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A symbol of affection -

Since ancient times, roses have been symbols of affection. In ancient Greece, the rose was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

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A symbol of affection -

The red color of the rose was said to have been created by the blood of Aphrodite's lover, Adonis. As Aphrodite was the goddess of purity, she is associated with white roses.

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Religious symbol -

In Christianity, the Virgin Mary is associated with roses. She was referred to as a "rose among thorns" by Coelius Sedulius, a Christian poet.

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Victorian era and romance -

Roses have long been associated with romance and the romance novel genre. In the Victorian era, each color rose symbolized something different. For example, red for love, pink for affection, and yellow for friendship.

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Countries associated with roses -

The Rosa Damascena, or Damascus Rose, comes from the Middle East. It was first cultivated in Persia (modern-day Iran).

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Kashan - the city of roses -

In Iran today, Kashan is known as the city of roses, while nearby village Qamsar is known for its rose water distillation and Flower-Water Festival.

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Bulgarian roses -

In the 16th century, Ottoman merchants brought rose plantations to Bulgaria, where soil and conditions were perfect for growing.

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Bulgarian roses -

Today, the Valley of Roses, located between the Sredna Gora and the Balkan Mountain Range, produces some of the most sought-after rose oil and rose water in the world.

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What is rose water? -

Rose water is an aromatic water made from the petals of fresh roses. When the petals undergo a steam distillation process, the liquid byproduct leftover is rose water. 

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A natural remedy -

People have been using rose water as a natural remedy for various ailments and skin conditions for thousands of years.

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A natural remedy -

Descriptions of concentrations and oils made from roses are mentioned on tablets in Ancient Mesopotamia that date back to the 2630s BCE.

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Ibn-i Sina, 10th century BCE -

An influential philosopher-scientist, Ibn-i Sina was a figure in the 10th century BCE in Iran who's believed to have been the first person to steam and distill the floral petals into oil and water. 

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Ibn-i Sina, 10th century BCE -

He recommended the healing power of rose water for conditions ranging from hangovers to headaches, eye diseases, and memory issues.

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The ancient royal wedding legend -

According to an ancient legend, rose petals fell into a fountain at a royal wedding. The sun heated the petals, and they began to diffuse a sweet perfume as the oils were released. 

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The beginning of its use in beauty -

The princess who was getting married added droplets of rose-infused water to her skin, apparently beginning rose water's association with beauty.

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Beauty benefits -

Rose water is claimed to have numerous benefits for the skin, including helping to reduce redness, soothe, plump, and refresh.

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Beauty benefits -

Rose water is commonly used as a skincare toner, a refreshing spray, a light perfume, and mixed with other oils and creams for skin treatments. 

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Why it's so popular -

Rose water has mildly astringent, anti-inflammatory properties, and a soft, pleasant fragrance. The aroma is natural and is said to help people feel calm, providing a therapeutic benefit.

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Anti-inflammatory -

Rose petals contain a high amount of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The petals are also high in vitamin C, one of the most powerful antioxidant compounds.

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Anti-inflammatory -

These properties are believed to give rose water an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce acne, irritation, and redness.

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Stress relief -

While there are not enough studies regarding efficacy, it's claimed that rose water may help to relieve stress. Test this theory for yourself by adding rose petals to a warm bath! 

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Anti-aging -

Rose water is recommended as a toner because it is suitable for most skin types. Unless you have a rose water allergy, you can spritz it after cleansing to tone the skin.

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Anti-aging -

Again, it's thought that the anti-inflammatory properties of the water can contribute to healthier, glowing skin that appears youthful and vibrant.

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Bring balance to mind, body, and emotions -

In Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), rose water is used to help balance the mind, heart, and emotions, particularly in the summer months when there is more heat and humidity.

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Bring balance to mind, body, and emotions -

Rose water is said to have a cooling effect on the body, helping to rebalance any excess heat when the outdoor temperatures are higher.

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How to make rose water -

Making rose water yourself at home is a simple process and relatively inexpensive. You'll need seven or eight roses and 0.39 gallons (1.5 liters) of distilled water.

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How to make rose water -

After removing the petals from the roses and gently cleaning them under lukewarm water, add them to a pot with the distilled water.

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How to make rose water -

Simmer the pot at a low temperature until the petals lose their color, then strain the liquid and store it in a glass bottle.

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Storage -

Rose water stays fresh in a cool, dry place for up to a week. It lasts one month if kept in the refrigerator.

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Uses -

You can add the rose water to your bath or put a few drops into your cleanser or moisturizer. Rose water is also an excellent leave-in conditioning treatment for the hair.

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Uses -

You can also substitute rose water for vanilla essence in deserts, or add it to drinks to give them a unique flavor.
Sources: (National Geographic) (Style Craze) (Kenzul Atlas) (Holland and Barrett)
See also: The surprising health benefits of clove oil

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