Learn the best uses of rose petals, their medicinal benefits, DIY skincare formulas and recipes. Can you actually eat roses?
Roses have always been considered as a symbol of romance and are widely used for their beauty. In addition to their beauty and fragrance, roses have many healing properties for our health and can improve our skin and hair.
History of Rose Petals
Roses also called “Queen of the flowers” are perhaps one of the most ancient medicinal plants with fossil records dating back to the age of 35 million years.
In ancient Egypt, they boiled down the roses and use them in balsams and perfume oils. In an effort to dazzle his loving Marco Anthony, Cleopatra filled her rooms with roses whenever he arrived.
“I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.”
Emma Goldman
If you like this quote, check for more.
And ancient Greeks and Romans used to build an enormous public rose gardens. Roses were however privilege of Persia, where they began with its distillation. Rose oil called also attar of roses, was used to make rose perfumes. To make one gram of this extravagantly expensive oil they needed to collect two thousand roses! In the Middle Ages, Persians appreciated rosewater and used it for medicinal treatment as well as in the culinary industry.
The rosewater came to Europe relatively late, the scientist named Avicenna. attracts Europe’s attention to a valuable commodity, which was a profitable source of trade for the Persians. In Muslim countries, it is used for ceremonies today, especially in perfumes and culinary arts.
Which roses to chose?
There are a wide variety of roses, the best for your rose water are Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia and Rosa gallica. While the color is not important, selecting fragrant flowers with a scent that you like is a necessity.
The roses should be free of chemicals and pesticides. So don’t select roses from any flower shops as most of them are treated with chemicals to last longer. The best is to pick from your own garden or other gardens, where you are sure they don’t use any harsh chemicals.
Benefits of rose petals for skin
The roses contain antimicrobials or anti-bacterial compounds that kill or slow down the growth of bacteria (1). They also possess antioxidant compounds and are a rich source of important minerals and vitamins.
Their anti-inflamatory properties help to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. These attributes are mainly used in rose water and rose hydrosol that are also natural astringent and help tighten the pores and promote glowing skin.
The antioxidant activity heals and soothes and skin, reducing wrinkles and keeping the right pH balance. These properties are also very much present in rose oil that can be used as the main ingredients of salves, creams or toners.
Roses contain many volatile substances and essential oils that are valuable for the skin and wellbeing. While Citronellol is an effective mosquito repellant, Citral has a strong antimicrobial effect. Citronellyl Acetate is responsible for the pleasant flavour and aroma of roses and is a reason why roses are used in many skin and beauty products. These natural cleansers are helping to hydrate and moisturize the skin leaving it smooth and silky
Rose benefits for wellbeing
Petals of roses are naturally uplifting and contain certain plant flavonoids that possess anti-stress effect and antidepressant properties (2)
May reduce menstrual pain
Rose tea is used in China as a natural alternative method to alleviate menstrual pain.
In this study from Taiwan 130 teenage students drank 2 cups of rose tea daily for a period of 12 days and reported less menstrual pain and better well being than those who did not drink the tea.
Hidden uses of Rose Petals
Dry petals
The best way to keep the roses and their curative effects is to dry them.
In addition to the healing effect on the skin, the rose petals smell wonderful and they work great as homemade potpourri. You can mix them with other ingredients such as cinnamon or vanilla and make your own fragrance blend that fits into every home. Alternatively, mix rose petals with eucalyptus to make a natural air freshener.
Rose Infusion oil
By gradual maceration of the rose petals in oil, you obtained high-quality and biologically effective rose oil. This nourishing and fragrant rose oil regenerates the skin, relieves irritation and is also a great moisturizer.
Turn this rose oil into home-made soap, lotion, cream or lip balm.
Rose water
The most commonly used is the rose water or rose water hydrosol which has a very calming effect, lowers blood pressure, reduces depression and improves your mood.
It has also a positive effect on the skin, which reduces redness, balances the skin pH. Rose water is also used for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
When you mix the rose water with your favorite essential oil and put it in the spray bottle you can use it as your own perfume.
If you prefer to use rose water for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on the care of your skin, so do not hesitate and apply as a compress on your face. It will pleasantly cool you and nourish your skin. Do not be afraid to add vitamin E or aloe vera for even better effect.
The rose water can also be used as a makeup remover. It is a 100% splitter that will definitely not disappoint, remove every bit of your make up without a single waste. Simply mix rose water with jojoba oil and get the resulting solution. Alternatively, make a facial toner that balance ph of your skin and make your skin look fabulous.
Likewise, rose water is used to rinse hair or as a bath additive along with petals. It is a beneficial soothing bath I recommend to everyone after a hard day full of stress and nerves. In addition to rose water, you can add, you can add these bath bombs and you’ll feel like you’re born again …
Rose Honey
Add rose petals directly to minor skin injuries. Their antiviral and antibacterial properties accelerate recovery time.
If you mix rose petals with honey and leave it for weeks to lengthen, you will have an excellent cure for your neck. Add just a teaspoon of rose honey produced to you in warm tea and instantly feel relief in neck pain.
Rose powder
In the coffee grinder, add dried rose petals to grind them into a fine powder. Add this rose powder to your face masks or in hair treatment formulas. I also used it in this rose milk cake.
Rose extract
Cover fresh petals with 40% ethanol and use 20 drops to ease the digest system or to lower the cholesterol. Just a few drops of this fragrant and potent rose extract add unmistakable rose flavor to your baking, cooking, and even your skincare beauty products.
Eat roses
Do you wonder how to eat roses? In addition to their beauty and medicinal properties, roses are nutritious. Packed with B vitamins, bioflavonoids, and polyphenols, which are important for the prevention of diseases. I like to add rose petals to my salad or add them to chocolate desserts.
Chocolate heart with rose petals
This homemade chocolate bark with chili and rose petals is full of healthy ingredients that will enhance your well-being and won’t threaten your waistline.
Rose Ice cream
Turning rose petals into rose ice cream is a unique way to enjoy their fragrance and taste.
Rose petal jam
Strong and scented rose petal jam makes a great addition to desserts, ice creams or yogurt. It is very tasty when spread on bread or toast.
Rose vinegar
Cover fresh petals with vinegar for several days and then use it as a salad dressing.
Rose Cordial
Made of rose petals, sugar and lemon this rose cordial is great when mixed with seltzer to make a quick, child-friendly rose soda
Rose Tea
Rose petal tea is a simple and effective way to boost your metabolism, reduce menstrual cramps and alleviate stress.
How to grow roses
Roses prefer fertile, damp, and permeable soils. They need at least 5 hours of sunshine per day during growth. Tolerate continental and subtropical temperatures. You can also find wild-growing plants, usually grown as part of hedges. Pink flowers are harvested in the summer.
If you’re interested to learn how to grow roses in your garden, here are some tips to help you succeed the beautiful journey into growing roses.
Wow, what great ideas! Now, I need to plant more roses so I can me them. Thanks for sharing.