The Wonders of Rose Oil
Rose essential oil is usually steam distilled from rose petals. It usually comes from the damask rose (rosa damascena) and around 10,000 rose petals are required to make one pound of oil, which is why it’s one of the more expensive essential oils. It has an enchanting sweet, floral scent known to relax the senses and relieve stress and anxiety.1 2 Rose oil should be added to your collection of essential oils as studies show that it has both mental and physical health benefits.3
Health Benefits of Rose Oil
Some of the health benefits of rose essential oil include:
1. Relieves Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Several studies show that rose oil has a relaxing effect, helping to relieve anxiety, stress and depression.4 In fact, it has been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and cortisol levels.5 Using rose oil for aromatherapy can therefore help you to relax and centre your mind.6 The rose oil can be diffused together with lavender oil, or 1-2 drops can be applied topically to your wrists and the back of your neck. Rose oil can be added to your bath so that you can soak and relax in an aromatherapy bath while inhaling the relaxing rose aroma.
2. Treats Wounds
Rose oil can be used to treat and relieve minor burns, cuts and scrapes. It has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties being effective against a wide range of staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.7 In addition, it is effective against candida albicans, which causes fungal infections in the mouth and vagina.
3. Treats Acne
Rose oil has powerful antibacterial properties. A 0.25% solution can kill propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria which causes acne, within five minutes. If you have mild or moderate acne, try applying rose water to your skin (this is a combination of rose oil, water and a small amount of carrier oil). Alternatively, try dabbing one drop of pure rose essential oil (slightly diluted in coconut oil) on blemishes three times daily. If you have oily skin be careful with how much oil you use. It can also help with skin conditions such as rosacea and dermatitis.
4. Treat Your Constipation
Rose oil can be used to relieve digestive issues such as constipation. Make a cup of tea with some chamomile and rose oil or herbs, and use it as a natural laxative which is very soothing and easy on your stomach. You can also use this for digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
5. Boosts Libido
Rose oil has an anxiolytic effect and so helps to overcome sexual dysfunction related to performance anxiety and stress.8 It has been found to increase sexual desire and satisfaction. It causes dopamine to be release in the brain which increases sexual desire, while simultaneously reducing anxiety and depression. It may also help to balance sex hormones, which can contribute to increased sex drive.9 10
The rose oil can either be diffused, applied topically (2-3 drops) to your neck and chest, or combined with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut or olive) for a libido-boosting massage.
5. Natural Perfume
Rose oil is usually used to create perfumes and to scent a variety of cosmetic products. With its sweet floral scent, rose essential oil can be used by itself as a natural perfume. Simply dab 1-2 drops behind your ears or on your wrists.
Consider other oils you can combine with rose oil for maximum health benefits, whether using it for physical or emotional ailments you are suffering from.
Tips for buying rose Essential oil
The two most common rose oils are distilled from the R. damascene (which has a higher oil content) and R. centifolia varieties. Always check the label for the Latin name of the plant and the country of origin so you can get a good idea of the source. Always buy essential oils in dark amber bottles as light damages them.
High quality rose oil is certainly expensive, but it is the best, most pure option and a little goes a long way; so a small bottle can last an extremely long time.
100% pure therapeutic grade Rose essential oil can be purchased here.