How to Make Rose Water

Today, rose water is an integral part of natural skin care regime. In fact, the use of rose water for skin cleansing started many centuries ago. Traditionally, it is derived from crushed rose petals using the process of steam distillation. This process is actually used for the production of rose oil which is being used in perfumes and rose water is obtained as a by-product. This technique of making rose water first started in Iran and then in Bulgaria. Even today, highest production of rose water takes place in Middle East Countries. Rose water available in local food stores often consists of synthetic rose oil and preservatives in it.

Benefits of Rose Water on Skin

There are several benefits of using rose water for skin. It can be safely used on all types of skin to make it soft and beautiful. It cleanses and tightens the facial pores really well. It is used as a skin toner on oily skin which in turn helps to maintain its oil balance. Use of rose water for curing acne is a well-known fact. When applied on dry skin, it acts as moisturizer and hydrates the skin. It fights off wrinkles and other signs of aging. Other uses include treatment of sunburns and various forms of skin infections.

How to Make Rose Water Toner

Here we are going to discuss two different methods of making rose water at home. The first one of is a quick recipe that can prepare rose water almost instantly and the second one is traditional one which has a longer preparation time.

Method #1:
Materials Needed: 4-6 Freshly picked organic roses, 2 cups of distilled water, a heat resistant bowl with lid, a sterilized glass jar and a cheese cloth or kitchen strainer.

Procedure:Pluck the fresh petals of the rose and put them into a cup till it becomes firmly packed. The roses have three thick outer petals that we often throw out while making a bouquet. But when you are making rose water, then you must keep these petals as they contain high amount of essence in them. If you have bought the roses from a florist, then you must thoroughly wash the petals to clean up any chemicals from them. Now, put all the rose petals into the heat resistant bowl. Boil 2 cups of distilled water and pour it over the petals. Cover up the bowl with its lid and leave it untouched for half an hour until it cools down. Your rose water is thus ready and you just have to strain out the petals from it. Place the cheesecloth on the opening of the wide mouthed jar and pour the liquid over it. Throw away the petals collected on the cloth and store the freshly prepared rose water in refrigerator.

Method #2:
Materials Needed: Fresh roses, distilled water, enamel pot and sterilized glass jar.

Procedure: You have to prepare the rose petals in the same manner as we have discussed in the previous method. Here too, you have to pluck the petals and clean them. Then spread the petals in the form of a thin layer at the bottom of the enamel pot. Add distilled water to it so that the petals are just soaked into the water. Now, heat the water till steam starts coming out of it but take care that you do not boil it. Continue to steam the petals for an hour or more till the colors fade out from the petals and mix with water. You can also see rose oil floating on the surface of the liquid. Allow it cool down and then strain out the liquid. Press the petals with your hands so that the liquid is squeezed out from them. Store the rose water in a jar.

You can preserve this homemade rosewater for a week to ten days in refrigerator. If you want to increase its shelf life and store it for a longer duration, then you have to add one tablespoon of alcohol which will acts as a preservative. Thus you can keep it for almost a month. Finally, I would like to tell you one thing that the rosewater prepared at home can be used for external use only and is not fit for human consumption.