Rose Water

Rose water is created by distilling rose petals with steam. Rose water is fragrant, and it’s sometimes used as a mild natural fragrance as an alternative to chemical-filled perfumes. Rose water has been used for thousands of years, including in the Middle Ages. It’s thought to have originated in what is now Iran. It’s been used traditionally in both beauty products and food and drink products. It also comes with plenty of potential health benefits, including the following. Rose water can usually be used without any side effects. Rose water contains numerous, powerful antioxidants. Recent research has found that it can help relax the central nervous system. ROSE WATER CAN CALM YOUR SKIN The most important skin benefits of rose water are its anti-inflammatory effects, and its antioxidant effects on free radical damage, explains Dr. Chwalek. If you suffer from acne or rosacea and are searching for a natural treatment, rose water could help. ROSE WATER CAN BE USED AS A MOUTHWASH ALTERNATIVE Rose water has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory abilities that work to cleanse the mouth. Chwalek points to a study in which herbal mouthwash with rose water extract reduced pain and ulcers in patients suffering from aphthous stomatitis, or canker sores. ROSE WATER CAN BE ADDED TO YOUR BATH You don't have to be Egyptian royalty to drizzle a few drops into a steamy tub. A few drops of rose water or oil will leave your skin feeling soft and smelling great, says Chwalek. ROSE WATER CAN BE USED IN THE KITCHEN You can cook with rose water! says Chwalek. The extract is traditional in Middle Eastern food like lamb stew, rice pudding, and salads. It's also not bad in cocktails. Eater put together a comprehensive list of places (with recipes!) to try rosy libations. Cheers! ROSE WATER CAN (AND SHOULD!) BE ADDED TO YOUR LAUNDRY Chwalek recently traveled to India and shared an incredible laundry tip from her experience. “In India, the laundry service would iron my clothes with rose water, she recalled. I loved it, all of my clothing would come back smelling of roses. A few drops alongside an unscented detergent would work, too. Or when you do press your clothes, add it into the water chamber of the iron. ROSE WATER CAN BE USED IN DIY FACE MASKS Because of elixir's healing properties, it's ideal for calming irritated skin. Here's Chwalek's secret recipe: “Mix chickpea flour with sandalwood powder, tumeric, and rose water for the perfect mask. If you want to make an astringent, mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of rose water."