8 Benefits of Rose Water: How to Use, Benefits and More

November 14, 2023 by Forest Essentials

Table of Contents

Shatapatri Tarunyukta Karnika charukeshara
Mahakumari gandhadhya laksha krushnatimanjula
Shatapatri hima hrudya graahani shukrala laghu hu
Dosha trayastrajidvaryna katvi tikta cha pachani
– Bhavprakasha Nighantu

Rose, celebrated by poets for its fragrance and beauty, has long been revered in Ayurveda for its multifaceted benefits. Beyond its aromatic allure, Rose water offers a plethora of advantages, extensively researched for its holistic properties.

Traditionally, Rose water is crafted by boiling Rose petals in water and straining the resulting liquid. However, this method may inadvertently introduce impurities. For optimal purity, the preferred extraction technique is steam distillation. This straightforward process involves either continuously passing steam through a mixture or simmering water and Rose petals together, yielding the purest Rose water and essential oil.

The variety of Rose water is of utmost importance. According to research, there are approximately over three hundred species within the Rosaceae family. The best quality of Rose in India is the ‘Kannauj Gulaab’, which is very famous worldwide and blooms in the city of Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, also known as the ‘perfume city of India’. It has a mesmerizing fragrance and a unique size and colour. Forest Essentials incorporates this natural ingredient in a wide range of products like its Facial Tonic Mists, Radiance Renewal Body Cream, and Intense Perfume Gulnar.

The Varied Benefits of Rose Water

Want to know more about Rose water benefits? Let’s have a look at the various benefits of using Rose water on face, as per Ayurveda.

Varnya: Enhances Skin Complexion

Rose water, with its ‘Sheeta Veerya’ (cold potency), effectively cools and calms agitated skin. It refreshes and rehydrates the skin while adding a natural glow. Its versatility makes it suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive and acne-prone skin, serving as a reliable natural toner that balances pH levels. Rose water is also included as a crucial ingredient in skincare for its glow enhancing benefits. One of the main ingredients in Forest Essentials’ Eladi Day Cream is ‘Mukta Pishti’ which is Freshwater Pearl Paste. To make this paste, pearls are grinded with fresh Rose water in moonlight to capture the cooling and calming benefits of Rose water for skin.

Dahahara: Calms Inflamed Skin

Rose possesses properties that relieve burning sensations. Heat, redness, or breakouts often indicate inflamed skin, but Rose exhibits qualities that counteract this by pacifying Pitta (heat), thus calming redness and conditions like Rosaceae on the skin. It also reduces excessive sweating and skin disorders and prevents body odour. Washing the folds of the skin with Rose water and then applying an anti-perspirant helps to control body odour throughout the day.

Tridoshahara: Balances all 3 Doshas

According to Ayurveda’s classification of the six tastes, Rose water encompasses bitter, astringent, and sweet flavours, which effectively balance the respective doshas. In the face of modern chaotic diets and lifestyles, cells tend to age prematurely. Rose water intervenes by slowing down cell oxidation, functioning as an antioxidant, and delaying the appearance of signs of ageing on the skin. Its benefits extend further to age-defying properties.

Hrudya: Good for the Heart

The benefits of Rose water are not only restricted to physical application but also extend to aromatherapy. The delicate fragrance is beneficial for Pitta, especially ‘Sadhaka Pitta,’ which resides in the heart. When imbalanced, feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed can arise, leaving one feeling limp and out of balance. Research has shown that Rose water possesses antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. It is believed to induce sleep and to have a hypnotic effect like that of the pharmaceutical drug Diazepam. A simple spray of Rose water around us lifts the veil of disdain and promotes a deep sense of rest.

Shishira: Cools like Winter

Rose water also offers benefits in reducing heat in the eyes. Many Vaidyas prescribe putting a few drops of pure Rose water into the eyes daily to alleviate burning or redness. Given the prevalence of doomscrolling, which can be taxing on the eyes, it’s essential to rest and relax them to prevent future concerns.

Jwarahara: Manages Fever

The little-known fact about the benefit of Rose water on skin is that in high fevers, you can wipe your body with a fresh cloth dipped in chilled Rose water to bring down the temperature of the body. The natural ability of Rose to work as a healer and anti-bacterial aids in managing the core temperature of the body.

Grahi: Binds and Absorbs

Ayurvedic physicians have been incorporating the benefits of ingestible Rose water for its bowel binding ability for ages. It has a property to cool down the abdominal heat. Ingesting some amount of Rose water is known to benefit the absorption and assimilation of food. It is also one of the ingredients used in many ‘Anubhut’ medicinal preparations.

