The Rose 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.
What a time for Rose it is! 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. 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.
Rose essential oil is a remarkable liquid. It's really an incredible concentration of Rose flowers: it takes an amazing amount of Roses to make just a few drops. On average, under the most favorable conditions, the yield of Rose oil is one kilogram for every 2,500 kilos of Roses. it can take more than four times this amount of Roses to make the same amount of oil if the weather has been less than favorable. Think of it - It can be hard to imagine even what 2,500 kilos (over 5,000 pounds) of Roses looks like! And the oil itself is naturally a mixture of over a three hundred individual molecules, many of which have yet to be identified through scientific methods. It is this fantastic combination of extreme concentration combined with Mother Nature's alchemy which imparts Rose oil's incredible healing value.
There are two distinct types of Rose oil available, with significantly different properties. There is the 'Otto', which is the steam distilled variety (as is the most common method of essential oil production) and there is the 'Absolute', a liquid chemical extract done at cool temperatures. Rose absolute has the distinct aroma of the rose flowers, deep and rich, with a natural red color. The absolute is produced primarily in two countries: Bulgaria and Morocco. The Moroccan variety is a little higher note in aroma, with the Bulgarian being deeper and richer. Otto is completely different animal - the essential oil is clear, or sometimes a very pale yellow. It's aroma varies depending on the country of origin; the source being typically Bulgarian or Turkish. The Otto doesn't smell like the flower exactly; it has its own unique aroma that's brilliant, with nearly everyone that smells it uttering some exclamation of pleasant surprise.
When looking at the oils' the therapeutic applications, it is important to take into account the entire mind body/complex - rather than divorcing the two which is so often done in modern medicine. Rose essential oil is very active on a physiological level, however it is when its action on the emotions and spirit are taken into account that Rose really shines. Otto is a strong antiviral, being used by many folks for its efficacy in treating herpes and shingles. Despite its potency, it is gentle enough for undiluted application to the skin for this use. Rose oils are also profoundly effective tonics for the female reproductive system; they are said to enhance fertility and bring about health for the uterus and ovaries. For these needs, a dilute formula of 3% Rose oil can be massaged into the lower abdomen on a frequent basis.
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.
Perhaps the greatest potential of Rose oil lies in its heart-opening action. Both the Otto and Absolutes have this effect, though the Otto may be more dramatic. Users report just a drop on their wrists or solar plexus has a profound effect on their emotions, imparting a more open, friendly nature. Indeed, Rose essential oil is one of the most important antidepressants in aromatherapy. Its sweet cooling nature works to counter anger and anxiety we see so often in our fast-paced culture. Rose alleviates 'hot' conditions of the liver and gall bladder which can make a person irritable; the combination of energetic action on the center of our emotions and on the flow of mind/body/spirit (chi) energy make it the first choice for psycho-emotional aromatherapy for our times.
Using Rose oils is very easy and uncomplicated. Both the Otto and Absolutes are very safe and non-irritating, and can be used at 100% concentrations without concern for anything but perhaps the cost. Pure Rose oils are very strong aromatics, and can be significantly diluted and still retain all it's therapeutic properties. A 10% dilution in Jojoba is very common, and a little bottle will go a long way for aromatic use. This can be massaged in small amounts into the wrists, solar plexus or pelvic region. Rose Otto can be used undiluted on herpes legions, but again, dilution would not reduce the efficacy (with many essential oils, dilution in fact enhances the efficacy). Either Otto or Absolute can be used in a diffuser, filling your space with a brilliant uplifting aroma. Rose oil can be added to bathwater, or used in a massage formula at between a .5 and 3% dilution as well.
Rose essential oil, and particularly Rose Otto has the potential to be very transformative. It may be that this revered symbol of beauty and love is now offering us its incredible health-giving effects in its most concentrated and portable form. One of the interesting aspects of our digital age is that while the planet is in peril, positive information and healing materials are available faster than ever. A bottle of Rose originating in Bulgaria can be delivered almost anywhere on Earth virtually overnight. If Rose oil sound right for you, it's encouraged that you give it a try - every little bit one can do to open their hearts and bring out their light will make the world a better place for everyone.
The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of using essential oils and FES flower essences.
Tags: rose oilIncoming search terms
effects of rose otto on the body;
Related posts: