Origin: The effervescent history of rose speaks of how this flower has been a symbol of love, beauty, war and politics! According to fossil evidence, rose is 35 million years old. Ancient rose hips have been discovered in Europe and petrified rose wreaths have been uncovered from ancient Egyptian tombs.
The worlds olden living rose bush is believed to be 1000 years old and blooms in the wall of Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany.
Legend has it, the beautiful queen Cleopatra filled her living quarters with rose petals. This opulence of the queen left an impression on Marc Antony. Every time he smelt of a rose, he was reminded of the queen.
As per Greek mythology, the Goddess of love Aphrodite created a rose from her tears and the blood of her lover Adonis. The Romans, when turned Aphrodite into their Goddess Venus, ensured rose became a sign of love and beauty. Cupid offered rose as a bribe to the God of Silence to hush Venuss passionate escapades ensured the gorgeous rose became the symbol of secrecy. The ceilings of Roman dining room were painted with roses silently telling guests to ensure secrecy.
As per Roman mythology, a gorgeous maiden named Rhodanthe was turned into a rose by her enraged friend Diana. Diana also transformed her suitor into thorns. In an Arabic legend, roses were originally white, until a nightingales intense love made her sing for the first time. He ended up pressing himself to the thorns piercing his heart and painting the white rose with blood. Indian royalty gifted jars of sweet rose confection to their loved ones.
Garden cultivation of rose is believed to have begun 5000 years ago probably in China. The earliest documented gardening of roses is along travel routes.
Scientifically: The skin care industry employs two species of roses namely - Rosa Damascena and Rosa Centifola. Ancient Ayurvedic texts state that Rosa Centifolia balances Sadhaka Pitta, meaning emotion and heart. It also highlights the use of rose during summer to balance heat, digestion and metabolism. Rose also balances mind and emotion coordination. Thus, rose is associated with love.
In Sanskrit, rose is addressed as Taruni meaning beautiful young woman. Modern researchers are in alignment with Ayurvedic texts highlighting that rose balances hormones and help with overall well-being. Rose oil aroma embraces anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic properties.
Ayurveda categorizes rose as one of the varnya and hridya ingredient. This means it is one of the skin-boosting and heart-healing ingredient.
Rose petals contain vitamins B, beta – carotene, C and K, calcium, potassium, copper and iodine. It has antioxidants such as glycosides, flavonoids, anthocyanins and chlorophyll. Anthocyanins and chlorophyll fight free radicals that cause ageing whilst detoxifying the body.
Extracts from this gorgeous symbol of love are utilized on all skin types. However, they are mostly used for dry, sensitive and mature skin.
Rose contains over 3,000 biochemicals thus it is the most complex aromatic oil. It calms emotions, removes stress, cools frustration, and cultivates love. Rose also promotes health and longevity. In aroma therapy, tonics are made from mixing rose, paste, water and spices.
Packed with an army of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants rose essential oil moisturizes dry skin. Rose essential oil helps with skin texture and combats skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
For those suffering from pesky crows feet and dark circles, rose oil works as natural anti-oxidants and minerals helping soothe puffy eyes, and getting rid of crows feet.
A recent study states that the rose essential oil helps heal wounds and decreases the concentration of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body. As per another study, rose and lavender oils treat anxiety and depression in post-partum women.
Often to cool burning a mixture of rose and sandalwood paste is prescribed. This beautiful flower lends glow and complexion to the skin. It tones the skin, tightens pores, reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is packed with antioxidants that regenerate skin tissues.
It is loved for its antiseptic and antimicrobrial properties. It helps with zits, acne and tan. It maintains the skins pH balance.
The most nutritionally dense part of this plant are its fruits – rose hips. Rose hips are pregnant with large percentage of vitamin A and C. Thus, they brighten the skin and are highly revered in cosmetic industry. The wild varieties are loaded with up to 40 percent vitamin A.
Rosehip oil fights pigmentation, age spots, sun spots, etc. Thus, it is used in sunscreens, skin lighteners, and other anti-aging crèmes.
Rose oil also hydrates hair ensuring that stay shiny and smooth. Rose oil for hair can be used by mixing a few drops of it in a tbsp. of Argan oil. You can use this as leave in conditioner as well, keeping frays in place.
Usage: Rose is used in aromatherapy, skincare, medicines, food etc. For long it has been used in beauty treatments. It is used to cool, moisturize and tone the skin.
Below are some DIY with a rose for beautiful skin and hair:
- Soap a ball in rosewater and cleanse your face. This will clean off traces of dirt and makeup. Mix sandalwood powder to rose water to make the best anti-aging face pack.
- Take a teaspoon of dried rose petals, a teaspoon of gram flour, a teaspoon of yogurt and a teaspoon of rose water. Mix all these ingredients together and apply on the face for 15 minutes. Rinse once dried. This face pack hydrates and cleanses the skin.
- Take a tablespoon of ground rose petals, a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and a teaspoon of rose water. Mix all these ingredients together and apply on the face for 15 minutes. Rinse once dried. This helps in removing the blemishes.
- Take a cup of dried rose petals with 2 tablespoons of oats, a tablespoon of honey and some rose water. Gently massage the skin with this scrub and rinse after 15 minutes. This exfoliates the dry, flaky skin.
- Spray some rose water on washed hair for frizz free and beautiful smelling locks.