"The rose looks fair, but fairer we deem for that sweet odour which doth in it live." ~ Shakespeare
Rose water has been used for centuries as a beauty aid by women such as the beguiling Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra. The beauty and fragrance of roses immediately conjurers up romance, hence our valentine obsession of giving and receiving dozens and dozens of the bloom. Roses are not just a treat for the senses, but these blossoms also have many health benefits, some of which are soothing skin irritation and sore throats, reducing skin redness, antioxidants, healing cuts, scars, and burns, enhancing mood, headache relief, and my favorite, skin hydration.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Organic rose petals
- 3 cups Distilled or Spring Water
- Nut bag or cheese cloth
Instructions
- Place roses in large pot
- Fill with 3 cups of water
- Cover and bring to slight boil
- Reduce flame and simmer on low until the color of the roses has faded. This should take about 5 minutes
- Let cool and use the nut bag to strain water into a mason jar or other container.
- Store in the fridge for several weeks
- *bonus: Honey lemon rose beauty elixir
- Take 1/2 cup of rose water and mix with 3-4 cups of water (depending on how diluted you want it)
- squeeze one 1/2 lemon into water
- mix with 1-3 teaspoons of honey (depending on how sweet you like your beverages)
- mix well, refrigerate and enjoy through out the day as a delicious healthy beverage
Notes
You can use fresh rose petals, just make sure they are organic and rinse well in warm water to get any potential chemicals off
What if you aren’t a fan of the rose water taste, is there an alternative?
It depends on what you are using it for. As a hair detangle aloe works well. For a facial mist you could use lavender.