Rose oil—the name itself reminds you of a gentle and soothing fragrance. From the soothing scent used in aromatherapy to the gentle medium with which you cleanse your skin, rose oil offers a diverse range of health and emotional benefits.
Extracted from the petals of rose flowers like Rosa damascena and Rosa centifolia, rose essential oil has been used for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties make this essential oil a favourite among all.
Let us look into the various health benefits of rose oil and how it can enhance your overall well-being.
Rose oil and its historical uses
Rose oil has been used for centuries, mainly for beauty and therapeutic purposes. The Romans used rose oil to make fragrances and for medicinal purposes, and the Egyptians also used it for beauty and cosmetic purposes.
It is believed that Cleopatra used rose petals in her milk bath mainly because of the benefits they offered. Rose oil was also extensively used in ancient Persia.
It was during the 1800s that rose oils began to be extensively used in skin care products and for manufacturing perfumes.
Today, pure rose essential oil is widely used for both physical and mental well-being mainly because of its therapeutic properties.
What are the health benefits of rose oil?
Relieves headache
Peppermint and lavender essential oils are considered the most effective for headaches. But have you ever felt that their fragrances are overpowering? If you think so, rose essential oil is the next best alternative.
Rose oil has a soothing and gentle scent that can calm your nerves. If you experience a tension headache, a cold compress with rose oil is all you need to relax.
Provide glowing skin
Do you have dry skin? Rose oil is the best natural solution for hydrating it. It traps moisture in the skin and keeps it hydrated.
Besides, rose oil can clear the blemishes and scars on the skin, thus providing you with a neat and clean complexion. The antibacterial properties of rose oil can even prevent the formation of acne. This is why rose essential oil is widely used in skincare products.
You can mix a few drops of rose oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the skin for the best result.
Reduce stress and anxiety.
The scent of rose oil can slightly lower the heartbeat and blood pressure, helping you to calm down and relax. This is why essential oils of rose are used in aromatherapy.
Studies have shown that administering rose oil through inhalation or topical application helps reduce depression and provide psychological relaxation. It has anti-anxiety properties that help you relax. Thus, rose oil is beneficial for those who are undergoing rehabilitation.
The best way to use rose oil for psychological benefits is to add a few drops of rose essential oil to a diffuser. The sweet floral scent of the essential oil can calm your mind.
Fights infection
Rose oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that are effective against skin infections and prevent wounds from becoming septic.
Rose oil can fight candida, which causes fungal infections, as well as E. coli and a range of other bacteria. It also has anti-viral properties that can treat a variety of viral infections.
Reduce inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of rose essential oil help reduce internal and external inflammation. Applying rose oil can soothe and relax muscle tension if you have stiffness or inflammation.
Rose essential oil can benefit inflammation caused by various conditions, such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dehydration, and gout.
Boosts reproductive health
Rose oil is an effective aphrodisiac, i.e. it can arouse sexual desire. No wonder the rose is considered a flower of love!
Rose essential oil can help you overcome reproductive problems like erectile dysfunction and impotency. Inhaling rose essential oil can arouse sexual desire. You can add a few drops of rose essential oil to a diffuser to spread the floral scent all over the room. Alternatively, gently massage with rose essential oil to get the desired result.
Fights menstrual cramps
Pure rose essential oils are highly beneficial in fighting menstrual cramps. Dizziness, weakness, fatigue, mood swings, and nausea caused by menstruation can be greatly treated by using pure rose essential oil.
How can you use rose essential oil?
You can use pure essential oils of rose to get the desired result in different ways.
Diffuser
Add a few drops of rose essential oil to a diffuser to spread the floral scent throughout the room. This will achieve the desired result and create a calm and refreshed environment.
Bath
Another way to use rose essential oil is to add a few drops to the bath. This can calm your mind and body and reduce anxiety greatly.
Topical application
You can apply essential oil to the skin to get the desired result. Whether you have sensitive skin or not, you should apply only diluted oil. To reduce its concentration, you can dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil or coconut oil.
Steam treatment
Steam treatment is the best way to apply rose essential oil to your face. You can add a few drops of rose essential oil to steaming water and cover the face with a cloth, thus trapping the aromatic vapour.
Conclusion
Rose essential oil is highly effective for your physical and emotional well-being. It helps reduce pain and infection and helps you bounce back to health. The essential oil can trap moisture in your skin, thus providing you with a youthful complexion.
The gentle and soothing scent of rose essential oil helps reduce stress and anxiety and calms you down. Besides, it has aphrodisiac properties that help in your sexual well-being.