Sappho, the Greek poetess, writing about 600 BCE, selected the Rose as the Queen of Flowers and perhaps no flower is more recognizable and no aroma more evocative than that of the Rose. Its rich fragrance has perfumed human history for generations, from ancient Persian gardens, where the Rose was probably first cultivated, to extravagant Roman banquets whose revellers feasted amongst soft piles of Rose petals. Fresh Roses were also macerated in hot fat to produce fragrant pomades in ancient India, Greece and Egypt. Parts of the plant used are the flower petals.

The healing tradition associated with the Rose is no less remarkable than its fragrance and beauty. The 17th-century English physician Culpeper wrote that red Roses strengthen the heart. He may have been referring to a physical action, but anyone who has inhaled fresh roses or their Essential Oil knows that the aroma strengthens the heart emotionally, and on a deeper level, as well. Culpeper attributed other properties to the Rose that foreshadowed its current use in aromatherapy and cosmetics. He recommended extract of Rose for its cooling and astringent benefits, useful for headache and tired eyes. He also suggested an Ointment of Roses to ‘cool and heal ‘pushes’, wheals and other red pimples rising on the face’.

Properties:

• Rose Oil, Rose Water and an Infusion made from Rose Petals are used in skin care products for tender, dry, sensitive skin as they have a cleansing, astringent, toning, moisture retaining, stimulating, antibacterial, healing and soothing effect.

• When Rose is included in a cream or lotion, it stimulates and protects the skin, while moisturising and hydrating it.

• It gives a boost to all skin types, and is particularly beneficial to dry, mature and sensitive skin. Rose has the added benefit of its wonderful fragrance, which makes it popular in skin care products. It helps to reduce skin redness, fight inflammations, as well as to fix broken capillaries on the skin.

• It also acts as a general skin tonic with its astringent properties.

• Rose has remarkable harmonising and balancing skin care qualities and Rose petals have long been used for softening and rejuvenating skin.

• A wash made from strong Infusion of Rose petals is excellent for treating acne, blackheads, small sores, bumps, oedema and boils.

   

Use:

• Use as an infusion in creams, lotions, gels, foam baths and shampoos.

• Rose can be used in skin care products for all skin types but is more effective on dry, mature and sensitive skin.

• Use Rose petal infusion or the Hydrolate as a substitute for water in your shampoo or hair rinse recipes. Use the infusion in an eye compress or eye washes to reduce swollen skin around the eyes.

• Acne rosacea, broken capillaries and spider veins products.