark cool area. Don’t forget the labeling!
Voila! You have fresh rose water at the ready! When you set it and forget it, once you remember, shake it up a little bit to keep the oils to continue pulling out and into the water.
Other Methods
The method I describe in this post is an extremely quick method and doesn’t have the more potent qualities as you would get with using heat methods. This is simply for needing rose water in a pinch!
Misfit Uses
The use of rose water is far and in between for personal care, for foodies everywhere and spiritually as well. For example, I made this batch specifically to add to my hair rinse that already contains rosemary oil and distilled water. It gives my hair the extra shine and softness that I am looking for and any excess water is used for magical works and rituals.
Spiritually rose water is used for but not limited to cleansing, purification, positive energy, and love. Rose water is a big hit when it comes to self-care rituals like baths; just sitting in a nice warm bath smelling the aromas a rose offers, and enjoying the purifying release soothes a soul.
Here are some uses misfits would enjoy:
- Anointment in rituals for purification, cleansing, love and relationships. Keep a small bottle or vile on hand, you never know when you might need it!
- Home blessings to cleanse and purify your home whether it be a new home or spring cleaning. This also helps to level the energy in your home when times are feeling a bit suffocating.
- Rose water mists are great to have on hand in a bag, a pocket, and even on a night stand. Rose water mists are great for adding a little aromatherapy to pillows, car fabrics, cozy blankets, you name it! Rose water mists can also help alleviate skin that feels dry and tight and can also help on a hot day.
- Use water to “dream work” by setting a vessel onto a nightstand or near your bed, and adding some rose water. This helps enhance the dream world offers ability to enhance any psychic abilities that it trapped within you.
I will most certainly be adding rose water mists and vials to the Karmic Misfit Boutique when it is ready!
Ideal Roses for Rose Water
The properties of all roses differ but not drastically. Some roses are more fragrant than others while others are fruitful with other qualities. Here are two great examples of the perfect roses to use for rose water:
More sources:
https://www.gardenia.net/guide/rose-water-complete-guide-to-its-uses-and-benefits
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10758878
Disclaimer:
WHEN working with a new plant or herb always ADMINISTER a small patch test for possible allergic reactions. If any reactions occur, DISCONTINUE use right away and contact a health care professional.