Deepani: Strengthens Digestion

‘Gulkand’ is a familiar name among Betel Leaf or Paan enthusiasts, but a lesser-known fact is that Rose water is also used in making several dishes. It aids in soothing digestive troubles and can relieve mild stomach issues. Rose water is often incorporated into many Kheers and Sherbets to help soothe and cool the stomach.

How to Use Rose Water: A Guide for Beginners

Want to incorporate the goodness of Rose water in your self-care routine but not sure how? This guide lists down various Rose water uses and how to incorporate them into your everyday life.

Travel Size Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater

₹550.00

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1. As a Face Mist: A face mist can be spritzed throughout the day or night to refresh and rehydrate the skin. Forest Essentials’ Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater contains steam distilled Rose water. It can also be used as a toner to minimize open pores.

2. To Cleanse Your Face: If you don’t have access to water to wash your face, you can take a few drops of Rose water on a clean tissue or cloth and use it to wipe your face. Not only will it help remove excess dirt, oil, and pollution from your face, but it will also instantly hydrate and make you feel fresh.

3. As an Ubtan: Want glowing skin before heading out for a party? Mix Rose water into your homemade or store bought Ubtan as a substitute for normal water. The mixer enhances the benefits of the raw ingredients added in the Ubtan and adds an iridescent glow post cleansing. Forest Essentials’ Roop Nikhar Gulab Ubtan with sun dried hand pounded Rose petals and other herbs can be mixed with the Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater for an instant glow.

Facial Ubtan Roop Nikhar & Gulab

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4. To Soothe Anxiety and Relieve Stress: Catching a flight, planning a long drive, or simply stuck in traffic? One can feel overwhelmed and anxious. Reach in your bag for some Rose water and spray a few spritzes to soothe you while uplifting your heart and your emotions. It can also be used to relieve stress at work, after spending long hours in front of the laptop. Spray Rose water a few times on a soft cotton pad until fully soaked and then use it on the eyes and relax. You can even keep it ready in a bag and store it in the refrigerator for extra cooling and soothing benefits.

5. As a Makeup Setting Spray: Ran out of makeup setting spray? Rose water to the rescue! Use it before makeup to hydrate skin and minimise open pores and post makeup to settle the makeup without letting it oxidise.

6. To Soothe and Cool Inflamed Skin: Do sweat and heat take a toll on your skin? Then this trick is for you. Freeze Rose water in ice cubes and wrap them in a muslin cloth to dab on your skin, especially in hot and humid weather. It will help in soothing the angry skin and reduce sweating by minimising the open pores on the skin. This is also a great trick to use before applying your makeup, making it last for the entire day.

Pro tip: To make it more hydrating and aesthetic, add a few dried Rose petals or Cucumber slices with Mint to the Rose water ice cubes. So pretty!

7. As a Hair Spray: Hair feeling limp and listless? A few sprays of Rose water will instantly perk them up. Plus, the mild scent of Rose in your hair will feel like a fresh breath of air.

8. As a Kitchen Ingredient: The benefits of Rose water for face are well known, but what you may not know is that you can also use this ingredient liberally in your desserts, cakes, teas, and other culinary items to enhance not only the flavour but also the hypnotic aroma of the food.

FAQs

Is it good to use Rose water daily on face?

It is great to use Rose water daily to hydrate, cool, heal, and add glow to the skin.

Can we apply Rose water on face overnight?

You can use Rose water on your skin before applying a nourishing night cream overnight. The Rose water will help in better absorption of the active ingredients in the cream, and it will make the skin plump and fresh.

Does Rose water darken skin?

Rose water is a Varnya i.e. a skin brightening ingredient which enhances the natural glow on the skin. It will not darken the skin. However, if you have an allergy, then it may show reaction in the form of skin darkening or dullness.

Which Rose water is best?

Any Rose water which is devoid of artificial colour, alcohol and strong artificial fragrances is recommended for use. Forest Essentials’ Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater contains steam distilled floral waters without any unnecessary ingredients or preservatives.

What is the best time to use Rose water?

The beauty of Rose water is that you can incorporate it in your self-care routine anytime of the day. However, the best way to use it is in a CTM routine at least twice a day before moisturising.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7587601

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7835869

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320216#what-are-the-benefits

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Arjun Singh Senior Ayurveda Expert

Arjun is a marketing professional turned Ayurveda Expert. After the completion of his post-graduation in 2008, he started his journey in the beauty industry. He has since worked with several global luxury beauty brands including DIOR & Estee Lauder. With now more than 12 years of experience, he is driven by the idea of making Skin Care, ‘simple’ and ‘accessible’ for all and help clients transform their lifestyle and skin with solutions rooted in his extensive understanding of Ayurveda. A Senior Ayurveda Expert at Forest Essentials, he carefully curates Ayurvedic remedies and is continuously working towards bridging the gap between time-honoured skin care solutions and the modern consumer of the fast-paced world.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.