Rose petals play a vital role in ayurvedic beauty care; most importantly, rosewater. Here’s how you can make your own 100% natural rose water and make it a staple in your hair and skin care every single day.

Since the beginning of time, Indians have been using rose water as a part of their beauty regime. You must have seen your grandmother soak rose petals in water and use it as a face mist. Rose water has been used as a beauty product for thousands of years, so it's no surprise that it can improve your complexion and reduce skin redness. The antibacterial properties may help reduce acne. The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin redness and puffiness. Rose petals are mildly sedative, antiseptic, anti- inflammatory, and anti- parasitic. It has been used since times immemorial for tired, burning eyelids. Rose petals and rose oil contain a number of powerful antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. One study found that these antioxidants had potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. This provides powerful cell protection as a result. The scent of roses is said to relieve stress.  Rose water can have strong antidepressant and antianxiety properties. A 2011 study found that the extract of rose petals can relax the central nervous system. This resulted in antidepressant and antianxiety effects. Therefore, it is famously used for aromatherapy. Now, a lot of women with curly hair rave about how rosewater has calmed down their frizzy locks and added shine. Rosewater can help with reducing oiliness and dandruff. Rose Water improves hair growth. The vitamins A, B3, C and E of rose water promote the growth of your hair, by nourishing the scalp and promoting hair growth.

Nowadays, people have recognized the benefits of rose water, therefore there’s a rise in its production. Many companies sell chemicals under the name of rose water. They add preservatives, artificial colorants, artificial scents in order to scam masses into buying their “natural rose water”. Instead of purchasing overprices rose water from the market, why not make it on your own with simple ingredients available absolutely anywhere!

100% Natural Homemade Rose Water Recipe

Before we get to the recipe, please make sure to buy roses which are grown organically, pesticide free and grown in a safe environment. Avoid buying roses which have a white powdery coating over them as it indicates usage of insecticides. They should be the wild non hybrid garden variety and not the ones bought at bouquet stores.

Ingredients:

2-3 big organic and pesticide-free roses

2 cups of purified clean water

Method:

1. Select fresh, and pesticide free roses and give them a good wash to remove debris and dust. You can also choose from a garden variety if available!
2. Use 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water for a handful of petals and bring to a simmer.
3. Heat the water on low and as soon as the petals change color, take the pan off the heat.
4. Strain and remove all petals and allow the water to cool down to room temperature.
5. Use as intended and save the rest in a glass jar in your refrigerator and use for masks, scrubs and as a mist!
6. DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. ONLY SIMMER THE PETALS AT LOW HEAT.

Also based on color of petals it will be pink, light brown to dark brown. The rose water will appear brown if made with red rose petals. If pink or wild roses are used, the color of rose water will have a tinge of brown or dark red. The water will never look pink or clear as shown in advertisements. Those colors are due to additives and chemicals added by production companies to attract buyers. The smell may also vary based on type of rose used.

Benefits of Rose Water and How to Use it for Hair and Skin:

• Refreshing spray: A great way to use rosewater is by spritzing it on your face. Rosewater can also be sprayed over makeup to work as a makeup setting product, the mist will leave your face radiant.
• Healthy scalp: Mix equal parts rosewater and glycerin, apply on the scalp with the help of cotton pads and massage for 10-15 minutes. Let it stay for another 30 minutes and wash off with shampoo.
• Puffy eyes: If you have tired, inflamed eyes - soak a cotton pad in chilled rose water and apply. It helps reduce puffiness under the eyes and get rid of redness.
• Toner: Rose water has astringent properties and can be used as a toner for even skin tone. Wet a soft cotton ball with chilled rose water and dab it on cleansed skin. Its mild astringent properties help tighten the pores and gently tone the skin.
• Cleanser: Applying rose water on your face after cleansing it helps ward off bacteria and keeps skin acne-free.
• Clear acne: Mix 1 tbsp of lemon juice with 1 tbsp rose water, apply it on acne prone skin and let it stay for 30 minutes. Wash with fresh water and reap the benefits.
• Conditioner: Post shampooing, use a cup of rose water as a final rinse. It helps condition the hair deeply, adding a healthy shine you'll just love.
• Face pack: You can also apply a speedy face pack of fuller's earth (multani mitti) and mix it with rose water. Once it dries, wash it off. This helps cleanse pores, control excess oil and prevent acne.

• Make-Up Remover: Tried and tested, this is the best makeup remover ever. Add a few drops of coconut oil to rosewater on a cotton pad and cleanse your face. The mixture works wonders to wipe off makeup and nourish your skin deeply at the same time. Note: Rub gently to avoid being harsh to your skin.
• Detanning: Add 2 tbsp. gram flour and mix it with rose water plus lemon juice to make a smooth paste. Apply for 15 minutes to get rid of tanning.
• Body Moisturizer: Mix rose water with almond oil or regular cream and moisturize your body. For some extra indulgence, draw yourself a rose-scented bath. It's considered the best antidote to stress.

Do make sure you practice moderation while applying rose water, excess use of rose water could also trigger a reaction. If you feel allergic towards it, it is possible that it is not suitable or your skin is very sensitive.

Now that you know how to make your own 100% natural rose water, you don't need to spend extra money on chemically infused rose water that is sold in the market. It is always best to use organic and natural ingredients on your hair and skin because Mother Nature knows best!

Let us know what other DIY 100% recipes you would like to know, in the comments!

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