The roses has been an enduring symbol of love and beauty throughout history. The flower itself is beautifully complex, with deep hues, luxuriant petals, and an Absolutely wonderful aroma. This same beauty is found in the aromatic oils made from rose flowers. Not only is the smell sweet, rich and distinctive, but it so happens that rose oil has the most diverse healing applications of any essential oil used in aromatherapy today. The oil is considered a supreme healer of both the body and soul, and it is very easy to use with basic natural healing techniques.
The oil of the deep red “Rosa damascena” is considered the premier heart opening aromatic; can you think of something we need more of in this world? And even if you’re still just a little vain (just kidding!), rose is one of the most active essential oils in beauty care — it helps us love more and be more beautiful at the same time. Plus it’s anti-viral, antiseptic, and a stress-reliever too. What’s so special about rose oil? What is it, where do you get it and how do you use it? Let’s have a practical look at this profoundly useful therapeutic essential oil.
All pure rose oils are special for these extraordinary reasons: It takes an incredible amount of flowers to make even the tiniest amount of oil — on average, the yield of essential oil is 1-to-8000. For every 8000 pounds of flowers, 1 pound of oil is produced, thus being one of the most concentrated natural aromatics. Chemically, rose is one of the most complex essential oils, being made up of over 300 distinct natural constituents. This unique make up is the source of its great variety of therapeutic applications.
Two types of rose oils are commonly available: rose absolute, the less expensive of the two, is a liquid solvent extract. The absolute smells most like the flower, being produced under cool temperatures, leaving most of the natural constituents intact. The yield of absolute is relatively high, thus it is the somewhat less expensive variety. Rose otto is this steam distilled oil, and the true “essential oil” of rose. While the absolute retains the deep red color of the flower, the otto is clear or slightly pale yellow and has its own unique aroma. The scent of otto is brilliant and uplifting, with brilliant high notes and a subtle sweetness. The most famous of rose growing countries is Bulgaria, producing the most sought after varieties of each oil type. Rose otto is also produced in large quantities in Turkey, while the absolute is also commonly extracted from flowers grown in Morocco.
Therapeutic applications of rose oil, as mentioned above, are many and very diverse. From a biological and physiological medicine aspect, rose otto is a strong antiviral. It has been successfully used in treating herpes and shingles outbreaks. Both the absolute and the otto is considered especially healing to the female reproductive system; it is noted to “have an astonishing effect on the female sexual organs as a purifying and regulating agent” (Battaglia, “The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy”). It can provide potent overall support to the health of the uterus, and can address infertility. For such applications, a 5% dilution can be made in Jojoba oil and massaged into the pelvic region several times daily (essential oils are quickly metabolized by the body, and it is best to use a little bit frequently, rather than a lot every so often).
Rose extracts are found in many of the worlds premier skincare formulas. Rose oils are particularly effective for dry and mature skin. Hence the symbol of duty brings about beauty through an overall healing action in the dermis. Rose oils are stimulating to skin cell metabolism, cleansing, hydrating, smoothing, and naturally astringent without being drying. The distillate water of rose, called rose hydrosol, is used as a natural cleansing agent unto itself; it can be applied daily after the face is washed to improve skin texture and impart a healthy glow.
The most important healing effect may be roses ability to open the heart. When the world around us seems exceptionally challenging, it is particularly important to keep our hearts open. Simply the aroma of either the absolute or the otto can do this — our olfactory sense is intimately connected to the emotional center of our brain, and our brains and hearts talk to one another constantly. The aroma of the floral symbol of love just happens to signal to the system to unlock the heart chakra, making it easier for us to both give and receive love. Either oil (the otto or the absolute — you should investigate which one works best for you) can impart this effect. They may be dabbed on the heart area and wrists at full strength, or diluted in organic Jojoba oil to your desired strength and worn anywhere as a natural perfume (keep in mind rose absolute’s deep red color will leave this color on whatever it touches before it is absorbed). Many whom use the oil in this manner describe an uplifted sense in their emotions, and even more open and kind reactions from those around them.
Employing the healing properties of rose oils is fun and easy to do. Both the otto and absolute are safe, and can be used undiluted whenever desired. They are both considered highly potent, and diluting them in a carrier oil will not reduce their efficacy however. A 5 to 10% dilution is most often used for personal perfume, a 1 to 3% dilution as a massage oil, and a 1 to 2% dilution and beauty care preparations. Either oil is excellent for use in even the simplest of aromatherapy diffusers, by themselves or blended with other aromatics of your choice. There are other aromatherapy methods of course, and you should use your intuition to guide you for the most appropriate technique.
The essential oils of rose are considered among the most transformative and aromatherapy, and effect which seems a natural evolution of Nature’s symbol of love and beauty. Mankind has developed the technological know-how to put the power of thousands upon thousands of roses in one tiny bottle, and transport it around the world almost instantly. It is Nature however, who developed this fantastic medicine millennium ago. If you’d like a little more beauty and love in your life, you might consider giving rose essential oils try.
Essential oils such as patchouli oil and jasmine oil are available from Ananda Aromatherapy, along with a great many aromatherapy supplies for the home user and natural health professional.