It’s that time of year I yearn for throughout the winter months when the roses and the peonies bloom!  Rosa Rugosa is a beautiful rose that produces rose hips, or fruit from the rose after blooming.  I intentionally purchased this particular shrub because of the color and the availability to use the hips for jelly and other purposes.  Rose hips are very high in Vitamin C, in fact they contain 50% more than oranges!  Rose hips are also used in tea to relieve constipation.  More on the benefits and uses of rose hips later when I can harvest them!

While the blooms are big and beautiful I like to harvest a few cups to make rose water!  I use rose water as a natural toner for my face and body after cleansing.  There are many other reasons why a person would use it, here are just a few:

• Rose water is a gentle astringent safe enough for acne prone, oily or aging skin by reducing inflammation and redness caused by enlarged capillaries.  It has also been tested to bring the Ph levels back to normal so the oil glands don’t have to over produce causing further problems.
• Rose water used as a warm tea infusion for the bath can help reduce general stress but also abdominal stress, specifically for those who suffer from bladder infections.
• When sprayed on hair it has been known to increase blood flow to the scalp to nourish and strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss.
• Rose water is also high in Vitamin C, A, D B3 and E.  Improving the overall health of skin and hair.

 

 

How To Make Your Own Rose Water

• Gather 1 cup packed fresh organic rose water.
• Wash with purified water to clean any insects or dirt off.
• Bring 2 cups distilled or purified water to a boil.

 

• Take the pan away from the heat and place the rose petals inside.  Cover with a lid for 30 minutes allowing the rose petals to steep and the water to take on the color and oils of the roses.

 

• Strain the roses through a sieve and squeeze all the remaining water and color out of the petals.
• Strain a second time through muslin or cheese cloth.

 

• Store cooled rose water in a spray bottle.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or place a few drops of lavender essential oil to help preserve longer.
• Other natural additives may be 3-4 drops vegetable glycerin for hydration, 1/2 tsp almond oil or other favorite essential oil.