Rose Oil

Rose is a very famous and a very common flower. Roses can be found throughout the world due to commercial breading. The cultivation of roses has resulted in creation of 13000 varieties of roses. Certain species of wild rose are even listed as endangered because of the lost of their natural habitat. Colour of rose depends upon the species. They can be found in different shades of and so on. Different colours of rose have different symbolisation. Red colour symbolises love, Yellow colour symbolises friendship, White colour symbolises purity and Orange colour symbolises enthusiasm.

Rosa damascena (Damask Rose), Rosa alba (The White Rose of York) and Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose) are the species most commonly used as a source of rose oil. These species are used as they have the strongest aroma and high content oil. Rose oil is extracted from rose petals through steam distillation. It is known as "Queen of Oils".

Rose oil has various usages apart from using in making of perfumes. Traditional rose is associated with Venus the goddess of love and beauty and in today's time the goddess is well and alive in the cosmetic industry for rose oil (synthetic as well as natural). It beautifies skin as it can be used for wrinkles, acne, scars, eczema and dark spots. It improves skin texture and skin health.  It also strengthens hair roots.

Rosehip seed oil extracted from Rosa rubiginosa has been found to be very effective in skin treatment as it promotes tissue regeneration and has a high content of vitamin C.

 Rose oil improves self-confidence and metal strength which are key parameters for fighting depression, making it a depression fighter. It boosts confidence. It also has a relaxing effect, resulting in decrease of anxious feeling. It works well on digestion process. It serves as an effective laxative. It has a positive impact on intestine health.

Rose oil used alone or combined with other oils like lavender, cinnamon and clove oil can be used as a massage oil (mixed with carrier oil) to relieve from menstrual cramps. It is an aphrodisiac. It plays a role in regulating the hormones that increase sexual desire. Antioxidants are found in rose water. Using rose water on skin can protect against cell damage. It has antiseptic properties making it excellent for treating wounds. It also has astringent properties.

Rose blends well with Jasmine, Cassie, Mimosa, Neroli, Geranium, Bergamot, Lavender, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Sweet Orange and Mandarin. 

A few drops of rose oil should be mixed with carrier oil before dabbing it directly onto your skin. Its use can be harmful for babies, pregnant women and breast feeding women. It is advisable to talk to your veterinarian before usage if you have pets at your home. You can perform a patch test to check for allergies before using the oil for the first time. You can perform a patch test by simple applying rose oil which is mixed with carrier oil on the skin inside of your elbow or on neck. If there is no redness, swelling or itching within a few, then you can use it on your skin. If essential oil is inhaled too much then it can give you headache.